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.

September at Hermosa Beach typically offers small but clean surf conditions with a dominant swell from the southwest and west. The average swell height is 0.7m, paired with a solid period of 14.3s—indicating well-spaced, groomed waves, though on the smaller side. The majority of waves (around 80%) fall in the 0.5-1.5m range, with the best consistency coming from SW and WSW directions, generating the most ridable waves. Winds are a mixed bag, with only 23% of days offering ideal offshore or light cross-shore conditions (typically early mornings with light NNE to E winds). However, WSW and W winds—which can be onshore or sideshore—prevail about 20% of the time, potentially causing chop. For surfers, the sweet spot is when SW swells coincide with lighter winds, offering the cleanest peaks. While not a big-wave month, September provides plenty of waist-high sessions with good shape, best suited for longboarders or those favoring smaller, playful conditions. Wind management is key: dawn patrols are often the call.