South Carolina • Charleston • Buoy: 41013

Folly Beach

Good

Wave Height

3-5

ft

Swell

~5s

ESE

Wind

18mph

Sideshore (NE)

Water

68°

Springsuit

Rising• High in 4h 35m

Updated: 11/2/2026, 5:34:03 PM • Data: Open-Meteo

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Surf Graph

Clean
Fair
Choppy
Flat

Wave energy

Moderate

How much energy each wave delivers, in kilojoules per metre of wave crest.

17 kJ/m

Right now

14 swell · 3.3 chop

10MODERATEWedThuFriSatSun
Groundswell
Wind chop
Drag to scrub

17

Peak this week

Tue

Peaks on

Moderate

At its best

Buoy Check

NDBC 41013
FTSECMISS
Buoy6.2--—
Open-Meteo3.86-2.4
WW34.66-1.7
ECMWF4.96-1.4
Blend4.16-2.2
Blend −2.2ft cold3h ago

Tide Forecast

Today
H7:10am5.3ft
L1:20pm0.8ft
H7:30pm5.6ft
Tomorrow
L2:13am0.7ft
H8:09am5.5ft
L2:27pm0.7ft
H8:26pm5.5ft
Thu, Nov 5
L3:03am0.5ft
H9:04am5.7ft
L3:24pm0.6ft
H9:19pm5.4ft

About Folly Beach

Folly Beach is Charleston's surf hub, offering the most consistent waves in the area thanks to its south-facing exposure. The pier provides a focal point, and the sandbars can produce fun, punchy peaks. It's a vibrant beach community with an active local surf scene. Hurricane season brings the best conditions, but Folly picks up more swell year-round than most Carolina beaches.

FAQ

What is the water temperature at Folly Beach?

The current water temperature at Folly Beach is 68°F. A springsuit or shorty wetsuit is recommended.

What is the surf like at Folly Beach today?

Folly Beach currently has waves around 3-5ft. Conditions change throughout the day, so check back for updated forecasts.

What time is high tide at Folly Beach?

Today's high tide at Folly Beach is at 2:10 AM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What time is low tide at Folly Beach?

Today's low tide at Folly Beach is at 8:13 PM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What are the best conditions for surfing Folly Beach?

Folly Beach works best with swells from the E, SE, S and N, NW, W winds (offshore). The ideal tide is mid.

Is Folly Beach good for beginners?

Yes, Folly Beach is suitable for beginners, especially on smaller days. It's always a good idea to check conditions before paddling out and consider taking a lesson if you're new to surfing.

This Week's Outlook

Tuesday morning is your best bet with 4ft waves, light winds, and a favorable tide window before the swell drops off for the rest of the week. Cross-shore NE winds keep things clean and the smaller crowd means more waves in the morning.

Updated 11/2/2026, 6:06:10 PM

Spot Info

Break TypeBeach Break
BottomSand
Skill LevelAll Levels
CrowdModerate to Heavy
Best TideMid
Best SwellE, SE, S
Best WindN, NW, W
ParkingStreet parking and public lots

Local Tip

Charleston's surf hub. Most consistent waves in the area. Active local scene.