Hermosa Beach - surf spot statistics

``` { "spot_name": "Hermosa Beach", "seasonal_overview": "

Best Surf Season (October - March)

Winter months deliver the most consistent action at Hermosa Beach. The North Pacific storm track fires up, sending long-period W and WSW swells marching toward the South Bay with average heights in the 0.8-0.9m range and periods around 12 seconds. Offshore flow from the east (NE, ENE, E, ESE) becomes more frequent, especially from December through February, keeping wave faces clean and lined up. This is when the combo of solid W groundswell and glassy morning winds aligns most often, offering fun, rippable waves on the better days.

Fair Surf Season (April, May, September)

Spring and early fall are transitional periods where swell quality drops but occasional windows appear. April and May still see a decent supply of W and WSW swell, though average heights hover around 0.9m. The issue is increasing onshore flow from the W and WSW, pushing the percentage of ideal wind below 25%. September sees a similar pattern with a slight uptick in offshore wind probability as summer fades. Look for clean, waist-high surf during the early mornings or when a cutoff low delivers a rare easterly breeze.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Summer is the quietest stretch for Hermosa Beach. The dominant swell shifts to SW and SSW, which are less direct for the WSW-facing beach, often wrapping in with less power. Average heights drop to 0.8m while the period remains long (12.6-12.7s), meaning the energy is there but the size is marginal. Onshore westerlies prevail 70-80% of the time, with ideal offshore winds dipping to just 10-12% in July and August. Most days offer small, groveling conditions best left for a longboard or a foamie, though occasional S/SSW swell pulses can produce playful, midsized waves if the wind cooperates.

", "monthly_stats": { "january": "

January: Peak Winter Punch

January is prime time for Hermosa Beach. The average swell height sits at 0.8m with a long period of 12.4s, indicating energetic, well-organized groundswell. The swell direction is heavily dominated by W (58.9%) and WSW (27.6%) – both optimal angles that wrap directly into the beach. Offshore wind from the east quadrant (NE, ENE, E, ESE) occurs 36% of the time, the highest percentage of the year, with gentle speeds mostly under 10-20kph. This combination produces clean, fun-sized waves in the 0.5-1.5m range, perfect for shortboarders. Light onshore flow from the W (12%) and WNW (12.3%) can still spoil the texture, so aim for early mornings when easterly gradients are strongest.

", "february": "

February: Steady Westerly Swell

February maintains the winter rhythm with an average swell height of 0.9m and a period of 12.0s. Swell direction is again dominated by W (50.8%) and WSW (34.2%), delivering a consistent mix of mid-period groundswell. The ideal offshore wind percentage drops slightly to 31%, with NE and E directions still providing clearing conditions, especially during cold fronts. Onshore W winds become more frequent (15.6%) and can get gusty into the afternoon. Waves are typically in the 0.5-1.5m range, with occasional pulses over 2m from stronger storms. This month rewards patience – wait for a NE breeze to groom those long W lines into crisp, hollow walls.

", "march": "

March: Transition with Potential

March sees the average swell height hold at 0.9m and period dip slightly to 11.7s, signaling a gradual shift toward spring patterns. W swell (45.3%) still leads, but WSW (39.1%) becomes almost equally abundant. Offshore wind probability decreases to 25%, as onshore W and WNW flow (21.7% and 14.8%) becomes more dominant. The good news is that strong W and WSW swells from late-winter storms can still produce solid, firing waves in the 1-2m range on the best days. Look for windows of NE or E wind after a cold front passes – those sessions deliver the cleanest conditions before the afternoon sea breeze kicks in.

", "april": "

April: Sizing Down

April marks a noticeable drop in wave power as winter loses its grip. Average swell height remains at 0.9m but the period stays long (12.0s), so the swell that does arrive has good energy. Swell direction shifts: W (38.9%) and WSW (38.7%) share the dominant role, while SW (18.5%) begins to creep in. Offshore wind dips to just 22%, with onshore W winds (25.3%) and WSW (15.4%) frequently ruffling the surface. The result is clean but inconsistent surf – typically waist-high on the better days. Early morning easterly breezes are your best bet for smooth conditions. Spring tides can also expose more beach, creating steeper takeoffs on the plus side.

", "may": "

May: Marginal But Manageable

May continues the spring slowdown with an average height of 0.9m and period of 12.0s. Swell direction is now led by WSW (40.2%), with SW (24.2%) and W (29.3%) still in the mix. Ideal wind drops to only 20%, the lowest so far, as onshore westerlies (W at 23.5%, WSW at 18.9%) dominate the afternoons. The swell is often small and soft, peaking in the 0.5-1m range, though occasional long-period pulses can produce rideable 1-1.5m waves. This is a good month for longboarding or groveling, especially during those rare NE or E wind events that can polish up the lines for a few hours in the morning.

", "june": "

June: Summer Lull Begins

June ushers in the summer doldrums for Hermosa. Average swell height drops to 0.8m with a long period of 12.6s, indicating that the swell is present but lacks push. The dominant swell directions shift further south: SW (30.8%) and WSW (43.4%) combine for over 74%, while W (18.8%) fades. Offshore wind is scarce at just 18%, with onshore W (22.7%) and WSW (22.2%) winds prevalent. Expect small, weak waves mostly under 1m, suited for soft-top surfing or practice. The long period means any south-swell wrappers can occasionally produce fun chest-high waves if they catch the tide right and the wind lays down early.

", "july": "

July: Smallest Surf of the Year

July is the absolute low point for surf quality at Hermosa Beach. Average height is 0.8m with a period of 12.7s. Swell is overwhelmingly from SW (39.3%) and WSW (37.7%), with a growing contribution from SSW (14%). These southern swells are poorly aligned with the WSW-facing beach, leading to mushy, weak lines. Ideal wind hits bottom at only 12%, as persistent onshore W (28.9%) and WSW (24.7%) winds dominate day after day. Most of the time you’re looking at knee- to waist-high chop unless a rare eddy or thermal gradient brings an easterly breeze. Summer is best for a dawn patrol on a longboard.

", "august": "

August: Still in the Slump

August remains in the summer slump with average swell height still 0.8m and period 12.5s. Swell directions mirror July: SW (38.7%) and WSW (38.6%) rule, with S/SSW beginning to appear more. Offshore wind is the worst of the year at just 10%, as onshore W winds (33.3%) and WSW (25.3%) relentlessly blow. The rare easterly breeze is almost nonexistent. Waves are small, weak, and often choppy, usually in the 0.5-1m range. If a hurricane or tropical storm spins up in the eastern Pacific, it can sent a long-period SSW swell that wraps in with more size and period – but that’s a once-a-year bet. Otherwise, pack the foam board and enjoy the sun.

", "september": "

September: Early Season Hope

September shows the first signs of recovery. Average swell height stays small at 0.8m but period holds at 12.6s. Swell direction is still dominated by SW (35.9%) and WSW (38.8%), but a slight uptick in W (11.1%) suggests the autumn transition is underway. Offshore wind improves to 14% as northerly and easterly gradients begin to strengthen. Onshore W winds (31.0%) still prevail but are often lighter in the mornings. The combination of long-period south swell and occasional easterly breezes can produce clean, waist-high waves on the better days. Hurricane season in the Pacific can also deliver pulse swell that pushes heights into the 1-1.5m range with good shape.

", "october": "

October: Swell Comeback

October marks a clear shift toward the winter pattern. Average swell height remains modest at 0.7m, but the period rises to 12.9s – the longest of the year – indicating more powerful, distant swell sources. Swell direction becomes more westerly: W (16.4%), WSW (38.8%), and SW (34.9%). The increased W component is excellent for Hermosa. Offshore wind probability jumps to 24%, with NE, E, and SE winds becoming more frequent, especially during high-pressure setups. Onshore W winds (22.0%) are still present but less aggressive. Expect clean, long-period waves that can hold size up to 1-1.5m on the best days. This is the month when the post-summer lull breaks and surfers start dusting off their shortboards.

", "november": "

November: Building Momentum

November ramps up the energy. Average swell height is 0.7m but period remains strong at 12.3s. Swell direction is led by W (38.2%) and WSW (35.9%), with SW still contributing (19.6%). The winter storm track is becoming active, sending more consistent W groundswell. Offshore wind improves to 31%, with NE and E winds (9.7% and 3.1% respectively) providing regular clean windows. Onshore westerlies (W 16.3%, WNW 13.0%) still affect afternoons, but morning sessions are often glassy. Waves are consistent and fun, often in the 0.5-1.5m range with occasional larger pulses from strong storms. The increased frequency of offshore flow makes November a solid choice for quality surf.

", "december": "

December: Winter Peak Begins

December is one of the best months at Hermosa Beach. Average swell height climbs back to 0.8m with a period of 12.4s. Swell direction is overwhelmingly W (53.6%) and WSW (29.5%), the optimal windows for the beach. Offshore wind is highest of the year at 35%, with NE (11.7%) and N (10.0%) winds often present after cold front passages. Onshore winds from W and WNW are less frequent than in other months. This combination yields powerful, long-period surf that frequently reaches the fun to good range (1-1.5m) and occasionally pumps into the 1.5-2.5m range. The clean, lined-up waves make December prime time for shortboard performance and even some hollow sections at the better sandbars.

" } } ```