Manhattan Beach • Surf Spot Statistics

Best Surf Season (November - February)

The North Pacific storm track is at full throttle from November through February, driving consistent long-period W and WSW swell straight into this west-southwest-facing beach. Average periods sit in the 12-second range and ideal offshore wind frequency jumps to 47-52 percent, making this the cleanest and most reliable window of the year. The waves are not huge on average, but the combination of long-period power and daily offshore NNE-to-E flow keeps the lineup well-shaped and rippable.

Fair Surf Season (March - April & September - October)

The shoulder months offer a genuine mix. In spring, winter groundswell is still in the water and sea temperatures are cool, but the afternoon W/SW sea breeze becomes more active and begins to put a cap on clean conditions. In autumn, the ocean is still warm, Southern-Hemisphere pulses are mixing with early North Pacific lows, and the wind quality is on the improve. September and October can deliver glassy mornings with surprisingly long-period surf, though the average size tends to be a touch smaller.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

May through August is the most challenging stretch for consistent quality. The North Pacific high strengthens, storms retreat, and the daily thermal low turns the wind onshore from the southwest and west by midday. Ideal offshore wind drops to just 24-31 percent of the time, while the swell is dominated by small but often long-period SW/WSW energy. Dawn patrol is the winning move; once the sea breeze kicks in, the surface gets ragged and the lineup turns to bump.