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	1.5	1.3	2.1	2.3	2.5	2.6	2.5	2.4	2.4	2.3	1.8	2	1.8	1.7	1.6	1.4	1.4	1.3	1.2	1.1	0.9	1	1	1	1	1	1.1	1	1.6	1.4	2.3	1.9	2.9	2.9	2.9	2.9	2.9	2.9	2.7	2.6	2.2	2.1	2	2.2	2.1	2	1.9	1.9	1.8	1.7	1.7	1.7	1.8	1.7	1.8
Wave direction	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	WSW	SW	WSW	SW	W	WSW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	WSW	SSW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW
Wave period (s)	9.8	9.8	12.2	12.3	12.7	12.6	12.3	12.2	11.9	11.2	10.8	10.8	10.3	10.1	9.8	9.8	9.7	9.7	9.4	9.4	9.3	7	7.5	7.3	8.6	8.7	8	6.7	7.1	7	7.7	7	7.7	9.2	9.4	9.6	9.8	9.8	9.7	9.9	9.8	9.7	9.9	9.7	9.6	9.3	9.4	9.6	9.6	8.9	9.2	9.9	10.7	10.8	10.8	10.7
Wave energy (kJ)	456	432	484	1294	1723	1985	1999	1845	1631	1421	1203	797	815	676	561	475	379	348	302	254	219	81	122	115	154	144	138	117	105	264	223	527	419	1389	1523	1593	1660	1599	1583	1472	1319	885	832	783	851	771	707	686	694	496	484	572	693	716	700	703
Wind speed (km/h)	13.7	12.6	15.6	11.4	16.2	18.1	14.3	11.2	9.2	9.4	9.7	10.2	7.2	9.7	3.6	10.3	6.2	12.1	12.3	20.9	29.4	29.2	18.1	18.2	19.9	18.1	17.1	26.5	27	21.4	15.9	10.6	5.9	3.4	11.4	14.4	26.3	27.5	18.8	14.7	9.5	11	10.7	12.7	11.6	13.2	10.1	8.6	10.4	15.3	23.7	31	24.4	22.4	18.8	19.6
Wind direction	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SECross-off	SEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	ESECross-off	SECross-off	SECross-off	SOffshore	SSEOffshore	SEGlassy	WNWCross-on	NWOnshore	NNWOnshore	NNWOnshore	NNWOnshore	NWCross-on	NWOnshore	NOnshore	NNWOnshore	NOnshore	NNWOnshore	NNWOnshore	NWOnshore	NWCross-on	NWCross-on	NNWOnshore	NNWOnshore	NOnshore	SSEGlassy	SSEOffshore	SOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore	SOffshore	SSEOffshore	SSEOffshore

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.