Best Time to Surf La Jolla Today

La Jolla, California— today, this week, and the seasonal pattern

Live surf planning

Today's surf call

La Jolla's best surf window today is 5:30 PM-6:30 PM: incoming tide, cross-shore winds, good swell angle. Scripps is the top pick at 2.1 ft.

This week's surf window

June rates 32/100 for La Jolla. 1 of 6 local beaches are in peak season; December is the historical peak if this week's surf report looks marginal.

Match the surf report

Rising tide, 9 mph wind, and 2.1 ft swell are the live surf report cues to confirm first.

Open live Big Rock conditions
0
Minimal

Seasonal pattern in June

June

1 of 6 beaches are in peak season right now. Expect 2-4 ft waves and 63°F water. Peak month: December.

Scripps Pier at sunset with waves rolling under the pier.
Next steps

Turn La Jolla'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
0
Waves4-8 ft
Water temp56°F
Wetsuit4/3mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking5

Big NW swells, uncrowded lineups

February

Peak
0
Waves4-8 ft
Water temp56°F
Wetsuit4/3mm
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking4

Consistent NW groundswells

March

0
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp57°F
Wetsuit4/3mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking3

Transitional swells, spring breaks

April

0
Waves2-4 ft
Water temp58°F
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking0

Small clean days, longboarding

May

0
Waves2-4 ft
Water temp60°F
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking1

Glassy mornings, south swell teasers

June

0
Waves2-4 ft
Water temp63°F
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking1

June gloom glass, early south swells

July

0
Waves2-5 ft
Water temp66°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking1

Summer south swells, warm water

August

Peak
0
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp68°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking1

Peak south swells, warm water

September

Peak
0
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp68°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking1

South swells + early NW, warm water

October

Peak
0
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp66°F
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking4

Combo swells, Santa Ana offshore winds

November

Peak
0
Waves4-8 ft
Water temp62°F
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking5

First big NW swells, Santa Anas

December

Peak
0
Waves4-10 ft
Water temp58°F
Wetsuit4/3mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking5

Big NW groundswells, holiday crowds

Dawn Patrol vs Afternoon Sessions

La Jolla coastal cliffs above a calm ocean horizon.

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 La Jolla

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 La Jolla

Big Rock
advancedcrowded

Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

Birdrock
intermediatecrowded

Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

Horseshoe
intermediatecrowded

Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

La Jolla Shores
beginnervery crowded

Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb

Scripps
beginnercrowded

Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan

Windansea
advancedvery crowded

Peak: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Surf Guides for La Jolla, CA