South Africa > Western Cape > Cape Peninsula

Llandudno

A scenic beach known for its powerful waves and more advanced surfing conditions, located near Cape Town.

Powerful beach break with hollow waves and occasional barrels. Rocky bottom creates steep takeoffs. Best on bigger swells with offshore winds.

Current Conditions
Fair

Wave Height

1.3m
SW 6s

Wind Speed

43 km/h
SSE

Water Temperature

12°C

Satellite view of Llandudno
Waves
Wind

Surf Forecast

Rating Scale:

  • Epic (5.0)
  • Good (4.8+)
  • Fair to Good (4.0+)
  • Fair (3.6+)
  • Poor to Fair (2.5+)
  • Poor (2.0+)
  • Very Poor (<2.0)
Sun
30 Nov
Morning
1.5m
SW
7s
SSE
30km/h
Midday
1.5m
SW
8s
SSE
32km/h
Afternoon
1.5m
SW
7s
SSE
38km/h
Mon
1 Dec
Morning
1.3m
SW
7s
SSE
35km/h
Midday
1.3m
SW
6s
S
36km/h
Afternoon
1.2-1.3m
SW
6s
SSE
35km/h
Tue
2 Dec
Morning
1.2m
SW
7s
SSE
28km/h
Midday
1.1-1.2m
SW
6s
S
33km/h
Afternoon
1.1m
SW
6s
SSE
37km/h
Wed
3 Dec
Morning
0.9m
SW
6s
SE
23km/h
Midday
0.9m
SW
6s
SSE
28km/h
Afternoon
0.9-1.0m
SSW
5s
SSE
38km/h
Thu
4 Dec
Morning
0.8m
SSW
5s
SSE
31km/h
Midday
0.8m
SSW
4s
SSE
35km/h
Afternoon
0.8m
SSW
4s
SSE
37km/h
Fri
5 Dec
Morning
0.9-1.0m
SSW
5s
S
26km/h
Midday
1.0-1.2m
SSW
5s
S
28km/h
Afternoon
1.2-1.4m
S
5s
S
29km/h
Sat
6 Dec
Morning
1.5m
S
5s
S
16km/h
Midday
1.5m
S
5s
S
22km/h
Afternoon
1.6-1.7m
S
6s
SSE
29km/h
Sun
7 Dec
Morning
1.5m
SSW
6s
WSW
7km/h
Midday
1.4m
SW
7s
W
12km/h
Afternoon
1.3m
SW
7s
SW
13km/h
Mon
8 Dec
Morning
1.5-1.6m
SW
8s
SW
5km/h
Midday
1.5-1.6m
SW
8s
SSW
21km/h
Afternoon
1.5m
SW
8s
S
26km/h
Tue
9 Dec
Morning
1.6-1.7m
SW
12s
S
10km/h
Midday
1.7-1.8m
SW
12s
S
20km/h
Afternoon
1.8-1.9m
SW
12s
S
29km/h
Wed
10 Dec
Morning
1.5m
SW
12s
S
7km/h
Midday
0.0m
0km/h
Afternoon
0.0m
0km/h

Sunday, 30 Nov

12AM - 3AM
Fair
1.2-1.4m
SW 7s
SSE 26km/h
13°C
3.2
3AM - 6AM
Fair
1.4-1.5m
SW 7s
SSE 30km/h
12°C
3.0
6AM - 9AM
Fair
1.5m
SW 7s
SSE 30km/h
12°C
3.0
9AM - 12PM
Fair
1.5m
SW 8s
SSE 31km/h
13°C
3.0
12PM - 3PM
Fair
1.5m
SW 7s
SSE 34km/h
13°C
3.0
3PM - 6PM
Fair
1.5m
SW 7s
SSE 38km/h
13°C
3.0
6PM - 9PM
Fair
1.5m
SW 7s
SSE 41km/h
12°C
3.0
9PM - 12AM
Fair
1.5m
SW 6s
SSE 41km/h
12°C
3.0

Daylight Times

No daylight data available for this date.

Tide Times

No tide data available for this date.

Daily Overview

Overall Sunday is fair with waves varying between 2.2-2.6m. The swell is predominantly coming from the South West (SW), with strong South South East (SSE) winds averaging 34km/h.

During daylight hours, peak conditions are expected between 06:00 - 09:00 with a rating of 3.0/5. It's recommended to check local webcams and conditions before heading out.

Spot Information

Llandudno stands as one of Cape Town's most picturesque surf spots, framed by granite boulders and the majestic Twelve Apostles mountain range. This powerful beach break produces quality waves that range from playful to challenging, depending on swell size and direction.

The wave here breaks both left and right over a predominantly sandy bottom, though there are some rocks to be aware of, particularly on the southern end. The right-handers typically offer longer rides, while the lefts can provide punchy sections perfect for modern performance surfing.

The beach's exposure to both wind and swell makes it most reliable during early mornings when conditions are typically glassy. The hollow takeoffs and powerful walls make it more suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers, especially during bigger swells.

Local tip: Watch for the rip currents that form on bigger days, especially near the rocks on either end of the beach. The northern end typically offers more manageable waves for those still building their confidence in more powerful surf.

Required Skill Level

Intermediate

Hazards & Warnings

Rip currents Rocky bottom Big swells Strong currents Sharks

Wave Characteristics

Break Type:
Beach Break
Bottom Type:
Sand with Rocks
Wave Quality:
Steep
Wave Speed:
Fast
Wave Length:
Medium
Consistency:
3/5

Ideal Conditions

Wind:

5-15 km/h SE (135°)

Swell:

1-4m Period: 12s SW (215°)

Tides:

Mid to High Tide

Peak Season:

June July August

Best Times:

Early Morning Late Evening

Environmental Factors

Water Quality:
Excellent
Llandudno benefits from its relatively isolated location with minimal urban development, resulting in consistently excellent water quality. The Atlantic Ocean provides clean, cold water year-round. No major storm water outlets or rivers affect this beach, making it one of Cape Town's cleanest surf spots.
Summer Water Temp:
16-20°C
Winter Water Temp:
11-15°C
Wind Protection:
Moderate
Swell Exposure:
High
Tide Sensitivity:
High

Logistics

Crowd Level:
Moderate
Access:
Moderate
Parking:
Limited parking, arrive early on good days
Facilities:
Limited Toilets No Showers No Food Vendors

Bathymetry Profile

Steep beach gradient with mixed sand and boulder bottom. Complex underwater topography featuring scattered rock formations. Steep drop-off beyond the break zone.

Depth Contours:

Inner Zone:
2-3m
Middle Zone:
4-6m
Outer Zone:
8-12m

Seabed Features:

Boulder fields Sand channels Rocky outcrops Steep gradient Deep water close to shore
Average Slope Ratio:
1:20

Local Knowledge

Local Etiquette:

  • Respect locals
  • No dropping in
  • Share waves on busy days

Local Rules:

  • No parking in residential areas
  • Respect beach closure times

Known As:

Llandies