Hermosa Beach - surf spot statistics

Hermosa Beach offers relatively consistent swell conditions year-round, with ground swells dominating most months, particularly from June through September, where they account for 79-82% of the swell activity. The mean swell size hovers between 0.7m and 0.9m, peaking in winter (November to February) with slightly larger waves. However, wind conditions are often unfavorable, with the highest likelihood of bad winds occurring from April to September, when onshore winds prevail 74-81% of the time. The best balance between swell consistency and manageable winds appears in late fall and early winter (October to December), where ground swells remain solid (63-77%), and wind conditions improve slightly with good winds reaching 29-34%. January and February also see decent ground swells (72-73%) but still suffer from higher bad wind probabilities (63-65%). Summer months (June-August) bring the cleanest ground swell dominance (79-81%) but are plagued by poor wind conditions (79-81% bad winds), making the waves choppy and less ideal. For surfers prioritizing quality, late fall and early winter offer the most promising combination of reliable swell and slightly better wind odds, though patience for favorable wind days is key.

January at Hermosa Beach offers manageable surf conditions with an average swell height of 0.9m and a solid period of 13.5s, indicating well-spaced, quality waves. The swell direction is predominantly from the west (W) and west-southwest (WSW), contributing to the majority of rideable waves, particularly in the 0.5-2.5m range. The best sessions come when the swell produces waves in the 1-1.5m and 1.5-2m ranges, which occur frequently enough to deliver fun, head-high sets. Wind conditions are favorable 37% of the time, with lighter winds (0-20kph) being most common. Offshore or light cross-shore winds from the northeast (NE-NNE) occur occasionally, helping to groom the waves. However, stronger onshore winds from the west and northwest (W, WNW) can occasionally disrupt conditions. Overall, January provides consistent surf with a mix of smaller, playful waves and occasional punchier peaks, ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers who can capitalize on the long-period energy.