Map
Pacific City
Today's Surf Conditions at Pacific City
Spot Conditions Map
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Today's Surf & Wind Forecast (Hourly)
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Spot Overview & Description
Nestled against the dramatic backdrop of Cape Kiwanda, Pacific City offers a welcoming, flat-bottomed beachbreak that rolls across soft sand. Waves peel both right and left, but this is no freight train—it’s a forgiving, user-friendly setup that prioritizes fun over fury. The waves are generally soft and playful, ideal for surfers seeking smooth, approachable rides rather than heaving, hollower freight. The inside sandbars see steady traffic, as the breakers remain gentle and consistent. But when a decent swell pushes in, a more consequential right emerges off the barren cape, offering longer lines and a bigger stage for those willing to paddle a little farther out. Pacific City is where surfability meets scenery—easygoing, accessible, and never intimidating.
Best Surf Season & Climatology
Best Surf Season (October - March)
The North Pacific roars to life as autumn deepens into winter, delivering consistent, powerful swell from the SW to WNW quadrant. Average wave heights climb to 2.4-2.8m with long-period energy (12-13s) generated by strong extratropical storms. Offshore winds from the E to NE blow cleanly across the beach 35-41% of the time, creating lined-up, hollow waves that make Pacific City a go-to destination for experienced surfers. December and January are the peak months for size and power, while October and November offer slightly lighter winds and a higher percentage of glassy mornings.
Fair Surf Season (April - May & September)
Transitional months see a gradual decline in swell height and period: April averages 2.1m/11.6s, while September picks back up to 1.5m/10.8s with an improving wind statistic (37% ideal). Spring brings a mix of lingering winter groundswells and early summer NW windswell, but the wind pattern becomes more fickle—onshore sea breezes develop in the afternoon and the percentage of offshore flow drops to 20-23%. September is a standout: the ocean starts to wake up with the first significant NW groundswells, and the high-pressure ridge often delivers early morning offshore winds, making for clean, punchy surf in the 1-1.5m range.
Low Surf Season (June - August)
Summer settles in with small, weak NW swell averaging 1.3-1.4m and short periods between 9.7-10.3s. The vast majority of waves are generated by local NW windswell, often messy and choppy. Onshore winds dominate—especially the strong afternoon NNW sea breeze that accounts for up to 27% of wind observations in June. Ideal offshore conditions drop to 19-27%, and when they occur, it's usually in the early morning before the thermal gradient kicks in. Waves rarely exceed 1.5m, making it a time for longboards, fun boards, and groveling. The few clean days with a pulse of longer-period NW swell can still deliver fun rippable waves, but consistency is low.
Detailed Surf Information for Pacific City
Detailed Surf Forecast
Access our detailed 8-day swell and wind forecast charts for Pacific City with tidal graphs, period ranges, and daily forecast text summaries.
Swell & Wind Statistics
Explore historical swell consistency, wave heights, and offshore wind windows month-by-month, compiled from over 40 years of data.
Historical Surf Report
Browse the historical database archives to view past wave reports and understand spot climatology during specific years and months.
