Conditions at Stockton in September
September: Hurricane Season Sparks a Comeback
September is the true turning point. The average swell height climbs back to 2ft (0.6m) and the average period jumps to 8.0s, the highest of the year. The swell direction shifts to SE (19.8%), ESE (18.4%) and SSE (12.8%), with S at 8.2%. This is Stockton's best chance of seeing the 3-5ft (1-1.5m) range as early-season extratropical storms and tropical cyclones track up the coast. The wind is still not perfect - SSW (8.5%) and S (7.7%) are common onshore flows - but N/NNE/NNW totals are increasing, and east-northeast winds (ENE 8.4%) can groom the surface at this exposed spot. With water temps still warm at 23.2°C and air temps averaging 21.5°C, September can deliver some of the most comfortable surf sessions of the year. The key is to be ready when a named storm offshore lines up SE swell with a northwest wind.
Average Spot conditions at Stockton in September
Swell history for September
Wind history for September
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Stockton 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 Stockton for your next trip in September.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Stockton 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 Stockton.