Best Dillon Beach surf window today: tide and conditions

Dillon Beach's best surf window today is 2:30 PM-3:30 PM, with rising tide, 5 mph wind, and 7.7 ft swell; tide in range, offshore winds, good swell angle. Dillon Beach is the top pick at 5.9 ft.

Live surf planning

Plan around the live conditions

Best time to surf Dillon Beach this week

October rates 82/100 for Dillon Beach. 1 of 1 local beaches are in peak season; September is the historical peak if this week's surf report looks marginal.

Match the surf report

Now: falling tide, 21 mph wind, and 6 ft swell. Confirm them in the live surf report first.

Check today's Dillon Beach surf report
82
GOOD

Seasonal pattern in October

October

1 of 1 beaches are in peak season right now. Expect 3-6 ft waves and 66°F water. Peak month: September.

Next steps

Turn Dillon Beach's season guide into today's surf call

The calendar shows when this zone usually works. Start with the live report before you load boards.

Surf Score by Month

Score reflects overall surf quality each month — combining peak season activity, water temperature, and crowd levels.

Monthly Breakdown

January

Peak
78
Waves4-8 ft
Water temp56°F
Wetsuit4/3mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking1

Big NW swells, uncrowded lineups

February

Peak
80
Waves4-8 ft
Water temp56°F
Wetsuit4/3mm
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking1

Consistent NW groundswells

March

65
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp57°F
Wetsuit4/3mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking0

Transitional swells, spring breaks

April

45
Waves2-4 ft
Water temp58°F
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking0

Small clean days, longboarding

May

40
Waves2-4 ft
Water temp60°F
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking0

Glassy mornings, south swell teasers

June

50
Waves2-4 ft
Water temp63°F
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking0

June gloom glass, early south swells

July

55
Waves2-5 ft
Water temp66°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking0

Summer south swells, warm water

August

Peak
75
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp68°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking1

Peak south swells, warm water

September

Peak
85
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp68°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking1

South swells + early NW, warm water

October

Peak
82
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp66°F
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking1

Combo swells, Santa Ana offshore winds

November

Peak
80
Waves4-8 ft
Water temp62°F
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking1

First big NW swells, Santa Anas

December

Peak
82
Waves4-10 ft
Water temp58°F
Wetsuit4/3mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking1

Big NW groundswells, holiday crowds

Dawn Patrol vs Afternoon Sessions

Dawn Patrol

  • Typically glassier conditions before onshore winds build
  • Smaller crowds, especially on weekdays
  • Water temps at their coolest — plan your wetsuit for the low end (56°F in winter)
  • Best for beach breaks and exposed reef setups in Dillon Beach

Afternoon Sessions

  • Onshore winds can create chop, but swell is often more consistent
  • Higher crowds on popular beaches, especially weekends
  • Water warms through the day — upper end (68°F in summer)
  • Sunset sessions can be magic when winds die down

Top Surf Spots in Dillon Beach

Surf Guides for Dillon Beach, CA