East London marine weather forecast
East London (ZAELS) is a port in South Africa at 33°2.0′S 27°55.0′E. Today (Sep 16): SSW wind 3–8 kn, waves 2.3–3.7 m, from the ECMWF IFS run 2026-09-16 00z. The live chart on this page shows current conditions and plans weather-optimized departures from this harbor.
Port facts (NGA World Port Index)| Position | 33°2.0′S 27°55.0′E |
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| UN/LOCODE | ZAELS |
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| Harbor size | Small |
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| Harbor type | River natural harbor |
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| Shelter | Excellent |
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| Channel depth | 11 m |
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| Anchorage depth | 23 m |
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| Tide range | 2 m |
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| Pilotage | Compulsory |
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| Time zone | Africa/Johannesburg |
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Facilities & services (NGA World Port Index)| Tugs | Assistance and salvage available |
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| Supplies | Fuel oil, diesel, water, provisions |
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| Repairs | Major (hull, machinery, electrical) |
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| Medical facilities | Available |
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10-day marine forecast — East London
| Date | Wind | Gusts | Waves |
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| SSW 3–8 kn | 16 kn | 2.3–3.7 m |
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| SSE 3–9 kn | 16 kn | 3.6–4.2 m |
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| ESE 2–14 kn | 26 kn | 3.3–3.9 m |
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| E 3–10 kn | 18 kn | 2.7–3.2 m |
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| WNW 1–4 kn | 5 kn | 2.4–2.6 m |
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| WSW 4–5 kn | 6 kn | 2.5–2.6 m |
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| NW 3–3 kn | 4 kn | 2.2–2.2 m |
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| NW 2–2 kn | 12 kn | 2.0–2.0 m |
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| W 5–5 kn | 11 kn | 2.8–2.8 m |
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| ENE 10–10 kn | 19 kn | 5.4–5.4 m |
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Forecast from the ECMWF IFS model run , waves from ECMWF WAM. Updated with each model cycle; the live chart below recalculates for your departure time and vessel.
What to watch in the forecast
Across the loaded 10-day outlook, the strongest daily modeled wind reaches 14 kn on Sep 18. The highest modeled significant wave height is 5.4 m on Sep 25. Compare the dated model run with official forecasts and warnings before departure.
Frequently asked
How is the weather at East London right now?
As of the ECMWF IFS run 2026-09-16 00z: SSW wind 3–8 kn, waves 2.3–3.7 m. The 10-day outlook is in the forecast table on this page and updates with each model cycle.
How big is the harbor at East London?
East London is classed as a small harbor (river natural harbor), with excellent shelter in the NGA World Port Index.
How deep is the approach to East London?
Per the NGA World Port Index, the entrance channel carries about 11 m and anchorage depths run about 23 m. Verify against current official charts before entry.
What restricts entry to East London?
Entry is affected by overhead clearance limits. Check the live forecast on this page and official notices before approach.