Point Dume - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (November - March)

The North Pacific roars to life during these months, sending frequent, long-period groundswells from the west and southwest towards the California coast. For Point Dume, this means the most consistent combination of solid swell and favorable offshore winds. With average wave heights hovering around 1.0-1.1m and periods averaging 12+ seconds, the waves pack a punch. The wind data shows ideal offshore (N through NW) conditions over 60% of the time, especially in December and January when high pressure systems settle over the Great Basin, funneling clean north-northeasterly winds down the coast. When a strong low-pressure system parks in the Gulf of Alaska, we see those classic WNW and NW swells that wrap into the South Bay, but for Point Dume's southeast exposure, it's the more southerly angled swells (SW, SSW, S) that truly light up the point, offering long, peeling waves. This is prime time to score.

Fair Surf Season (April & October)

These transitional months offer a mixed bag. April still sees decent average swell heights (1.2m) from winter-like westerly swells, but the wind becomes more variable. The percentage of ideal offshore winds drops to around 58%, with more frequent onshore afternoon sea breezes from the southwest. In October, the summer pattern fades as fall storms begin to develop. Swell heights average lower (0.9m), but the long periods (12.7s) mean that when a good SSW groundswell coincides with a light offshore wind from the north, the waves can be clean and fun-sized. These months require a bit more patience and careful timing, but there are definitely scoreable sessions to be had.

Low Surf Season (May - September)

Summer brings the typical California lull to Point Dume. Average wave heights drop to 0.9-1.1m, and while the wave periods remain surprisingly long (11.8-12.5s) thanks to distant southern hemisphere swells, the size is generally small to fun-sized at best. More critically, the wind pattern shifts. The percentage of ideal offshore winds plummets to 45-54% during this period, with persistent afternoon onshore winds from the southwest and west dominating. These winds create bumpy, choppy conditions that degrade wave quality. The swell direction is often from the SW and WSW, which can be good for the spot, but the accompanying onshore wind ruins the ride. Morning sessions can be glassy, but overall this is the quietest time of year for consistent, quality surf at Point Dume.

December: Peak Winter Reliability

December is arguably the most consistent month of the year for Point Dume. The average swell height is 1.0m with a 12.3s period, and the wind is ideal a whopping 70% of the time – the highest of any month. Westerly swells (49.4%) and west-southwest swells (21.7%) are the backbone, but there is also a significant west-northwest component (10.9%) that can add size. North-northeasterly winds (NNE 20.1%) and north winds (12.7%) dominate the wind rose, keeping the waves glassy and well-organized. The North Pacific is in full swing, and Point Dume is perfectly positioned to capture the best swell angles. Expect a mix of long-period groundswells and more local windswell, but the overall quality is high. December delivers day after day of fun, rideable waves, making it a top month for any surfer.