Best Time to Ride · Bodega Bay – Doran Beach vs Santa Cruz – Cowell's
Bodega Bay – Doran Beach vs Santa Cruz – Cowell's: which is better for surfing?
Bodega Bay – Doran Beach or Santa Cruz – Cowell's? Month by month: windy days, waves and water temperature side by side, from years of weather data.
Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Santa Cruz – Cowell's has bigger waves in 12 of 12 months.
- Santa Cruz – Cowell's has warmer water in 10 of 12 months.
- Best months at Bodega Bay – Doran Beach: January–February.
- Best months at Santa Cruz – Cowell's: January–March.
- 175 km apart.
BestJan–Feb
Doran Beach
Bodega Bay · United States
Intermediate and up · 13°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ STS 29 km
Wave height per month (m, average daily max)
JFMAMJJASOND1.71.61.41.210.70.60.60.70.81.31.5
Water temperature per month (°C)
JFMAMJJASOND131312121112131315151313
Best time to go →
BestJan–Mar
Cowell's
Santa Cruz · United States
Beginner-friendly · 13°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ MRY 45 km
Wave height per month (m, average daily max)
JFMAMJJASOND2.42.62.4221.81.51.41.61.92.22.3
Water temperature per month (°C)
JFMAMJJASOND131313131314151616161414
Best time to go →Wave height: average daily maximum. Water: average sea surface temperature.