Parking Lots - surf spot statistics

Parking Lots in the United States offers surfable conditions year-round, but the best months for consistent waves and favorable winds are typically from late fall through early spring. The prime window is between November and March, when ground swell and wind swell frequencies peak. During these months, ground swell averages 27-31%, wind swell hovers around 55-58%, and mean swell height stays at a respectable 0.9m. However, wind conditions are less ideal, with bad winds (onshore or cross-shore) dominating 74-77% of the time—requiring patience for clean sessions. October stands out slightly with marginally better wind stats (32% good winds), though swell size drops to 0.7m. Summer months (May-August) see a steep decline in surf quality, with no-swell days exceeding 70%, minimal swell heights (0.4-0.5m), and poor wind conditions (79-93% unfavorable). September and April serve as transitional periods—swell activity improves over summer but remains inconsistent. For committed surfers, the winter months deliver the most reliable waves, despite challenging winds, while summer is largely flat. Timing sessions around wind shifts or early mornings is key for maximizing conditions outside the peak season.

October at this spot offers fairly consistent but generally small surf, with an average swell height of 0.7m and a decent period of 9.8s. The most dominant swell directions are N, NNE, and NNW, which collectively provide the majority of rideable waves, particularly in the 0.5-1.5m range. Larger swells (over 1.5m) are rare, limiting high-performance surfing but making it suitable for beginners or relaxed sessions. Wind conditions are hit or miss—about 32% of the time, winds are favorable, mostly light (under 20kph) and from directions that don’t wreck the waves. However, ENE and E winds are frequent and stronger (10-30kph), often creating chop or cross-shore interference. For intermediate surfers, October can deliver fun, small to mid-sized waves when winds cooperate, but don’t expect heavy barrels or powerful swells. It’s a month for consistency over quality, with the best sessions likely when NNE or NNW swells pair with lighter offshore winds.