San Onofre State Beach - surf spot statistics

San Onofre State Beach offers consistent surf conditions year-round, with some months standing out as particularly favorable for surfers. The best time to surf here is generally from April to September, when ground swell dominates (90-96% of the time) and wind swell remains minimal (2-6%). During this period, wave quality is reliable, with mean swell sizes hovering around 0.8-0.9m, providing manageable and rideable waves. The downside is that onshore winds (bad conditions) are frequent, peaking at 77% in May, making early mornings or late evenings ideal when winds are lighter. September and October bring slightly improved wind conditions (36-38% good winds) while maintaining strong ground swell presence (89-95%), making them prime months for cleaner waves. Winter months (November-February) see a drop in ground swell consistency (60-74%) and increased no-swell days (16-31%), though February still maintains decent swell size (0.8m). Wind conditions remain challenging year-round, but the fall transition (September-October) offers the best compromise between swell consistency and cleaner winds. For surfers prioritizing wave regularity over wind conditions, late spring to early fall (May-August) is optimal, while those seeking fewer crowds and a chance for better winds should target early fall.

November at San Onofre State Beach offers generally mellow but rideable conditions for surfers. The average swell height is modest at 0.7m, paired with a relatively long period of 14.5s, indicating well-spaced and smooth waves—ideal for cruising and longboarding. Most swells come from the SW to WSW direction (about 80% of waves in the 0.5-2m range), ensuring favorable angles for the spot’s break. Wind conditions are inconsistent, with only 33% being ideal (typically light offshore or sideshore winds from the NE quadrant). However, onshore winds from the W/SW can occasionally disrupt conditions, particularly when speeds exceed 20kph. While larger swells (1.5m+) are rare, they do occur sporadically, adding variety for those seeking punchier waves. Overall, November is a reliable month for relaxed, user-friendly surfing, though sessions are best timed around wind windows for optimal performance.