Blacks Beach - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Pacific stirs to life during these months, and Blacks Beach reaps the rewards. A climatological ramp-up in extratropical storm activity across the Pacific sends consistent, long-period swell trains marching toward the California coast. Dominant swells from the W and WSW – ideal windows for this west-facing gem – push average heights into the 1-1.5m range, with plenty of overhead-plus days when storm tracks align. The real key, though, is the wind. As high pressure builds over the interior West, offshore flow from the east (E, ENE, ESE) kicks in 40-50% of the time, grooming those powerful, 12-14 second lines into pristine, rippable walls. This is prime time for Blacks Beach.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

Transition months bring a mixed bag. In April, the Pacific storm track starts to weaken, but lingering WNW and W swells still produce fun, shoulder-high waves with an average period of 13.3s – plenty of punch. However, offshore wind windows shrink to about 19%, and onshore westerlies begin to creep in more often, so you need to pick your days. September sees a similar pattern: a shift from summer southwesterly slop to more westerly energy, with long-period groundswell still in the mix. Offshore flow returns to 7% of the time, offering occasional clean windows between the prevailing afternoon seabreezes. It's not prime, but it's far from flat.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer is the off-season at Blacks Beach. The Pacific storm machine goes quiet, and the dominant swell shifts to the SW and WSW – still rideable, but often coming from a less optimal angle. Average heights hover around 1m with plenty of 0.5-1m days. The real killer is the wind. The North Pacific High strengthens, driving persistent onshore westerlies that chop up the swell and blow out the lineup. Ideal offshore wind plummets to 1-8% during these months, making clean conditions a rare, precious commodity. When the combination of a long-period SW swell and a rare morning offshore breeze aligns, though, you can score some glassy, fun-sized waves. It's a waiting game.

February: Consistent Power

February remains solidly in the winter groove. Swell direction holds steady: W at 53.2% and WSW at 32.5% dominate, with SW adding 9.0%. Wave heights are similar to January, averaging 1.1m, but with a slightly higher proportion of 1-1.5m faces (21.0% pure W) and a touch more 1.5-2.5m swell (7.2% combined). The average period of 12.4 seconds keeps things punchy and rideable. Offshore wind percentages dip a bit to 41%, but the east-northeasterly flow (ENE 8.0%, E 6.2%, ESE 5.2%) still provides plenty of clean windows. The onshore westerlies start to nudge up (W 13.7%, WNW 12.2%), so be ready to chase the early-morning glass-offs. This is still a prime month to score Blacks Beach at its best.