Is May a good time for surfing at Santa Monica?
May is a fair month for surfing at Santa Monica; the best time is January–February, December. Waves 1 m, water 17°C (4/3 wetsuit), air 20°C.
Plan your trip to Santa MonicaEvery month at a glance, daily wind and waves from years of weather statistics, photos, videos and local tips.Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Waves: 1 m on average (daily maximum)
- Water: 17°C, 4/3 wetsuit
- Air: 20°C by day, 14°C at night
- Weather: sun (6+ hours) on about 30 days, rain (1+ mm) on about 1; a day can have both
Wave height: average daily maximum. Figures from 4 years of weather data (Open-Meteo).
Best time to go →Other spots for surfing in May
Within 1,500 km, ranked by wave height and, a little, warm water.
Other surfing spots in the USA in May →Where to go surfing in May →Questions
Is May a good time for surfing at Santa Monica?
May is a fair month for surfing at Santa Monica; the best time is January–February, December. Waves 1 m, water 17°C (4/3 wetsuit), air 20°C.
How warm is the water at Santa Monica in May?
About 17°C: 4/3 wetsuit.
How big are the waves at Santa Monica in May?
About 1 m on average (daily maximum).
What is the weather like at Santa Monica in May?
Around 20°C by day and 14°C at night; sun (6+ hours) on about 30 days, rain (1+ mm) on about 1; a day can have both.
Where else can I go surfing in May?
Within 1,500 km: Todos Santos – Cerritos (1.6 m waves), Santa Cruz – Cowell's (2 m waves) & Trestles – San Clemente (1.1 m waves).
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