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

2.0m
W 7s

Wind Speed

26 km/h
SW

Water Temperature

15.5°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)
Fri
4 Jul
Morning
1.8-2.0m
W
6s
NW
50km/h
Midday
2.1-2.3m
W
6s
NW
53km/h
Afternoon
2.3-2.4m
W
7s
W
39km/h
Sat
5 Jul
Morning
2.5-2.6m
SW
9s
W
17km/h
Midday
2.5-2.6m
SW
9s
WNW
22km/h
Afternoon
2.4-2.5m
SW
9s
WNW
28km/h
Sun
6 Jul
Morning
2.4-2.5m
SW
8s
SW
29km/h
Midday
2.2-2.3m
SW
8s
SW
26km/h
Afternoon
2.1-2.2m
SW
8s
SSW
19km/h
Mon
7 Jul
Morning
1.9-2.0m
SSW
8s
NNE
23km/h
Midday
1.8-1.9m
SSW
8s
N
25km/h
Afternoon
1.7-1.8m
SSW
8s
NNW
19km/h
Tue
8 Jul
Morning
1.5m
SSW
9s
NE
12km/h
Midday
1.4m
SSW
9s
NE
6km/h
Afternoon
1.3-1.4m
SW
9s
ENE
3km/h
Wed
9 Jul
Morning
1.4m
SW
8s
NNW
14km/h
Midday
1.4-1.5m
SW
7s
NNW
19km/h
Afternoon
1.6-1.8m
SW
7s
NNW
20km/h
Thu
10 Jul
Morning
2.3-2.4m
WSW
8s
WNW
15km/h
Midday
2.4-2.6m
SW
8s
WNW
21km/h
Afternoon
2.6m
SW
9s
WNW
11km/h
Fri
11 Jul
Morning
2.6m
SW
10s
SSE
14km/h
Midday
2.5-2.6m
SW
10s
SSE
20km/h
Afternoon
2.4-2.5m
SW
11s
SSE
20km/h
Sat
12 Jul
Morning
2.3m
SW
10s
SSE
4km/h
Midday
2.3m
SW
9s
SSW
5km/h
Afternoon
2.3m
SW
8s
S
6km/h
Sun
13 Jul
Morning
1.7-1.8m
SW
13s
N
9km/h
Midday
1.8m
SW
13s
NNW
13km/h
Afternoon
1.7-1.8m
SW
13s
N
9km/h
Mon
14 Jul
Morning
1.6m
SW
13s
SSE
7km/h
Midday
0.0m
0km/h
Afternoon
0.0m
0km/h

Friday, 4 Jul

12AM - 3AM
Poor
1.5m
WSW 7s
WNW 29km/h
15°C
2.0
3AM - 6AM
Poor
1.5-1.6m
WSW 6s
NW 38km/h
15°C
2.3
6AM - 9AM
Poor
1.8-1.9m
W 6s
NW 49km/h
15°C
2.0
9AM - 12PM
Poor
2.0-2.2m
W 6s
NW 54km/h
15°C
2.0
12PM - 3PM
Poor
2.2-2.3m
W 6s
NW 51km/h
16°C
2.0
3PM - 6PM
Poor
2.4m
W 7s
W 40km/h
16°C
2.3
6PM - 9PM
Fair
2.3-2.4m
WSW 7s
SW 22km/h
16°C
3.0
9PM - 12AM
Fair
2.3m
WSW 8s
W 14km/h
15°C
3.5

Daylight Times

No daylight data available for this date.

Tide Times

No tide data available for this date.

Daily Overview

Overall Friday is poor with waves varying between 2.5-4.0m. The swell is predominantly coming from the West South West (WSW), with strong North West (NW) winds averaging 37km/h.

During daylight hours, peak conditions are expected between 15:00 - 18:00 with a rating of 2.3/5. 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