Map
Cotton Trees
Today's Surf Conditions at Cotton Trees
Spot Conditions Map
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Today's Surf & Wind Forecast (Hourly)
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Spot Overview & Description
Cotton Trees has carved out a reputation as a singular, absorbing wave that flows with the rhythm of a long, peeling left. Nestled beside the towering trees that give the spot its name, this stretch of coast blends sandy stretches with scattered boulders, creating a layout that keeps surfers on their toes. The wave itself often strings together as one long ride, but keen observers will note it typically divides into two distinct acts: Uppers and Lowers, each with its own personality. The magic happens on a solid south swell, with the wave coming to life from about 2 feet and up. The seabed is a mix of sand and rock, lending a dynamic character that shifts with the swell size—bigger days demand respect as currents kick up and the boulders become more threatening. Expect a predominantly left-hand peel that rewards positioning and flow. For the cleanest conditions, dial in an east wind; the spot handles a wide range of tides, from low to high, making it a flexible option throughout the day. At low tide, the shallow sandbar can produce a delightful surprise: wave shapes that echo the legendary Kirra, with fun, racetrack barrels that pitch and run. This is a spot best suited for intermediate surfers looking to push their skills, but it’s not without its quirks. Watch for the boulders lurking at the edges, especially when the surf pumps and the rip gets rowdy. For anyone passing through, Cotton Trees offers a distinct, peel-first experience that’s well worth the detour.
Best Surf Season & Climatology
Best Surf Season (October - November & May - June)
At Cotton Trees, the surf is a game of patience, heavily dictated by the wind. The spot faces west, but the dominant swell train throughout the year rolls in from the S and SSW. This is a direct result of persistent extratropical storms in the South Atlantic generating long-period groundswells. However, the key to quality lies in the wind. The best surf season splits into two windows: October-November and May-June, when the percentage of offshore winds (from NW, WNW, W, WSW) peaks. During these months, you can score clean, lined-up waves, often in the fun, rippable 1-1.5m range with periods averaging 11-12 seconds. It's not a world-class setup, but when the trade winds ease and the high pressure sets up correctly, Cotton Trees offers surprisingly good, uncrowded waves.
Fair Surf Season (December - April)
The fair season spans the northern hemisphere winter and early spring. Swell heights are smaller, averaging 0.9-1.1m, and periods are still decent (10.7-11.8s), but the wind is less reliable. Offshore wind percentages drop to between 7% and 16%, meaning you'll have to pick your windows carefully. The swell direction remains stubbornly from the S and SSW, wrapping into the beach but often accompanied by onshore breezes from the SW-W quadrant. The good news is that the long periods (10-11s) can still produce punchy, rideable waves, especially early in the morning when local thermal effects can temporarily clean things up.
Low Surf Season (July - September)
The low surf season is dominated by the West African monsoon and a strong, persistent onshore flow. This period sees the largest average swell heights of the year, peaking at 1.5m in August, but the wind is almost always blowing from the SW to WNW – directly onshore at Cotton Trees. The ideal wind percentage plummets to 4-13%, ruining wave quality. Expect choppy, messy conditions with short-period swell mixing in. While the South Atlantic still pumps energy into the coast, the constant wind creates a bumpy, blown-out surface. This is the time to either travel, take a break, or be content with windbattered, short rides when the stars align for a rare lull.
Detailed Surf Information for Cotton Trees
Detailed Surf Forecast
Access our detailed 8-day swell and wind forecast charts for Cotton Trees with tidal graphs, period ranges, and daily forecast text summaries.
Swell & Wind Statistics
Explore historical swell consistency, wave heights, and offshore wind windows month-by-month, compiled from over 40 years of data.
Historical Surf Report
Browse the historical database archives to view past wave reports and understand spot climatology during specific years and months.