Owakanda (Rathgama) surf forecast
Rathgama · Southern Province (west coast) · Sri Lanka
A mellow left over reef and sand at Rathgama, a few kilometres south of Hikkaduwa. Long, soft rides suit longboards and improving beginners, and it is the usual escape when the Hikkaduwa reefs are packed.
- Break
- reef break, lefts; faces SW
- Level
- beginner
- Best swell
- SW, W
- Best wind
- NE, E (offshore)
- Best tide
- mid tide
- Season
- November-April
- Typical size
- 0.5-1.5 m
- Crowd
- low
- Hazards
- reef; rocks
Best time to surf Owakanda (Rathgama)
For intermediate surfers the best months are June, September to December: in November about 7 days have rideable waves and 2 rate good or better. Beginners find the friendliest waves in October to December. Experienced surfers looking for size and power: May, October. Local guides: November-April.
Water 28 °C in August to 30 °C in April: Boardshorts / rash vest in winter, Boardshorts / rash vest at the warmest.
| Month | Rideable days | Good days | Beginner days | Typical size | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3 | 1 | 8 | 0.9 m | 28 °C |
| Feb | 4 | 0 | 10 | 0.8 m | 29 °C |
| Mar | 2 | 1 | 5 | 0.9 m | 30 °C |
| Apr | 4 | 0 | 9 | 0.9 m | 30 °C |
| May | 6 | 0 | 7 | 1.2 m | 30 °C |
| Jun | 8 | 0 | 6 | 1.2 m | 29 °C |
| Jul | 5 | 0 | 6 | 1.2 m | 29 °C |
| Aug | 5 | 0 | 5 | 1.2 m | 28 °C |
| Sep | 7 | 0 | 5 | 1.2 m | 29 °C |
| Oct | 9 | 1 | 14 | 1.1 m | 29 °C |
| Nov | 7 | 2 | 11 | 1.1 m | 29 °C |
| Dec | 7 | 1 | 14 | 0.9 m | 29 °C |
Days per month, typical of the last three years of wave and wind model data, rated with the same scale as the forecast. Not a forecast: some years are better than others.
More surf spots nearby: surf spots in Weligama, surf spots in Hikkaduwa.
Nearby spots
- Narigama Beach, Hikkaduwa
- Hikkaduwa Main Reef, Hikkaduwa
- Benny's, Hikkaduwa
- North Jetty, Hikkaduwa
Questions
When is the best time to surf Owakanda (Rathgama)?
For intermediate surfers June, September to December; in November about 7 days a month have rideable waves and 2 are good or better. For beginners October to December. Local guides say: November-April.
What is the water temperature at Owakanda (Rathgama) and which wetsuit do I need?
The sea ranges from about 28 °C in August to 30 °C in April. Wear a Boardshorts / rash vest in the coldest months and a Boardshorts / rash vest in the warmest.
Is Owakanda (Rathgama) good for beginners?
Yes, on small days: it is a reef break that suits beginners. Watch out for: reef; rocks. Take a lesson or surf near the lifeguards if you are new.
What swell, wind and tide work best at Owakanda (Rathgama)?
SW, W swell, NE, E wind (offshore), at mid tide. Typical size 0.5-1.5 m.
Live swell, wind, tide, a 14-day outlook, satellite pictures and webcams for Owakanda (Rathgama) are in the Surf Spoting app.