Mavericks – Half Moon Bay
Princeton-by-the-Sea, California (San Mateo County), United States
Sports: Surfing, Tow foiling
Best time to go: February–March
Mavericks is a deep-water reef about half a mile off Pillar Point, north of Half Moon Bay. It needs a large north-west or west swell to break, and then produces heavy, steep rights and some lefts that can reach well over 10 metres on the biggest days. Easterly winds blow offshore, and the season runs from November to February.
The wave is one of the most dangerous in the world: cold water, a long hold-down zone and rocks just inside the break have caused serious accidents. Surfers paddle out from Pillar Point Harbor or use jet skis on the biggest days. It is no place for anyone but experienced big-wave surfers with proper safety support. Spectators can watch from the bluff near the Pillar Point air station, keeping away from the cliff edge.
Month by month at Mavericks – Half Moon Bay
- January: 5 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 7 knots, waves 2 m, water 13°C, air 15°C (nights 8°C), 24 sunny days, 9 rainy days
- February: 7 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 9 knots, waves 2.2 m, water 13°C, air 15°C (nights 8°C), 21 sunny days, 10 rainy days
- March: 6 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 9 knots, waves 2.1 m, water 12°C, air 15°C (nights 9°C), 27 sunny days, 12 rainy days
- April: 4 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 9 knots, waves 1.8 m, water 12°C, air 15°C (nights 9°C), 28 sunny days, 7 rainy days
- May: 2 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 8 knots, waves 1.9 m, water 12°C, air 16°C (nights 10°C), 31 sunny days, 3 rainy days
- June: 2 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 7 knots, waves 1.7 m, water 13°C, air 17°C (nights 11°C), 29 sunny days, 1 rainy day
- July: 0 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 6 knots, waves 1.4 m, water 14°C, air 18°C (nights 12°C), 31 sunny days, 1 rainy day
- August: 0 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 6 knots, waves 1.3 m, water 15°C, air 19°C (nights 13°C), 30 sunny days, 2 rainy days
- September: 0 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 6 knots, waves 1.4 m, water 16°C, air 21°C (nights 14°C), 29 sunny days, 3 rainy days
- October: 1 windy day (15+ knots), average wind 6 knots, waves 1.6 m, water 15°C, air 21°C (nights 12°C), 29 sunny days, 4 rainy days
- November: 3 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 7 knots, waves 1.8 m, water 14°C, air 17°C (nights 9°C), 24 sunny days, 8 rainy days
- December: 4 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 6 knots, waves 2 m, water 14°C, air 15°C (nights 9°C), 21 sunny days, 11 rainy days
When is the best time to go surfing & tow foiling at Mavericks – Half Moon Bay?
February–March, when the waves are biggest.
How warm is the water at Mavericks – Half Moon Bay?
12°C to 16°C over the year: a 5/4 with boots in the warmest month, a 5/4 with hood, boots and gloves in the coolest.
How windy is Mavericks – Half Moon Bay?
About 33 days a year with at least 2 hours of 15+ knots in the daytime, most in February.
Figures from 4 years of weather data (Open-Meteo).
Spots near Mavericks – Half Moon Bay
- San Francisco Bay – Crissy Field (35 km)
- Santa Cruz – Cowell's (72 km)
- Sherman Island – Sacramento Delta (87 km)
- Morro Bay (277 km)
More: All spots in United States · Surfing in United States · Tow foiling in United States
Compare with: Mavericks – Half Moon Bay vs Santa Cruz – Cowell's · Mavericks – Half Moon Bay vs Morro Bay