The 4 Best Wave and Wind Forecast Apps in 2026
The difference between a good session and a wasted morning comes down to three things: wave height and period, wind direction and the state of the tide. No app gets them right every time, but cross-checking two forecasts avoids most pointless drives. This guide compares the 4 best forecast apps for surfing and wind sports in 2026.
Apps for swell, wind and tide forecasts
Marine forecast apps with wave height and period, wind direction and strength, tide tables, weather model comparison and live cams at the breaks.
Top pick
Surfline
Free (with purchases) · 1M+
The reference for swell
3.9
9K reviews
TopApps analysis
Surfline is the global standard in swell forecasting, and its live cams let you see the real state of the break before you get in the car.
Surfline is the global reference for surf forecasting, and its big draw is the live cameras at hundreds of breaks, which let you see the real conditions before getting in the car. Its coverage of Spain is thinner than that of the United States or Australia.
Pros
- Live cameras at plenty of breaks
- The most recognised surf forecast in the business
- Wave height, period and swell direction data
Cons
- Limited coverage of Spain compared with other countries
- The cameras and long-range forecast are paid-only
- Expensive subscription
Last updated: 2026-07-30
Windfinder: Viento y Tiempo
Free (with purchases) · 5M+
Best for wind
4.7
97K reviews
TopApps analysis
Windfinder gives hour-by-hour wind forecasts for thousands of coastal spots using real station data, and its free version is the most generous of the group.
Windfinder is the favourite of windsurfers, kitesurfers and sailors: hour-by-hour wind forecasts for thousands of coastal spots, drawing on real weather stations as well as models. What it gives away for free is more generous than Surfline.
Pros
- Hour-by-hour wind forecast you can trust
- Data from real weather stations
- Thousands of coastal spots covered
Cons
- Focused on wind more than on swell
- No live cameras
- Extended forecast is paid
Windy.app
Windy Weather World Inc · Free (with purchases) · 10M+
Most complete for water sports
4.7
408K reviews
TopApps analysis
Windy.app adds swell, current and tide maps, and lets you compare several weather models for the same beach.
Windy.app — not to be confused with Windy.com, they are different companies — is built for wind and water sports, with swell, current and tide maps, and it lets you compare several weather models for the same beach.
Pros
- Swell, current and tide maps
- Comparison across several weather models
- Built for wind and water sports
Cons
- Easily confused with Windy.com
- The professional features are paid
- Dense interface for casual use
Last updated: 2026-08-03
Windy.com
Windy Weather World · Free (with purchases) · 50M+
The best visually
4.7
814K reviews
TopApps analysis
Windy.com offers the clearest wind and pressure maps around and lets you switch between models, which helps when forecasts disagree.
Windy is the weather app for people who need the real picture: stunning animated maps of wind, rain, waves and temperature, with several forecast models (ECMWF, GFS) to compare side by side. It is the reference tool for surfers, drone pilots, sailors and mountaineers, and a visual treat for any weather enthusiast.
Pros
- Animated wind, rain and wave maps
- Several forecast models you can compare
- Essential for outdoor sports
Cons
- Overkill if you only want to know whether it will rain
- Takes a while to get to grips with
- Some advanced layers are paid
Frequently asked questions
Are Windy.com and Windy.app the same app?
No, and it is the most common mix-up in the category: two different companies with almost identical names. Windy.com is the Czech weather viewer known for its animated maps; Windy.app is an app built around wind and water sports. Both are good, but it pays to know which one you are installing.
Why don't forecasts agree between apps?
Because they use different weather models, and each has its biases. The main ones are the European ECMWF and the American GFS. The useful approach is not to look for the app that is always right, but to compare two models: if they agree, confidence is high; if they diverge sharply, the forecast is shaky and it is worth waiting.
Which data actually matters for surfing?
Wave height is what everyone checks first and it is not the most decisive figure. Swell period, the seconds between waves, indicates energy: a longer period gives more powerful waves at the same height. And wind rules: an offshore wind, blowing from land to sea, keeps the wave clean, while onshore wind makes it messy.
Is Surfline worth paying for?
If you surf regularly in areas where it has cams, yes: seeing the break live saves wasted trips. Its camera coverage is densest in the United States and Australia and thinner elsewhere, so check first whether your usual spots are covered. For wind, free Windfinder covers more ground than paid Surfline.
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