Surfnerd Short Icon

South Pier – Great Lakes

Hourly Forecast
Timezone: America/Detroit
GFS Atmos (run: 20250704 18)
GFS Wave (run: 20250704 18)
⏱️s.
⚡️kJ
🔮
🌒
Saturday 6
Sunday 7
Monday 1
Tuesday 2
Wednesday 3
Thursday 4
Join Surfnerd+
Unlock wave energy for all spots
Check 12-days ahead with Surfnerd+
🌟 Learn more on how to read a surf forecast

Primary Swell

Check 12-days ahead with Surfnerd+

Primary Swell Energy

kJ
Join Surfnerd+ to check wave energy for all spots
Join Surfnerd+

Wind

Check 12-days ahead with Surfnerd+

Tide

Check 12-days ahead with Surfnerd+

Secondary Swell

Join Surfnerd+ to check secondary swells for all spots
Join Surfnerd+

Tertiary Swell

Join Surfnerd+ to check tertiary swells for all spots
Join Surfnerd+
Join Surfnerd for free to check this forecast
Join Surfnerd to check forecasts, set your homespot, save and create spots and log your surf sessions.
Sign up with Google

Do you already have an account? Login instead.

Ideal surf conditions at South Pier – Great Lakes

Swell window
SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW
Best swell direction
NW
Swell size
3ft - 8ft
Swell breaks over
Sand
Wave directions
Right
Wind window
E
Offshore wind
E
Works at
Low, Mid, High
(Better on rising)
Skill Level
Beginner

South Pier – Great Lakes surf guide

South Pier is a surf spot located in the Great Lakes region, particularly popular among surfers looking for a break in the windy city, Chicago. The area features a mix of urban beach vibe and access to various surf conditions, making it a decent spot for both new and experienced surfers. The pier is a well-known location for those looking to catch some waves off Lake Michigan, and it's often frequented by local surfers when the conditions are right.

This spot works best with a northwesterly swell direction, but it can also handle swells coming from the southwest. It's ideal for surfing when the waves are around 3 ft (about 0.9 meters), and you can expect right-handed waves breaking over sand. If you're heading out, aim for low to mid or even high tides, as these will give you the best chance to catch some action. The best wind direction is from the east, which tends to set up nice waves here, making it a suitable choice for beginner surfers looking to improve their skills.

Access to South Pier is pretty straightforward, and once you’re out, you'll find some jetty breaks a bit further south. The spot can get a bit busy, especially on weekends, so it's good to keep that in mind when planning your session. With some patience and the right conditions, South Pier can serve up a fun day of surfing.

Surf reports and surf forecasts nearby South Pier – Great Lakes