Whitesands Bay
Whitesands Bay sits near St Davids and is Pembrokeshire's most popular beach break.
Whitesands Bay surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WSW (255°)
- Direction range
- 210° - 300°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
Water temp
12°C
Wetsuit
5/4mm + boots
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
5/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Whitesands Bay?
Whitesands Bay is a beach break in Pembrokeshire, UK, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Whitesands Bay?
Whitesands Bay picks up swell from the SSW round to the WNW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the WSW. It starts working at around 0.9m and handles up to about 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.6 to 2.1m. Period matters too: aim for 12s 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 Whitesands Bay?
An E wind is dead offshore at Whitesands Bay, and anything from the NE 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 Whitesands Bay?
Whitesands Bay is at its best around the low to mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Whitesands Bay?
The most reliable run of swell at Whitesands Bay comes Oct to Mar. There's a second window in Apr to May and Sep too.
How cold is the water at Whitesands Bay?
The water at Whitesands Bay averages around 12°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 Whitesands Bay good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 4/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (5/10) when it's on. Dangerous rips in bigger swells. Rocky headland at north end.
How do I get to Whitesands Bay?
The nearest airport on our list is CWL, then it's roughly a 2-hour drive.
What other surf spots are near Whitesands Bay?
The closest breaks we track are Newgale (13 km), Freshwater West (32 km) and Manorbier (44 km), handy when Whitesands Bay isn't working. We track 4 spots around Pembrokeshire in total.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr, May, Sep
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Newgale
Pembrokeshire's consistent pick - Pebble and sand - Atlantic exposure
Freshwater West
Pembrokeshire's exposed beach - Reef and sand sections - Military access
Manorbier
Pembrokeshire right reef - Castle backdrop - High tide specialist
Llangennith
Gower's workhorse - Infamous paddle out - Welsh surf heartland
Rhossili Bay
One of UK's most beautiful - Softer Gower waves - Worm's Head views
Pete's Reef
Gower's shallow reef - Low tide specialist - Sharp and technical