Conditions at Santa Barbara in April
April: Swell Holds as Winds Argue
Average swell eases to 2.3m (7.5ft) and the average period drops to 10.8s in April - still plenty of energy, but a little shorter-period and less consistent. The wave rose shows a massive NNW component at 16.9%, with direct N/NNE/NE/ENE swell rising to around 18% of the total. That means the best directional window is beginning to open just as the storm track starts to weaken. The wind rose is evenly split: offshore S/SW flow about 27%, onshore N/NE about 25%, ideal surf windows 14%. It is a month of changeable, showery conditions, and the reliable spring north winds can put a chop on the swell. Water temperature stays cool at 16.5°C, while air temps average 15.8°C with 1.75 mm/day rain.
Average Spot conditions at Santa Barbara in April
Swell history for April
Wind history for April
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Santa Barbara during April. 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 Santa Barbara for your next trip in April.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Santa Barbara for April. 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 Santa Barbara.