Long Beach • Surf Spot Statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The heart of Long Beach's surf year arrives when the North Atlantic storm track wakes up. From October through March, passing extratropical cyclones and Nor'easters kick up larger, more consistent swells from the E/SE/S window, while post-frontal high pressure delivers frequent offshore winds from the N/NW quadrant. Average wave heights run 4-5ft (1.2-1.5m), with periods hovering in the 7-8s band. That combination produces hollow, punchy sandbars and some of the most rideable waves of the year, although the colder months come with water temperatures near 4-8°C and serious winter rubber. When the NAO index slips negative, Nor'easters can park just off the Mid-Atlantic coast and send especially strong E/SE swell straight into the beach.

Fair Surf Season (April - May & September)

The shoulder seasons offer good, less consistent surf. April and May see more south and southeast swell, but the average size drops to 3-4ft (0.9-1.3m) and periods remain in the average 7.3-7.5s range. September is the standout of the fair season: tropical systems in the western Atlantic can push longer-period E/SE/S swell into the beach, and the average period jumps to 8.4s - higher than any other month. These months also bring milder air, warmer water, and lighter mornings, making them popular for loggers and grovelers when the consistency is there.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Summer is the quietest stretch at Long Beach. The Bermuda High strengthens, the westerlies retreat to the north, and the S/SSW wind regime dominates with afternoon sea breezes. Average swell heights bottom out around 3ft (0.9-1.0m), periods sit at 7.0-7.6s, and most of the energy is locally generated south/southeast windswell. The swell direction is technically favorable - plenty of SSE and S waves - but the size and short-period nature leave the sandbars fat and crumbly. Mornings can still offer clean, small waves before the onshore wind kicks in, and the warm 18-22°C water makes summer a time for fun, frothy days rather than serious ripping.