Machrihanish
Machrihanish's Westport sandbar sits at the north end of one of Scotland's most beautiful beaches.
Machrihanish surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (290°)
- Direction range
- 260° - 320°
- Size range
- 1m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.7m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 13s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 60° - 130°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
10°C
Wetsuit
5/4mm + boots
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
2/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Machrihanish?
Machrihanish is a beach break in Kintyre, UK, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Machrihanish?
Machrihanish picks up swell from the W round to the NW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the WNW. It starts working at around 1m and handles up to about 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.7 to 2.1m. Period matters too: aim for 13s or longer, as anything under 9s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Machrihanish?
An E wind is dead offshore at Machrihanish, and anything from the ENE round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Machrihanish?
Machrihanish is at its best around mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Machrihanish?
The most reliable run of swell at Machrihanish comes Sep to Feb. There's a second window in Mar to May too.
How cold is the water at Machrihanish?
The water at Machrihanish averages around 10°C, so you'll want a 5/4mm with boots. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Machrihanish good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 6/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 2/10). Very strong rips. Fickle sandbar shifts regularly. Need local knowledge.
How do I get to Machrihanish?
The nearest airport on our list is CAL, then it's roughly a 10-minute drive.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Mar-May