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.

March: The Winter-Spring Cusp

March starts off with winter-like energy but the wind becomes more fickle. Average swell is 1.1m with a period of 12.6s, and swell direction shifts slightly—W (44.4%) and WSW (39.0%) still dominate, but SW (13.2%) gains ground. The wind, however, is only ideal 22% of the time, with a notable increase in onshore flow from the WNW (20.4%) and NW (12.1%). Early mornings still offer clean conditions, and when the stars align, long-period SW groundswell can deliver excellent, rippable waves. It's a month of patience.