Surf spot

Thermopylae

Forecast conditions and map view for Thermopylae in South Africa, Cape Town. Open the interactive surf map to inspect wind, waves, and nearby spots.

Country: South Africa, Cape Town
Coordinates: -33.8990, 18.4089

Metric
Metric	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00
Wave height (m)	1.5	1.4	1.3	1.8	2.2	2.4	2.6	2.7	2.7	2.6	2.5	1.9	2.1	1.9	1.8	1.7	1.3	1.4	1.3	1.2	1.1	1.1	1.1	1	1	0.9	1	0.9	1.2	1.2	2	1.8	2.6	2.7	2.9	2.5	2.9	2.9	2.8	2.8	2.6	2.5	2.4	2.2	2.1	1.7	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.8	1.8	1.5	1.4	1.6	1.8	2
Wave direction	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SSW	SW	SW	SW	SSW	WSW	SSW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	WSW	WSW	SW	WSW	WSW	WSW	SW	WSW	WSW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	WSW	WSW	SSW	WSW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW
Wave period (s)	9.8	9.8	9.3	12	12.4	12.6	12.4	12	11.7	11.3	10.9	10.2	10.3	10.2	10.1	9.8	10	9.7	9.6	9.6	9.5	7.6	7.5	7.2	8.8	8.7	7.9	8.9	6.5	6.7	7.3	9.8	8.2	8.3	8.5	8.7	9	9.3	9.3	9.3	9.3	9.3	9.3	9.3	9.3	9.5	9.6	9.7	9.8	9.6	9.7	9.1	10.7	11.3	10.9	10.8
Wave energy (kJ)	428	391	301	975	1473	1845	2096	2069	1996	1764	1485	783	918	767	654	548	348	379	328	271	235	150	129	112	155	121	120	123	114	132	404	602	923	1034	1182	946	1325	1415	1410	1337	1206	1052	953	859	748	522	433	401	437	578	596	388	436	638	804	888
Wind speed (km/h)	14.5	8	15.7	13.6	20.4	18.5	13.3	10	9.2	9.7	8.1	4	5.1	3.9	1.5	11.9	7.4	11.9	15.9	21.1	19.4	21.5	14.7	19.8	18.9	19.2	17.7	26.1	31.3	29.9	18.8	6.1	17.4	20.8	18.6	21.5	24.7	27.4	26.9	18.4	13.1	10	13.4	15.3	27.7	30	14.1	12.7	14	12.9	14.5	29.1	35	36.4	27.5	12.6
Wind direction	SSEOffshore	SOffshore	SOffshore	SSEOffshore	SOffshore	SEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SECross-off	SECross-off	SECross-off	EGlassy	WCross-on	SSWGlassy	SSEGlassy	NWCross-on	NNWOnshore	NNWOnshore	NNWOnshore	NNWOnshore	NWCross-on	NWCross-on	NOnshore	NNWOnshore	NOnshore	NOnshore	NNWOnshore	NWOnshore	NWOnshore	NNWOnshore	NNWOnshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SEOffshore	SEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SECross-off	SSEOffshore	SSEBlown out	SSEOffshore	SEOffshore

Thermopylae is a powerful, exposed surf spot in Cape Town, South Africa, known for its raw Atlantic energy and challenging conditions. It’s generally a heavy, advanced-level break that attracts experienced surfers looking for fast, steep waves and more serious surf.

What it’s like

Wave type: Usually a reef/point-style break with strong, punchy waves
Best for: Advanced to expert surfers
Wave quality: Can be very good when the swell lines up, but it’s not a forgiving wave
Power: Strong, fast, and often hollow or steep
Crowds: Typically less of a beginner-friendly, crowded beachbreak and more of a niche local spot

Conditions

Thermopylae tends to work best with: - Consistent swell from the Atlantic - Clean offshore winds - A solid swell size to get the wave running properly

Because Cape Town’s coastline can be highly exposed, conditions can change quickly. This spot is usually best when the ocean is well-organized and the wind is cooperating.

Hazards

Powerful surf and strong currents
Potentially shallow or rocky sections
Best surfed with caution and local knowledge
Not ideal for beginners

Vibe

The spot has a more serious, performance-oriented reputation than a relaxed longboard beach vibe. If it’s firing, it can offer quality waves, but it demands respect.