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.

July: Classic Summer Onshore

July is typically the worst month for surf quality at Scripps. Average height is 1.0m, period 13.7s, with swell from SW (47.3%) and WSW (29.8%) still providing decent energy. But wind conditions are atrocious: only 2% ideal. The dominant wind is from the WNW (38.6%) and W (26.2%), creating constant chop. Wave heights rarely exceed 1.5m, and the surf is often unorganized. The few waves that come through are usually small and groveling. Early morning or a rare southerly flow can offer brief relief.