Best surfing spots in United States
The best surfing spots in United States over the whole year.
Updated October 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Best waves in United States: January–February, April, October–December (around 2 m, water 22°C, shorty).
- Smaller waves and the warmest water, good for beginners: August (around 1.5 m, water 24°C, shorty).
- Top picks: Oahu – Pipeline, Kauai – Hanalei Bay & Oahu – Kailua Beach.
- For beginners: Santa Cruz – Cowell's & Morro Bay.
Oahu – PipelineHawaii · best January–February, November–December12 good monthsAdvanced only · 25°C water in season, no wetsuit · ✈ HNL 41 km2
Kauai – Hanalei BayHawaii · best January–February, December12 good monthsIntermediate and up · 25°C water in season, no wetsuit · ✈ LIH 32 km3
Oahu – Kailua BeachHawaii · best February, November–December12 good monthsIntermediate and up · 25°C water in season, no wetsuit · ✈ HNL 22 km4
Oahu – HaleiwaHawaii · best January–February, December12 good monthsIntermediate and up · 25°C water in season, no wetsuit · ✈ HNL 36 km5
Maui – Honolua BayHawaii · best February, November–December12 good monthsAdvanced only · 26°C water in season, no wetsuit · ✈ JHM 7 km6
Kanaha Beach Park – MauiHawaii · best February, November–December12 good monthsIntermediate and up · 25°C water in season, no wetsuit · ✈ OGG 0 km7
Maui – Ho'okipaHawaii · best February, November–December12 good monthsAdvanced only · 25°C water in season, no wetsuit · ✈ OGG 9 km8
Trestles – San ClementeCalifornia · best April–October12 good monthsIntermediate and up · 20°C water in season, 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ CLD 40 km9
Santa Cruz – Cowell'sCalifornia · best January–March12 good monthsBeginner-friendly · 13°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ MRY 45 km10
Morro BayCalifornia · best January–March, December12 good monthsBeginner-friendly · 14°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ SBP 25 kmThe best surfing spots in United States, ranked by wave height through the year, warm water and the number of good months, from years of weather data. Wave height: average daily maximum.
Month by month in United States
| Month | Waves | Water | Wetsuit | Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 2.2 m | 22°C | shorty | 23°C |
| FebruaryFeb | 2.3 m | 21°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 23°C |
| MarchMar | 2 m | 21°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 23°C |
| AprilApr | 1.8 m | 22°C | shorty | 24°C |
| MayMay | 1.7 m | 22°C | shorty | 25°C |
| JuneJun | 1.5 m | 23°C | shorty | 26°C |
| JulyJul | 1.5 m | 24°C | shorty | 27°C |
| AugustAug | 1.5 m | 24°C | shorty | 27°C |
| SeptemberSep | 1.5 m | 24°C | shorty | 28°C |
| OctoberOct | 1.7 m | 24°C | shorty | 27°C |
| NovemberNov | 2.1 m | 23°C | shorty | 25°C |
| DecemberDec | 2.2 m | 23°C | shorty | 24°C |
Averages of the 10 spots on this page. Best months highlighted. Air: average daytime high.
Questions
When is the best time for surfing in United States?
Best waves in United States: January–February, April, October–December (around 2 m, water 22°C, shorty). Smaller waves and the warmest water, good for beginners: August (around 1.5 m, water 24°C, shorty).
What wetsuit do I need in United States?
It depends on the month: about 24°C water in September (shorty) and about 21°C in March (3/2 wetsuit).
Is United States good for beginners?
Yes, these spots suit beginners: Santa Cruz – Cowell's & Morro Bay.
Which airport is closest?
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), 41 km from Oahu – Pipeline; Lihue Airport (LIH), 32 km from Kauai – Hanalei Bay; Kapalua Airport (JHM), 7 km from Maui – Honolua Bay.