How to read a surf forecast before your Morocco trip

First, know which height you are reading

A forecast may show offshore swell height, an estimate of breaking surf, or both. These are not interchangeable. Read the provider’s definitions and check whether the display uses feet or metres before comparing days.

Write down what the number represents. A large offshore reading does not translate directly to the same breaking height at every beach. Coastline orientation, shelter and the seabed change what reaches the shore.

Period: the seconds between waves

Period describes timing, not a pause you can rely on for a safe paddle-out. Longer-period swell can carry more energy and produce more powerful surf than a shorter-period reading at a similar height.

As an illustration—not today’s conditions—two forecasts with equal swell height but different periods should not be treated as equivalent. Ask a coach how that difference affects the particular beach, rather than converting the numbers into a personal safety threshold.

Direction, wind and tide complete the picture

Swell direction helps explain whether a beach receives or is sheltered from incoming energy. Check the legend: arrows and labels may describe where waves come from or where they travel.

Local wind can alter the surface and shape of breaking waves. Offshore means wind blowing from land toward the sea; it is not a guarantee of safety. Tide changes water depth, so ask how the chosen spot behaves through the session rather than assuming high or low tide is universally best.

Which forecast should you use?

Start with a provider that clearly explains its readings. Surfline is one place to learn about swell data; the Met Office’s coastal guides are useful for the underlying concepts, even though its beach forecast service is UK-focused. Neither link here is a live Anza report.

There is no single “best” forecast for every beach and every situation. Compare a forecast with observations over several days: what was predicted, what the beach looked like and what the coach decided. That habit is more useful than chasing a five-star symbol.

A five-question pre-session check

What is the predicted breaking surf, and which units are shown? What are the main swell period and direction? How will the wind change? What will the tide do during the session? What does someone familiar with the beach see right now?

If you cannot answer the last question, do not use the first four as permission to surf alone. Currents, crowded take-off areas, rocks and changing access are not reduced to a single forecast score. Beginners should make the decision with their instructor.

What this page does not provide

This is an educational guide, not a live forecast, warning service or guarantee of safe conditions. The ocean can change during a session. Recheck the beach and follow local safety advice rather than relying on a saved screenshot from the night before.