Hermosa Beach • Surf Spot Statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The heart of the season at Hermosa Beach is set by the North Pacific storm track. As the Aleutian Low strengthens through late autumn and winter, the average period climbs into the 12-13s range and the dominant swell direction swings solidly into the W and WSW windows, the directions that light up this west-southwest-facing beach. The statistics show average heights around 2-3ft (0.6-0.9m), but the quality comes from the long period and from those days when a 3-5ft (0.9-1.5m) set arrives while offshore NE/ENE/E/ESE breezes keep the faces clean. Ideal wind frequencies peak at 29-33%, especially in November, December and January, often following Santa Ana events or offshore gradients behind cold fronts. This is the most consistent window for crisp, lined-up waves on the sandbars.

Fair Surf Season (April - June)

Spring and early summer are transitional. The swell window remains favorable with W/WSW swells still accounting for the majority, and April actually sees a high percentage of 1-2m (3-6ft) W swell. However, the wind regime becomes less cooperative as the Pacific High builds and the sea breeze strengthens. Ideal offshore wind frequencies drop to 18-21%, and afternoon onshore W/SW flow frequently puts a bump on the surface. Mornings can still deliver clean, long-period lines, but the daily wind cycle makes consistency harder to find.

Low Surf Season (July - September)

Summer is the slow season for Hermosa Beach. The North Pacific storm machine shuts down and the dominant swell becomes short-fetch SW/WSW windswell and distant southern hemi groundswell. Average heights stay around 2-3ft (0.6-0.9m), with very few waves over 5ft (1.5m). Onshore W/SW winds are present most days, and the ideal offshore wind frequency bottoms out at just 10-14%. It is the classic grovel window: small, soft and sometimes rippable in the early morning, but rarely with real power.