Byron Bay sits beside Cape Byron, the most easterly point of mainland Australia. The cape bends the coast so that the town’s beaches face north while the beaches on the other side face south-east. For surfers that is the whole secret of the place: whatever the wind and swell are doing, one side of the cape is usually better than the other. Add the beaches and points south towards Lennox Head and Ballina, and there is a wave for every level within a short drive.
This is the Country of the Arakwal people of the Bundjalung nation. The area’s traditional name, Cavanbah, means “meeting place”.
Surf conditions change daily, and published guides do not always agree with each other. Where they differ we say so. Treat this as a starting point and always check conditions on the day with someone who knows the break.
Byron Bay at a glance
| Where | Far north coast of New South Wales, Australia |
| Type of waves | Sand-bottom beach breaks and right-hand point breaks |
| Best for | All levels, depending on the beach |
| Water temperature | About 25–27 °C in February and 19–22 °C in August |
| What to wear | Boardshorts or swimwear and a rash vest in summer; a springsuit or 3/2 mm wetsuit in winter |
| Patrolled beach | Main Beach is the only beach in Byron Shire patrolled all year |
| Nearest airports | Ballina Byron Gateway, about 30 minutes; Gold Coast, about 65 km; Brisbane, about 165 km |
Byron Bay surf spots by level
| Spot | Level | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Main Beach | Beginner | A sand-bottom beach break in front of town, patrolled all year. |
| Clarkes Beach | Beginner to intermediate | Between Main Beach and The Pass, sheltered from southerly and easterly winds. |
| The Pass | Guides differ | A long right-hand point and one of Australia’s best-known waves. It is very crowded, and guides disagree on which level it suits. |
| Wategos | Beginner and longboard | A mellow right-hand point tucked under the cape. |
| The Wreck | Intermediate and up | Breaks beside the wreck of the SS Wollongbar, north of Main Beach. |
| Belongil | Varies with the sandbanks | A long beach running north from The Wreck, with more room. |
| Tallow Beach | Intermediate and up | On the south side of the cape. Exposed, and the most consistent beach in the area. |
| Broken Head | Intermediate to advanced | A right-hand point 15 to 20 minutes’ drive south. |
South to Lennox Head and Ballina
| Spot | Level | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Seven Mile Beach | Beginner-friendly | The long beach running north from Lennox Head. |
| Lennox Point | Experienced only | A powerful right-hand point over boulders and a National Surfing Reserve. |
| Sharpes Beach and Flat Rock | Beginner to intermediate | Beaches between Lennox Head and Ballina. |
| Lighthouse Beach | Varies with the sandbanks | Ballina’s town surf beach. |
Byron Bay month by month
Air temperatures are the Bureau of Meteorology’s long-term averages for Cape Byron. Any single day can differ.
Tap to open the table (12 rows)
| Month | Average high | Average low |
|---|---|---|
| January | 27.5 °C | 20.8 °C |
| February | 27.6 °C | 20.7 °C |
| March | 26.5 °C | 19.6 °C |
| April | 24.5 °C | 17.2 °C |
| May | 21.9 °C | 14.9 °C |
| June | 19.7 °C | 12.4 °C |
| July | 19.3 °C | 11.7 °C |
| August | 20.2 °C | 12.5 °C |
| September | 22.1 °C | 14.4 °C |
| October | 23.3 °C | 16.1 °C |
| November | 24.7 °C | 17.8 °C |
| December | 26.4 °C | 19.6 °C |
When to surf Byron Bay
You can surf Byron Bay all year, and the cape means there is usually a sheltered option. Here is what each season brings.
| Season | Swell and wind | Water and weather |
|---|---|---|
| Summer and early autumn December to April | Swell comes mainly from the east and north-east, from trade winds and from tropical cyclones far out to sea. North-easterly winds are common and can bring bluebottles. | The warmest water, about 25 to 27 °C in February. Average highs of 24.5 to 27.6 °C. |
| Late autumn and winter May to August | Swell comes mainly from the south, often with offshore westerly winds in the morning. | Cooler water, about 19 to 22 °C in August, and crisp days with average highs of 19.3 to 21.9 °C. Humpback whales pass the cape, with the most sightings from July to September. |
| Spring September to November | A changeover season with a mix of both patterns. | Warming water, with average highs of 22.1 to 24.7 °C. |
Guides disagree on which season is best for beginners, and the honest answer is that it depends on the beach. Because the coast faces several directions, there is usually somewhere suitable for learners at any time of year.
Tides and wind
- Use the cape. In a southerly wind the town-side beaches (Clarkes, The Pass, Wategos) are sheltered. In a northerly wind, the south-facing beaches are the better bet.
- Sandbanks move. Beach breaks change with the sand, so the best tide this month may not be the best tide next month.
- Mornings are usually cleaner. Sea breezes tend to arrive later in the day.
Byron Bay surf report & cams
Check a forecast and a live cam before you paddle out. As a beginner, look at four things and match them to the notes in this guide.
- Wind direction. In a southerly, the town-side beaches (Clarkes, The Pass, Wategos) are sheltered. In a northerly, the south-facing beaches are the better bet.
- Swell direction. Summer swell comes mainly from the east and north-east, winter swell mainly from the south.
- Tide. Sandbanks move, so the best tide changes from month to month. Check the tide times and look at the beach before you go in.
- Time of day. Mornings are usually cleaner, before the sea breeze arrives.
Public forecasts and cams:
- Bureau of Meteorology: Byron Coast coastal waters forecast (wind and swell)
- Surfline: Byron Bay surf reports and cams
- Swellnet: Byron Bay surf cam
- Surf-Forecast: The Pass tide times
- Beachsafe: Main Beach patrol and beach information
If you are not sure a spot suits your level, ask someone who knows the break, or surf at a patrolled beach. Prefer to have a coach read the conditions for you? Our Byron Bay surf lessons run at beaches near Lennox Head or Ballina, chosen for the conditions on the day.
Staying safe in the water
- Rip currents. They are the main hazard on Australian beaches. If you are caught, stay calm, float, and signal for help or paddle parallel to the beach.
- Swim between the red and yellow flags. They mark the area watched by lifeguards. Surf at patrolled beaches where you can.
- Bluebottles. These stinging jellyfish are blown in by north-easterly winds. Check the shoreline before you go in.
- Crowds. The Pass is very busy. Know the right-of-way rules and keep hold of your board.
- Sun. The Australian sun is strong all year. Use sunscreen and wear a rash vest.
Getting to Byron Bay
Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is about 30 minutes away. Gold Coast Airport is about 65 km north, and Brisbane is about 165 km, or under two hours by road. From Sydney it is roughly 770 km, about eight and a half hours’ drive.
Beyond the surf
Walk the track around the cape to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, built in 1901, and stand at the most easterly point of the mainland. From May to November humpback whales migrate past the headland, with the most sightings from July to September. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the lighthouse is one of the better places on the coast to look. Hungry afterwards? See our guide to Australian foods you have to try.
Surf Byron Bay with Mojosurf
Mojosurf has been teaching people to surf since 1998. Our surf camp in Byron Bay is based at the Arts Factory Lodge, a ten-minute walk from town. Lessons are held at beaches near Lennox Head or Ballina, chosen for the conditions on the day, and transport to the surf is included.
- Byron Bay Surf and Stay Package: 3 to 8 days with accommodation, lessons and equipment.
- Byron Bay surf lessons: from a half day to five days. Group lessons are for ages 15 and over.
You need to be able to swim 50 metres unaided to join a lesson.
Keep exploring
- Byron Bay vs Spot X: which is right for you?
- Spot X and Arrawarra surf guide
- Surf camp Australia: compare our camps
Byron Bay surf questions
5 questions
Still have a question?
Ask a surferIs Byron Bay good for beginner surfers?
Yes. Main Beach is a sand-bottom beach break patrolled all year, and Wategos is a mellow point. The area also has waves for experienced surfers only, such as Lennox Point.
How much are surf lessons in Byron Bay?
Group lessons start at A$79 for a half day. Progressive packages cost A$147 for 2 days, A$215 for 3 days, A$284 for 4 days and A$352 for 5 days. Private lessons cost A$339 for up to 2 people. Group lessons are for ages 15 and over. See Byron Bay surf lessons.
Can you surf Byron Bay all year?
Yes. Summer and autumn bring easterly swells and warm water. Winter brings southerly swells and offshore winds. The cape means there is usually a sheltered option.
Do I need a wetsuit in Byron Bay?
Not in summer, when the water is about 25 to 27 °C. In winter it drops to about 19 to 22 °C and most people wear a springsuit or a 3/2 mm wetsuit.
When can I see whales?
Humpbacks pass from May to November, with the most sightings from July to September.
