Melvich
Melvich Rivermouth is one of Sutherland's most flexible waves--a sandbar where a peat-stained river creates ever-shifting banks.
Melvich surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNW (330°)
- Direction range
- 310° - 0°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 13s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Offshore range
- 150° - 220°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
9°C
Wetsuit
6/5mm + boots, gloves, hood
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
2/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Melvich?
Melvich is a beach break in Sutherland, UK, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Melvich?
Melvich picks up swell from the NW round to the N, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the NNW. It starts working at around 0.8m and handles up to about 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.6 to 2.1m. Period matters too: aim for 13s or longer, as anything under 8s 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 Melvich?
A S wind is dead offshore at Melvich, and anything from the SSE round to the SW 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 Melvich?
Melvich is at its best around mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Melvich?
The most reliable run of swell at Melvich comes Sep to Feb. There's a second window in Mar to Apr too.
How cold is the water at Melvich?
The water at Melvich averages around 9°C, so you'll want a 6/5mm with boots, gloves and a hood. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Melvich 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). Tannin-brown river feeds sandbar. Watch for rocks. Remote with limited facilities.
How do I get to Melvich?
The nearest airport on our list is INV, then it's roughly a 2.5-hour drive.
What other surf spots are near Melvich?
The closest breaks we track are Sandside Bay (8.8 km), Brimms Ness Point (16 km) and Brimms Ness Bowl (16 km), handy when Melvich isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Mar, Apr
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Sandside Bay
Quality left by harbour - Nuclear neighbour - Unique risk assessment
Brimms Ness Point
Caithness left reef - Cliff access - Remote and empty
Brimms Ness Bowl
Heavy Scottish slab - Remote Caithness coast - Freezing barrels
Torrisdale Bay
Remote Highland beauty - River-access adventure - Empty perfection
Bagpipes
Remote Scottish slab - Almost un-surfed - Maximum consequence
Thurso East
Scotland's world-class right - Cold water perfection - North Atlantic power