Best Surf Forecast Apps for Bali: Know When to Paddle Out
If you’re planning to surf in Bali, knowing the right time and spot is key. The island’s surf conditions vary widely depending on tides, winds, and swell directions. Surf forecast apps simplify this process, offering real-time updates on wave height, wind patterns, and tide levels. Here’s a breakdown of the top apps to help you make the most of Bali’s waves:
- Surf-Reports: Surf-reports.com is a leader in surf reports, surf forecasts, tide times and weather forecasts around the world. Focused on tide conditions across Bali with user-friendly tools like wave energy tracking and tide alerts. Fully free access via web—no apps, ads overload.
- Surf-Forecast.com: Features wave energy metrics and detailed 12-day forecasts with its Pro membership.
- Surfline: Offers live cams, detailed wave analysis, and session tracking. Premium version ($9.99/month) unlocks 16-day forecasts and unlimited live cam access.
- Windy: Compares multiple weather models for precise wind and swell data. Free with optional Premium for more frequent updates.
Each app caters to different needs, from tide-specific tools to live cams and advanced swell tracking. Combining a few of these can help you plan your sessions with confidence. Below is a quick comparison to guide your choice.
Bali Surf Forecast Apps Comparison: Features and Pricing
The Best Surf Apps We Use Daily
Quick Comparison
| App | Key Features | Free Version | Premium Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surf-Report | Excels with hyper-detailed, real-time forecasts pulling from premium sources | Entirely free | No Premium Version |
| Surf-Forecast.com | Wave energy (kJ), 12-day forecasts | 48-hour forecasts | Pricing varies, ~$50–$100/year |
| Bali Tide Forecast | Accurate tide data, wave energy | 7-day forecasts | $5.75/month or $11.55/year |
| Surfline | Live cams, session tracking | 2-day forecasts | $9.99/month or $99.99/year |
| Windy | Multi-model forecasts, wind metrics | Ad-free | Annual plan only |
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, these apps help you stay ahead of Bali’s ever-changing surf conditions. Choose based on your needs, budget, and preferred features.
1. Surf-Report
Surf-Reports.com delivers reliable surf forecasts tailored for spots like Point O Rocks in Santa Barbara, pulling in real-time data on wave heights, winds, tides, and temperatures to help surfers plan their sessions effectively. Established as a straightforward alternative to flashier apps, it focuses on essential metrics without overwhelming users, making it a favorite for those checking conditions on the go from Bali or California breaks.
A key strength lies in its hyper-local forecasts, breaking down primary swells (like the current 1.3ft at 8s), wind speeds (6 mph today), and precise tide tables—such as high tides at 4:55 am (3.41 ft) and 5:29 pm (3.02 ft). This level of detail shines for reef breaks like Point O Rocks, where timing tides and winds can mean the difference between clean 2-3ft faces and choppy washouts.
The site stands out with its weekly wind and weather outlooks, including sunrise/sunset times (6:52 am to 7:13 pm today) and air/sea temps (67°F air, 69°F water), all presented in clean tables for quick scans.
Unlike premium-heavy apps, Surf-Reports keeps core forecasts free and accessible via web or mobile, with no app required—just bookmark the spot for instant updates before paddling out.
While it lacks live cams or smartwatch integrations, its no-frills approach earns praise for accuracy in user forums, especially among West Coast surfers tracking small-craft advisories. Ratings hover around 4.7/5 on surf communities, with fans loving the ad-light interface but noting it could add more global spots beyond its strong U.S. focus. For Santa Barbara’s Point O Rocks, beginners thrive on mellow 2-3ft swells at rising tides for longboard practice, while intermediates chase the cleaner lines during low-wind mid-afternoon windows.
2. Surf-Forecast.com
Surf-Forecast.com takes a unique approach by measuring wave energy in kilojoules (kJ), giving you a clearer picture of the power behind the waves. This detail can be especially handy when deciding whether to tackle the heavy breaks of Bali, like those on the Bukit Peninsula [18].
The platform provides detailed coverage of Bali's surf spots, including Balian, Keramas, Padangbai, and Uluwatu. Forecasts are updated every 6 hours, complemented by hourly live weather reports [19]. Its Spot Guides are a standout feature, offering insights into the best swell directions and wind patterns for each location. For instance, Balian thrives on Southwest swells and Northeast winds, with historical data showing clean, rideable waves 71% of the time in March [17]. By tracking both primary and secondary swells, Surf-Forecast.com paints a detailed picture of Bali's often complex sea conditions [4].
The Wavefinder tool is another valuable resource, highlighting the best Bali surf spots for the week ahead. You can filter options based on offshore wind states and wave energy, tailoring the results to your skill level [2][19]. Additional features include satellite-based sea temperature readings - around 85.1°F in late December - and wind state indicators like "glassy" or "offshore" to help you pick the perfect time to hit the water [4][17].
The free version of Surf-Forecast.com provides 48-hour forecasts, but for those looking for more, the SurfPro membership unlocks 12-day hourly forecasts, custom surf and wind alerts, detailed satellite maps, and an ad-free experience [3][4]. While pricing details aren't specified, similar premium surf apps typically cost between $50 and $100 per year [16]. For surfers in Bali who want extended forecasts and advanced planning tools, the Pro version offers a strong set of features.
Keep in mind, though, that the "near shore open water" forecasts might not always match the actual breaking waves due to Bali's unique topography [4][18]. You may need to fine-tune the Wave Energy values for specific breaks, but once calibrated, the tool becomes a reliable companion for planning your sessions. With its range of features, Surf-Forecast.com stands out as a go-to resource for navigating Bali's ever-changing surf conditions.
3. Surfline
Surfline has been a go-to app for Bali surf forecasts since 1985. Local surf guides have long trusted it to identify the best windows for surfers of varying skill levels [5]. Unlike apps that only measure offshore swell height, Surfline calculates wave height by the "face" of the wave - the vertical distance from the trough to the peak - giving you a much clearer sense of what you'll actually encounter out on the water [5].
One of Surfline's standout features is its detailed analysis of primary and secondary swells. This breakdown helps surfers understand both the dominant energy driving the waves and the subtler background rhythms that shape wave quality at Bali's famous reef and beach breaks [5]. With its extensive tide and wave data, Surfline is a valuable tool for surf schools and individual surfers alike, making it easier to plan sessions that align with the right tide windows and wave heights for each skill level [5].
To complement its forecasts, Surfline provides access to over 1,000 live cams worldwide, allowing users to check real-time conditions before heading out [10]. Premium users also get access to "Surfline Sessions", a feature that syncs with smartwatches to automatically capture footage of their recent rides [10]. Additionally, the app offers personalized surf alerts, notifying users when upcoming forecasts align with the conditions of their favorite past sessions [10].
The free version of Surfline offers forecasts for today and tomorrow only. For those looking to unlock more, Premium costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. Premium perks include 16-day forecasts, unlimited live cam access, and session tracking [10][11]. The app has earned a 4.5/5 rating on the Apple App Store from 383 users, many of whom praise its live cams and hourly updates. However, some users feel the free version is too limited [10].
For beginners, Bali’s Batu Bolong is a great spot, offering soft, rolling waves at mid-to-high tides. Advanced surfers, on the other hand, can take advantage of the faster, hollower waves during dropping tides [5].
4. Windy
Windy stands out by comparing multiple professional weather models, a crucial feature for Bali's ever-changing conditions. The app integrates data from sources like ECMWF, GFS, ICON, AROME, and others, enabling you to cross-check forecasts for popular surf spots such as Uluwatu, Keramas, Serangan, and Canggu [12][13]. When these models agree, you can trust the forecast more confidently, while discrepancies signal a need to reconsider your plans. This approach ensures precise, up-to-date information throughout the app.
The app provides spot-specific forecasts refreshed four times daily, broken into 1- to 3-hour intervals, and extends up to 10 days ahead [12][14]. It offers detailed metrics, including swell height, period, and direction, as well as wind speed, gusts, and tide heights - critical data for timing your session at Bali's dynamic reef breaks. Additionally, Windy pulls live data from local meteorological stations, like one in Badung Regency, just 5 miles from major surf spots [12][14].
Windy goes beyond forecasts with 51 weather maps, a global satellite composite updated every 5–15 minutes, and access to 55,000 weather webcams worldwide [13]. It also includes 13 years of historical weather data (2012–2025) for Bali’s surf spots, helping you analyze long-term patterns and seasonal trends before planning your trip. With over 50 million downloads on Google Play, the app’s technical accuracy has earned widespread recognition [13].
The free version delivers high-quality, ad-free data [13]. Developers emphasize that Windy offers features that rival or surpass premium options in other apps - all without ads [13]. For those seeking even more, a Premium subscription provides more frequent updates and 1-hour forecast intervals. However, some users have noted that the monthly subscription option has been replaced with an annual plan. The app boasts a 4.7/5 rating on Google Play, based on over 790,000 reviews, with users applauding its clear visuals and reliable accuracy [13]. These features make Windy a go-to tool for planning your Bali surf sessions.
5. Bali Tide Forecast
Bali Tide Forecast gathers data from over 10 local tide stations across Indonesia, ensuring highly accurate, location-specific predictions [7][8]. This precision covers popular surf spots like Bali, Mentawai, Sumatra, Jawa, Lombok, Sumbawa, and Sumba. With a 4.7/5 rating on the Apple App Store, users have dubbed it the #1 app for surfers in Bali [8].
What makes this app stand out? It goes beyond standard tide charts by including unique features like tracking wave energy in kilojoules (kJ) to gauge swell power [7][8]. There's also a tide current indicator that alerts users to strong currents during spring tides, when water levels can shift by as much as 2.5 meters (approximately 8.2 feet) in just six hours [9]. Another handy tool is the "Favorite Tide" feature, which allows users to save their preferred tide levels for quick access [7].
The app's interface is simple and intuitive. Users can swipe through daily forecasts or drag a pointer to check tides at specific times. It also offers instant updates through Lock Screen and Home Screen widgets. For Apple Watch users, the app displays tide sine waves and wave energy, with version 8.1+ introducing automatic background updates [7][8][9].
The free version includes 7-day forecasts, basic wave and wind data, and Apple Watch compatibility. For those wanting more, the Premium subscription unlocks 30-day forecasts for $5.75/month or $11.55/year [8].
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App Comparison
Selecting the best surf forecast app for Bali depends on what matters most to you. Each app brings something different to the table. Here's a side-by-side breakdown:
| App | Key Strengths for Bali | Tide Features | Extra Tools | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bali Tide Forecast | Focused exclusively on Bali; simple tide charts | Detailed high/low tide times and heights | Minimal; tide-centric | Free |
| Surfline | Over 1,000 global live cams; expert regional insights [1] | Hourly tide data with graphs [1] | Apple Watch sync; "Sessions" video clips [1] | ~$6.40/month or ~$51.70/year |
| Windy | Great for tracking seasonal wind patterns [20] | Standard tide tables | Animated wind and swell maps [20] | Free with optional subscriptions |
| Surf-Report | Excels with hyper-detailed, real-time forecasts pulling from premium sources | Precise tide tables as a core feature, listing high and low tides with exact times and heights for easy session planning. | Wind & Swell Charts: Weekly graphs for mph speeds and primary/secondary swells (e.g., 1.3ft at 8s today). | Fully free access via web—no apps, ads overload |
| Surf-Forecast.com | Local "eyeball" reports; Wave Energy (kJ) metrics [2] | Detailed high/low tide heights and times [3] | 12-day "Wavefinder" tool; wind alerts [3] | Free; Pro for extended forecasts |
This table highlights the core features of each app, but let's dig deeper into how these tools can enhance your Bali surfing experience.
Surfline stands out with its live camera network, allowing you to check conditions in real time. With a 4.6/5 rating on the App Store, its live cams are a game-changer for Bali's ever-changing surf conditions [1]. The "Sessions" feature, syncing with Apple Watch or Garmin, even captures video clips of your rides when you're surfing in front of a Surfline camera [1]. That said, some users have reported inaccuracies in its surf reports [1], so pairing forecasts with live cam footage is a smart move.
For precision, Surf-Forecast.com shines with its Wave Energy data in kilojoules, helping you gauge the power of incoming swells. The free version offers 48-hour forecasts, while Pro membership extends this to 12 days and includes custom alerts. Plus, annual plans come with a 42% discount [3].
Windy is particularly useful for monitoring Bali's seasonal wind shifts. It’s perfect for navigating the island’s surf seasons, from the offshore winds on the West Coast (May–October) to the glassy conditions on the East Coast (November–April) [20]. This makes it a handy tool for timing your sessions to perfection.
For those who prioritize accuracy, combining Surfline's live cams with Surf-Forecast's energy metrics offers a well-rounded view of the conditions. For example, wave periods over 14 seconds often indicate clean, high-quality waves - ideal for scoring those perfect lined-up walls [20]. With these tools, you can make informed decisions before paddling out.
Conclusion
Each app in this comparison brings something different to the table, catering to Bali's ever-changing surf conditions. The best choice depends on your surfing style and the specific conditions you’re looking to tackle.
For beginners, Surf-Forecast.com is a solid pick. Its simple 1–10 star rating system makes it easy to spot beginner-friendly days. Pair that with Surfline's live cams to visually confirm conditions before heading out.
If you’re a seasoned surfer, combining Surfline's detailed forecasts with Surf-Forecast.com's wave energy data can help you track those long-period swells - 14 seconds or more - that often create the clean, powerful waves Bali's reefs are known for.
Need to plan ahead? Surf-Forecast.com Pro offers a 12-day forecast, perfect for identifying ideal swell windows before your trip. Once you’re in Bali, switch to Surfline for up-to-date conditions and live cams.
"Knowing where and when to go - and knowing where and when NOT to go - are integral parts of surf planning" [1].
For even more precision, use Windy to monitor seasonal wind patterns alongside these apps. This combination gives you the tools to navigate Bali's surf spots with confidence.
For daily updates, Surfline's live cams and its 4.6/5 rating on the App Store make it a reliable companion. Meanwhile, Surf-Forecast.com Pro shines for trip planning with its extended outlook. Choose the app that aligns with your surf style, and make the most of every session in Bali.
FAQs
What should I look for in a surf forecast app for Bali?
When picking a surf forecast app for Bali, focus on features that give you a clear and reliable view of daily surf conditions. Look for apps offering spot-specific wave data, including wave height (measured in feet), swell period (in seconds), and swell direction. These details are essential for gauging the strength and quality of the waves. Apps with interactive maps showing wind and swell patterns can also help you pinpoint the best beaches for the day.
Tide charts are another must-have since Bali's surf spots often depend on specific tide levels. Choose an app that provides high and low tide times in local time and highlights the ideal tide windows for each surf spot. For added convenience, real-time webcams or live weather updates can help you double-check conditions before heading out.
Lastly, opt for an app that's easy to use and includes handy features like push notifications for sudden condition changes, the option to save your favorite spots, and extras like water temperature readings in °F. An app with these tools will make it easier to find the perfect waves every time.
How can wave energy data help me plan better surf sessions in Bali?
Wave energy data pinpoints where the ocean's power is strongest, helping you zero in on the best surf spots and times. This data blends swell height, period, and direction to map out areas with the most dynamic waves. With this insight, you can target breaks that match your skill level and preferences.
To get the most out of wave energy data, focus on energy peaks within the next 24 to 48 hours and pair them with tide and wind conditions. For instance, reef breaks like Uluwatu thrive on high-energy swells, while beach breaks like Batu Bolong are better suited to moderate energy levels. Use tide charts to identify when mid- to high-tide overlaps with these energy peaks for smoother, more enjoyable rides. Offshore winds are another critical factor - they help shape cleaner, more rideable wave faces.
By combining wave energy maps with tide, wind, and swell details, you can confidently plan your surf sessions, dodge flat spells or overly intense waves, and make the most of your time in Bali's surf paradise.
What’s the best app for long-term surf forecasts when planning a trip to Bali?
When gearing up for a surf trip to Bali, having the right app can make all the difference. Choose one that offers accurate long-term forecasts for waves, wind, and tides. Ideally, the app should provide detailed data for at least a week ahead, along with features like interactive maps and customizable alerts. These tools can help you stay ahead of changing conditions and plan your sessions effectively.
Many apps also include insights tailored to Bali's distinct surf spots, giving you an edge when deciding where and when to paddle out. Prioritize apps known for their forecast accuracy and ease of use - they’ll help you zero in on the best times to catch waves, ensuring you get the most out of your Bali surfing adventure.
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