Richards Bay marine weather forecast
Richards Bay (ZARCB) is a port in South Africa at 28°48.6′S 32°5.9′E. Today (Sep 18): SSW wind 8–16 kn, waves 3.1–4.0 m, from the ECMWF IFS run 2026-09-18 12z. The live chart on this page shows current conditions and plans weather-optimized departures from this harbor.
Port facts (NGA World Port Index)| Position | 28°48.6′S 32°5.9′E |
|---|
| UN/LOCODE | ZARCB |
|---|
| Harbor size | Medium |
|---|
| Harbor type | Coastal breakwater harbor |
|---|
| Shelter | Fair |
|---|
| Channel depth | 19 m |
|---|
| Anchorage depth | 19 m |
|---|
| Tide range | 2 m |
|---|
| Pilotage | Compulsory |
|---|
| Time zone | Africa/Johannesburg |
|---|
Facilities & services (NGA World Port Index)| Cargo handling | Containers, Liquid bulk, Break bulk, Oil terminal |
|---|
| Tugs | Assistance available |
|---|
| Supplies | Fuel oil, diesel, water, provisions |
|---|
| Repairs | Limited |
|---|
| Medical facilities | Available |
|---|
| Largest vessel | 300 m length overall, 50 m beam, 18 m draft |
|---|
10-day marine forecast — Richards Bay
| Date | Wind | Gusts | Waves |
|---|
| SSW 8–16 kn | 33 kn | 3.1–4.0 m |
|---|
| SSW 1–6 kn | 13 kn | 2.6–3.7 m |
|---|
| N 2–8 kn | 18 kn | 1.9–2.4 m |
|---|
| S 2–5 kn | 12 kn | 1.9–1.9 m |
|---|
| NNE 1–6 kn | 8 kn | 1.8–1.9 m |
|---|
| N 6–12 kn | 15 kn | 1.9–2.0 m |
|---|
| S 6–11 kn | 14 kn | 1.5–1.9 m |
|---|
| ENE 5–5 kn | 14 kn | 1.6–1.6 m |
|---|
| NNE 13–13 kn | 26 kn | 2.1–2.1 m |
|---|
| SSE 10–10 kn | 30 kn | 2.2–2.2 m |
|---|
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 16 kn on Sep 18. The highest modeled significant wave height is 4.0 m on Sep 18. Compare the dated model run with official forecasts and warnings before departure.
Frequently asked
How is the weather at Richards Bay right now?
As of the ECMWF IFS run 2026-09-18 12z: SSW wind 8–16 kn, waves 3.1–4.0 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 Richards Bay?
Richards Bay is classed as a medium harbor (coastal breakwater harbor), with fair shelter in the NGA World Port Index.
How deep is the approach to Richards Bay?
Per the NGA World Port Index, the entrance channel carries about 19 m and anchorage depths run about 19 m. Verify against current official charts before entry.
What restricts entry to Richards Bay?
Entry is affected by overhead clearance limits. Check the live forecast on this page and official notices before approach.
What is the largest vessel Richards Bay can take?
The NGA World Port Index lists the maximum vessel at about 300 m length overall, 50 m beam, 18 m draft. Confirm current limits with the port authority before arrival.