Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach, California, United States

Sports: Surfing, SUP

Best time to go: February–May

Huntington Beach is a long, straight sandy beach in Orange County, southern California, and the pier at its centre is one of the best-known surf landmarks in the United States. The beach faces south-west, so it picks up south swells from the southern hemisphere in summer and autumn, as well as some west and north-west swells in winter. Winds are often light or offshore in the mornings, with onshore sea breezes building most afternoons; north-easterly Santa Ana winds can bring clean, offshore days in autumn and winter.

The waves break over sand as peaks along the beach, with the best and most crowded banks usually next to the pier. Rip currents form between the sandbars and along the pier pilings, so stay well clear of the pilings. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards, and there are designated surfing and swimming areas that change with the season. It suits all levels, from beginners on small days to experienced surfers on solid swells. The pier line-up is busy and competitive, so give way to the surfer closest to the peak.

Month by month at Huntington Beach

January: 2 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 6 knots, waves 0.9 m, water 15°C, air 18°C (nights 9°C), 27 sunny days, 5 rainy days
February: 4 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 8 knots, waves 1.1 m, water 15°C, air 19°C (nights 9°C), 24 sunny days, 7 rainy days
March: 3 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 8 knots, waves 1.1 m, water 15°C, air 19°C (nights 10°C), 28 sunny days, 6 rainy days
April: 1 windy day (15+ knots), average wind 9 knots, waves 1.1 m, water 16°C, air 20°C (nights 12°C), 29 sunny days, 2 rainy days
May: 1 windy day (15+ knots), average wind 8 knots, waves 1 m, water 17°C, air 21°C (nights 14°C), 31 sunny days, 2 rainy days
June: 0 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 8 knots, waves 0.9 m, water 19°C, air 23°C (nights 16°C), 30 sunny days, 1 rainy day
July: 0 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 8 knots, waves 0.9 m, water 21°C, air 25°C (nights 17°C), 31 sunny days, 0 rainy days
August: 0 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 8 knots, waves 0.9 m, water 22°C, air 27°C (nights 18°C), 31 sunny days, 1 rainy day
September: 0 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 8 knots, waves 0.9 m, water 22°C, air 26°C (nights 18°C), 29 sunny days, 3 rainy days
October: 0 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 6 knots, waves 0.9 m, water 19°C, air 24°C (nights 15°C), 30 sunny days, 2 rainy days
November: 2 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 7 knots, waves 0.9 m, water 18°C, air 21°C (nights 11°C), 27 sunny days, 4 rainy days
December: 1 windy day (15+ knots), average wind 5 knots, waves 0.8 m, water 17°C, air 19°C (nights 10°C), 26 sunny days, 5 rainy days

When is the best time to go surfing at Huntington Beach?

February–May, when the waves are biggest.

How warm is the water at Huntington Beach?

15°C to 22°C over the year: a 3/2 full suit in the warmest month, a 5/4 with boots in the coolest.

How windy is Huntington Beach?

About 14 days a year with at least 2 hours of 15+ knots in the daytime, most in February.

Figures from 5 years of weather data (Open-Meteo).

Spots near Huntington Beach

More: All spots in United States · Surfing in United States · SUP in United States

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