What is the best month to surf in Jacksonville Beach?

October is the peak surf month in Jacksonville Beach, when the most beaches hit their optimal conditions. Top spots like Jacksonville Beach Pier peak during this window.

What water temperature should I expect when surfing in Jacksonville Beach?

Water temperatures in Jacksonville Beach range from 67°F to 85°F throughout the year. Summer sessions are comfortable in boardshorts. In winter, bring a 3/2mm.

Is Jacksonville Beach good for surfing year-round?

Jacksonville Beach has a solid surf season spanning roughly 8 months. Conditions are best around October, but there are surfable waves most of the year.

Best Time to Surf Jacksonville Beach (2026)

Jacksonville Beach, Florida — Month-by-month surf guide

Minimal

Surfing in April

April

Jacksonville Beach is between peak seasons right now. Expect 1-3 ft waves and 74°F water. Peak month: October.

Surf Score by Month

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

Monthly Breakdown

January

Waves2-4 ft

Water temp68°F

Wetsuit3/2mm

CrowdsModerate

Beaches peaking1

Cold fronts, occasional nor'easters

February

Waves2-4 ft

Water temp67°F

Wetsuit3/2mm

CrowdsModerate

Beaches peaking1

Cold front swells, spring break approaching

March

Waves2-3 ft

Water temp70°F

Wetsuitspring suit

CrowdsHigh

Beaches peaking1

Spring break crowds, small surf

April

Waves1-3 ft

Water temp74°F

Wetsuitboardshorts

CrowdsModerate

Beaches peaking0

Flat season begins, longboarding

May

Waves1-2 ft

Water temp78°F

Wetsuitboardshorts

CrowdsLow

Beaches peaking0

Mostly flat, enjoy the beach

June

Waves1-3 ft

Water temp82°F

Wetsuitboardshorts

CrowdsModerate

Beaches peaking0

Tropical storm teasers

July

Waves1-3 ft

Water temp84°F

Wetsuitboardshorts

CrowdsModerate

Beaches peaking0

Warm water, occasional tropical swell

August

Waves2-4 ft

Water temp85°F

Wetsuitboardshorts

CrowdsModerate

Beaches peaking1

Hurricane season building

September

Peak

Waves3-8 ft

Water temp84°F

Wetsuitboardshorts

CrowdsModerate

Beaches peaking1

Peak hurricane swells, warm water

October

Peak

Waves3-8 ft

Water temp80°F

Wetsuitboardshorts

CrowdsModerate

Beaches peaking1

Hurricane + nor'easter overlap

November

Peak

Waves3-6 ft

Water temp75°F

Wetsuitspring suit

CrowdsLow

Beaches peaking1

Nor'easters, low crowds, warm water

December

Waves2-4 ft

Water temp70°F

Wetsuit3/2mm

CrowdsModerate

Beaches peaking1

Cold fronts, holiday surfing

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 (68°F in winter)
Best for beach breaks and exposed reef setups in Jacksonville Beach