Little Malibu - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (November - March)

The winter months deliver the largest average swell heights, clocking in around 1.5 to 1.6 meters with periods averaging 9.8 to 10.0 seconds. While the dominant swell direction from the NE quadrant is far from ideal for this SW-facing beach, the longer period allows for better wrapping and some clean lined-up waves when combined with reliable offshore winds from the NE to E. Wind is ideal 62-70% of the time, so the window for clean, punchy surf is narrower than the numbers suggest, but when it aligns, you can score fun, rippable waves. This is the most consistent shot at size and power.

Fair Surf Season (April, May, September, October)

During the shoulder months, average swell heights dip slightly to 1.1-1.3 meters and periods shorten into the 8-9 second range. The wind remains favorable, with ideal conditions 69-78% of the time, but the diminishing wave power and less wrap efficiency means the surf becomes more fun-sized and grovel-worthy. Occasional longer-period pulses can still deliver solid sessions, but don't expect pumping tubes. The vibe is more about small-wave carves and longboard cruises when the stars align.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Summer brings the smallest and weakest swell of the year – average heights hover around 1.0 meter and periods drop to 6.7-7.3 seconds. Though the wind is ideal 85-87% of the time (mostly light offshore from the E and NE), the wave energy is simply too low to produce anything beyond tiny, choppy, micro-swell. The NE windswell that dominates this period is short-period and messy, barely wrapping into the beach. Unless you're itching for a grovel session on a log, it's better to save your energy for the calmer summer beach days.

September: Autumn Awakening Begins

September is a turning point as swell heights rise to 1.1m and period rebounds to 9.1s – a noticeable return of power. The swell direction broadens slightly: NE (34.2%) and ENE (33.6%) still dominate, but we start seeing more NNE (12.7%) and even a trace of SSW and S (0.6% combined). Wind remains favorable at 78% ideal, with E (20.8%) and ENE (25.0%) as top offshore contributors. The longer period allows cleaner lines, and the occasional south component, though tiny, hints at the coming shift. September offers the best balance of clean conditions and increasing swell during the transition to winter.