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.

**Surf Conditions Summary for September at Parking Lots, United States:** In September, the surf at this spot tends to be small but rideable, with an average swell height of 0.6m and a decent period of 9.1s, providing some energy for shaping waves. The majority of swells come from the NNE and NNW directions, accounting for the best wave heights (0.5–2.5m). Smaller swells from the NE, NW, and N also contribute, but waves from other directions are rare or insignificant. Wind conditions are crucial here—only 25% of the time are winds ideal for surfing, favoring light to moderate speeds (below 20kph). Unfortunately, offshore winds (ENE to E) are relatively common, blowing at 10–30kph in over 30% of cases, which can create choppy conditions. The best setups occur when swell aligns with lighter winds, typically from the N to NW. Overall, September offers occasional clean sessions, especially when mid-period swells combine with lighter winds, but expect mostly small to marginal conditions with some wind interference. Patience and timing will be key for scoring the better days.