Rincon Point - surf spot statistics

Rincon Point, a classic right-hand point break in California, offers varying surf conditions throughout the year. The best months for consistent, quality waves are typically from late fall through early spring, with December to February standing out as the prime window. During these months, ground swell dominance peaks at around 45-60%, ensuring cleaner, more organized waves. The average swell size hovers around 0.6-0.7m, which is manageable for most surfers while still providing good rides. Wind conditions remain challenging year-round, but winter months (January-February) still have the highest likelihood of favorable offshore winds (around 34-36% good wind days), despite the majority being onshore or cross-shore. Spring (March-May) sees a slight drop in ground swell frequency but retains decent size, with May offering marginally better wind conditions. Summer months (June-August) bring weaker swells, higher no-swell days (over 50%), and worse wind conditions, making it the least reliable period. September through November remains inconsistent, with low ground swell influence and poor wind odds. For Rincon’s signature long, peeling rides, target the winter months—though be prepared for crowds and variable wind luck. Late spring (May) can occasionally surprise with a balance of size and cleaner winds, but consistency drops sharply outside the December-February core season.

November at Rincon Point typically offers small but rideable conditions for surfers, with an average swell height of 0.5m and a favorable period of 12.9s, providing some energy and shape despite the modest size. The majority of waves come from the SSW to W directions, with heights mostly in the 0.5-1.5m range, though larger sets up to 2.5m occasionally appear. The WSW and W swells are the most consistent, contributing to 18.66% and 17.72% of waves in the 0.5-1m range, respectively, making these the primary directions for quality surf. Winds are a mixed bag, with only 27% of the time being ideal for surfing—typically when they’re light (below 20kph) and offshore or cross-offshore from the N to ENE. However, stronger onshore winds from the W to NW directions can frequently disrupt conditions, particularly at higher speeds (20-40kph). Overall, November is a hit-or-miss month here, offering some clean, small-to-medium waves when winds align, but surfers will need patience to score the best sessions.