South Carolina
Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at The Pier (Pawleys Island), South Carolina. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.
Sun, May 10: 0–1ft, 4s period, rated Poor. Not the most exciting day — 0-1ft and poor conditions with 17mph out of the SSE.
Mon, May 11: 1–2ft, 5s period, rated Poor. A slow one — 1-2ft waves and very poor conditions with gentle SW breeze.
Tue, May 12: 2–3ft, 7s period, rated Poor. First light looks cleanest — 2-3ft on SE swell at 11s with 14mph NE winds. It gets a bit messier later in the day.
Wed, May 13: 1–2ft, 8s period, rated Poor. A slow one — 1-2ft waves and poor conditions with 7mph from the ESE.
Thu, May 14: 1–2ft, 7s period, rated Poor. A slow one — 1-2ft waves and poor conditions with 7mph NW winds.
Free, simple, and takes 30 seconds.
The Pier at Pawleys Island is a mellow beach break that works best when southeast swells wrap around the South Carolina coast and align with the pier structure. This sandy bottom setup offers forgiving, rolling waves ideal for beginners and intermediates, with the iconic fishing pier providing a visual landmark and some protection from wind. The spot picks up more consistent swell during fall and winter when Atlantic storms generate offshore energy, making it a reliable option when other nearby breaks turn flat.
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
The current wave height at The Pier (Pawleys Island) is 0-1ft with a 3.55s swell period. Wind is SSE at 15mph and conditions are rated Poor. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.
The current breaking wave height at The Pier (Pawleys Island) is 0-1ft, produced by a 2.4ft SSE wind swell swell at 4s. Breaking wave height is the actual rideable wave size at the shore — calculated from offshore swell data using this spot's coastal bathymetry — not the raw buoy reading.
Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf The Pier (Pawleys Island) is Tuesday from 10 AM to 1 PM with 3ft waves, a 5.95s swell period, and conditions rated Poor - Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.
The Pier (Pawleys Island) works best with a SE swell and NW winds. Offshore winds groom the face of the wave, while onshore winds turn it sloppy. Cross-offshore conditions usually produce the cleanest shape.
Tide plays a big role at The Pier (Pawleys Island). Mid tide works for most beach breaks, while reef and point breaks often prefer higher or lower stages. Use the tide chart above to line up your session with the swell peak.
The Pier (Pawleys Island) is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to beginner surfers. The Pier at Pawleys Island is a mellow beach break that works best when southeast swells wrap around the South Carolina coast and align with the pier structure. This sandy bottom setup offers forgiving, rolling waves ideal for beginners and intermediates, with the iconic fishing pier providing a visual landmark and some protection from wind. The spot picks up more consistent swell during fall and winter when Atlantic storms generate offshore energy, making it a reliable option when other nearby breaks turn flat.
The prime season at The Pier (Pawleys Island) is fall, when swell direction, wind patterns, and water temps line up most consistently. Outside the peak season you can still score, but you'll need to watch the forecast closely for the right windows.
Common hazards at The Pier (Pawleys Island) include pier pilings, fishing lines, crowds during peak season. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.
Our The Pier (Pawleys Island) forecast uses NOAA GFS and other weather models combined with spot-specific bathymetry to calculate breaking wave heights. Short-range (1-3 day) forecasts are most reliable. Extended forecasts show general trends. See the forecast accuracy card above for per-spot and regional performance metrics.
