Scripps - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (November - March)

Winter at Scripps is prime time. The North Pacific fires up, sending consistent, long-period swell from the W and WSW directly into the west-facing beach. With ideal offshore winds (SW through WNW) blowing 22-43% of the time, waves are frequently clean, punchy, and powerful. Average heights sit around 1.0-1.1m, but pulses can push into the 1.5-2m range, offering solid, rippable conditions on the better days.

Fair Surf Season (April - May & October)

The transition months see a drop in wind quality as the Pacific high strengthens and onshore flow becomes more dominant. Swell remains good—long-period energy from WSW and SW keeps waves in the fun-sized category (0.5-1.5m)—but only 7-18% of the time do you get clean offshore conditions. Mornings offer the best chance before the afternoon sea breeze kicks in.

Low Surf Season (June - September)

Summer is the toughest time for surfers at Scripps. While swell is still present—mostly from the SW and WSW with periods around 13-14s—the wind is almost always onshore (NW through W) and often strong. Ideal wind percentages drop to 1-5%, leaving waves generally choppy and messy. Occasional south swells or early morning windows can provide small, groveling waves, but overall quality is low.

January: Deep Winter Power

January delivers the goods. The average swell height is 1.0m with a long period of 12.6s, indicating powerful, groundswell-dominated surf. Swell direction is overwhelmingly from the W (62.8%) and WSW (25.2%), both ideal for Scripps. A solid 43% of the wind is from favorable offshore directions (SW through WNW), providing clean conditions more often than not. When the wind cooperates, expect fun to solid waves with plenty of punch. The occasional bigger pulse can push into the 1.5-2.5m range, making for pumping sessions.