Conditions at Santa Barbara in September
September: First Autumn Pulse
September is the transition month that keeps hope alive. Average swell jumps to 1.8m (5.9ft) and the period stretches back to 10.5s, signalling the return of more organised Atlantic groundswell. NNW swell is still the workhorse at 21.7%, and the favourable N/NNE/NE/ENE quadrant reaches about 24%, the highest share of the year. This means Santa Barbara starts to see more waves in the 1.5-2.5m (5-8ft) range with punchy, rideable period. The wind remains summer-influenced - N/NE is roughly 30% and ideal S/SW offshore around 26% - but the ideal surfing window is 21%. Water is still warm at 23.1°C, air temp averages 22.1°C, and rain is starting to return at 1.82 mm/day. Late September can be a hidden gem.
Average Spot conditions at Santa Barbara in September
Swell history for September
Wind history for September
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Santa Barbara during September. Based on historical data, there is a % probability of groundswell occurring this month. The chart below provides a detailed breakdown of the average wave height distribution, offering deep insights into the swell quality and surf potential you can expect at Santa Barbara for your next trip in September.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Santa Barbara for September. Our analysis shows that favorable offshore or side-shore winds coincide with surfable swell approximately % of the time. The accompanying graph illustrates the average size distribution of waves during these optimal wind windows at Santa Barbara.