Intermediate: Vetchie's Reef (Fair, 1.1 m, offshore around 09:00), Cave Rock (Fair, 1.8 m, offshore around 06:00), Umhlanga Rocks (Fair, 1.0 m, cross-shore around 06:00)
Advanced: Cave Rock (Good, 1.8 m, offshore around 06:00)
Forecast updated 20 Oct, 01:03 UTC.
The spots
Vetchie's Reef · reef break, advanced, best on S/SSW/SE swell with W/SW/WSW wind, high tide. Big-wave reef off the pier at the south end of Durban's beachfront that only breaks above about 2.5 m, at high tide, with southerly swell and a west to southwest wind…
Ansteys · beach break, intermediate, best on E swell with NW wind, all tides. Beach break next to Cave Rock that does well on east swells when the point is small. Peaks shift with the sand, and it holds up in some onshore wind.
Cave Rock · reef break, advanced, best on S swell with W wind, all tides. Durban's best-known reef, a hollow right-hander at the foot of the Bluff. Dependable on south groundswell with a west offshore, with a pack of strong locals.
Umhlanga Rocks · beach break, intermediate, best on SE swell with NNW wind, all tides. North of Durban, a mix of beach and reef peaks beside the lighthouse. Wakes up on southeast swell with a north-northwest offshore.
When to surf in Durban
Best months for intermediate surfers: April to July. For beginners: May to July. The water goes from about 21 °C in August (Springsuit 2 mm or vest) to 25 °C in February (Boardshorts / rash vest).
Days per month at the best third of the 4 spots for each level, from three years of wave and wind model data.
Questions
What are the best surf spots in Durban?
The best-known are Ansteys, Cave Rock, Umhlanga Rocks, Vetchie's Reef. In all, 4 spots lie within 16 km: 2 beach breaks, 2 reef breaks.
Where can beginners surf in Durban?
Durban is mostly for intermediate and advanced surfers: reefs, points or powerful beach breaks. Beginners should take a lesson and stay on the smallest days.
When is the best time to surf in Durban?
For intermediate surfers April to July. For beginners May to July.
What wetsuit do I need to surf in Durban?
The sea goes from about 21 °C in August (Springsuit 2 mm or vest) to 25 °C in February (Boardshorts / rash vest).