Pacific City - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Pacific roars to life as autumn deepens into winter, delivering consistent, powerful swell from the SW to WNW quadrant. Average wave heights climb to 2.4-2.8m with long-period energy (12-13s) generated by strong extratropical storms. Offshore winds from the E to NE blow cleanly across the beach 35-41% of the time, creating lined-up, hollow waves that make Pacific City a go-to destination for experienced surfers. December and January are the peak months for size and power, while October and November offer slightly lighter winds and a higher percentage of glassy mornings.

Fair Surf Season (April - May & September)

Transitional months see a gradual decline in swell height and period: April averages 2.1m/11.6s, while September picks back up to 1.5m/10.8s with an improving wind statistic (37% ideal). Spring brings a mix of lingering winter groundswells and early summer NW windswell, but the wind pattern becomes more fickle—onshore sea breezes develop in the afternoon and the percentage of offshore flow drops to 20-23%. September is a standout: the ocean starts to wake up with the first significant NW groundswells, and the high-pressure ridge often delivers early morning offshore winds, making for clean, punchy surf in the 1-1.5m range.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Summer settles in with small, weak NW swell averaging 1.3-1.4m and short periods between 9.7-10.3s. The vast majority of waves are generated by local NW windswell, often messy and choppy. Onshore winds dominate—especially the strong afternoon NNW sea breeze that accounts for up to 27% of wind observations in June. Ideal offshore conditions drop to 19-27%, and when they occur, it's usually in the early morning before the thermal gradient kicks in. Waves rarely exceed 1.5m, making it a time for longboards, fun boards, and groveling. The few clean days with a pulse of longer-period NW swell can still deliver fun rippable waves, but consistency is low.

December: Winter Solstice Swell

December matches January in raw power, with an average swell height of 2.8m—the highest of the year—and a period of 12.8s. Ideal wind is 36%. The swell is dominated by W (17.7%) and WNW (16.8%), with WSW (7.0%) and SW (2.8%) contributing. The North Pacific storm track is at its peak intensity, sending relentless swell trains across the fetch. Wind-wise, offshore options come from E (8.3%), ESE (12.3%), and SE (8.5%), while onshore flow from S (10.6%) and SSW (8.7%) is also common. The magic happens when a strong high-pressure ridge builds over the interior west, creating a stable east wind that lasts for days. That's when Pacific City fires: big, long-period waves, offshore groomed, and barreling on the best sandbars. The Christmas swell is a real phenomenon here—expect monster sets and life-changing rides for those willing to brave the cold water.