Surfing in California
7 surfing spots in California, United States. The colours show each month: the stronger, the better for surfing.
Updated October 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Best waves in California: May–September (around 1.2 m, water 18°C, 4/3 wetsuit).
- Smaller waves and the warmest water, good for beginners: July–September (around 1.1 m, water 19°C, 3/2 wetsuit).
- Top picks: Trestles – San Clemente, Malibu – Surfrider Beach & Santa Cruz – Cowell's.
- For beginners: Malibu – Surfrider Beach, Santa Cruz – Cowell's & Morro Bay.
Trestles – San ClementeCalifornia (Orange / San Diego County), United States · best April–OctoberIntermediate and up · 20°C water in season, 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ CLD 40 km
Malibu – Surfrider BeachCalifornia (Los Angeles County), United States · best May–OctoberBeginner-friendly · 20°C water in season, 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ LAX 27 km
Santa Cruz – Cowell'sCalifornia, United States · best January–MarchBeginner-friendly · 13°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ MRY 45 km
Morro BayCalifornia (San Luis Obispo County), United States · best January–March, DecemberBeginner-friendly · 14°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ SBP 25 km
Huntington BeachCalifornia, United States · best May–SeptemberBeginner-friendly · 20°C water in season, 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ SNA 13 km
Mavericks – Half Moon BayCalifornia (San Mateo County), United States · best February–MarchAdvanced only · 13°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ SFO 18 km
Blacks Beach – La JollaCalifornia (San Diego), United States · best January–JuneAdvanced only · 17°C water in season, 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ SAN 18 kmWave height: average daily maximum.
Month by month in California
| Month | Waves | Water | Wetsuit | Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 1.5 m | 14°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 17°C |
| FebruaryFeb | 1.6 m | 15°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 17°C |
| MarchMar | 1.6 m | 14°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 18°C |
| AprilApr | 1.4 m | 15°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 18°C |
| MayMay | 1.4 m | 16°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 19°C |
| JuneJun | 1.3 m | 17°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 21°C |
| JulyJul | 1.1 m | 18°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 23°C |
| AugustAug | 1.1 m | 19°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 25°C |
| SeptemberSep | 1.2 m | 19°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 25°C |
| OctoberOct | 1.3 m | 18°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 23°C |
| NovemberNov | 1.4 m | 16°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 19°C |
| DecemberDec | 1.4 m | 16°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 18°C |
Averages of the 7 spots on this page. Best months highlighted. Air: average daytime high.
Questions
When is the best time for surfing in California?
Best waves in California: May–September (around 1.2 m, water 18°C, 4/3 wetsuit). Smaller waves and the warmest water, good for beginners: July–September (around 1.1 m, water 19°C, 3/2 wetsuit).
What wetsuit do I need in California?
It depends on the month: about 19°C water in September (3/2 wetsuit) and about 14°C in March (5/4 wetsuit and boots).
Is California good for beginners?
Yes, these spots suit beginners: Malibu – Surfrider Beach, Santa Cruz – Cowell's, Morro Bay & Huntington Beach.
Which airport is closest?
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD), 40 km from Trestles – San Clemente; Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), 27 km from Malibu – Surfrider Beach; Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), 45 km from Santa Cruz – Cowell's.