Venice Beach - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (November - March)

As winter sets in, the North Pacific fires up, sending consistent, long-period swell towards the California coast. Venice Beach, with its southwest exposure, captures the brunt of these powerful W and WSW groundswells. The average wave period hovers around 12-13 seconds, offering punchy, lined-up waves. More importantly, the percentage of offshore winds (NNE to E) peaks during these months, often exceeding 50% in December and January. Strong high-pressure systems over the interior bring Santa Ana events, grooming the waves to perfection. This is the prime window for clean, rippable surf, with waist to head-high sets becoming the norm.

Fair Surf Season (April & October)

Transition months like April and October offer a mixed bag. The swell energy begins to wind down or ramp up, respectively. Offshore wind frequency drops to around 36-40% as the jet stream shifts. Still, you can score fun waves, especially when a late-season storm or early winter swell coincides with a light northeasterly breeze. Expect smaller, more inconsistent waves but with occasional gems.

Low Surf Season (May - September)

Summer brings a dramatic shift. The North Pacific storm track retreats, and the swell becomes predominantly from the southern hemisphere, arriving as long-period S/SW swell. While Venice Beach can still see waves in the waist-high range, the onshore afternoon winds from the west and southwest become the norm. Ideal wind frequency drops to the low 20s to 30s percent, making clean conditions a rarity. The mornings can be glassy, but by midday, the sea breeze kicks in, chopping up the surface. It's a time for groveling and dawn patrol missions.

May: Dawn Patrol Season

May marks the start of the low season for offshore winds, with only 29% ideal wind frequency. Swell comes predominantly from WSW (40.2%) and SW (24.2%), with average height at 0.9m and a long period of 12.0 seconds. The waves can still be fun, especially in the early morning before the onshore sea breeze kicks in. Expect more groveling conditions as the swell becomes less consistent.