Topanga Beach - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (November - February)

The heart of winter delivers the most consistent and quality surf for Topanga Beach. With ideal offshore wind percentages climbing above 56% and peaking at 60% in December, the combination of long-period groundswell and clean north winds sets the stage. While average wave heights hover around 0.8-0.9m, the long periods (12-12.4s) pack a punch, and when a strong storm track sends S-SSW swell our way, the beach can fire with fun, rippable waves. This is the prime time to score.

Fair Surf Season (March - April & September - October)

During the transition months, the offshore wind frequency drops to 43-50%, but the swell remains consistent. The decline in north wind strength leads to more variable conditions, but the ocean still churns with long-period energy from the west. These months offer a good chance at clean surf, especially when high pressure sets up off the coast and delivers those coveted N/NE breezes. It's a shoulder season worth watching.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer is the quietest period for Topanga. Favorable offshore winds plummet to below 27% as the Southern California climate shifts to a persistent southwesterly onshore flow. Swell heights remain small (0.8m average) and while the period is still impressive (12.5-12.7s), the dominant westerly swell direction often combines with onshore winds to produce subpar conditions. Early morning north winds can offer a narrow window, but overall it's a time for a shortboard or a groveler, not expectations of pumping surf.

July: Summer Swell, Windy Reality

July sees a slight uptick in ideal wind to 21%, but it remains a challenge. Swell height stays at 0.8m with a period of 12.7s, the longest of the year. Swell direction shifts further south: SW (39.3%), WSW (37.7%), and a significant increase in SSW (14.0%). The SSW component is a blessing for Topanga's south-facing orientation, but the wind fights back. Onshore flows from the SW and WSW are relentless through midday. The only window is early morning when a light N breeze can polish the clean, long-period lines from the south. When it happens, the waves are glassy, racy, and supremely fun even at smaller sizes.