Best Time to Surf Orleans (2026)
Orleans, Massachusetts — Month-by-month surf guide
0
Minimal
Surfing in April
April
Orleans is between peak seasons right now. Expect 2-4 ft waves and 48°F water. Peak month: September.
Surf Score by Month
Score reflects overall surf quality each month — combining peak season activity, water temperature, and crowd levels.
Monthly Breakdown
January
0
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp40°F
Wetsuit5/4mm + boots/gloves/hood
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking0
Nor'easters, Nantucket Sound, Cape Cod
February
0
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp38°F
Wetsuit5/4mm + boots/gloves/hood
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking1
Winter storms, serious cold water surfers
March
0
Waves3-5 ft
Water temp40°F
Wetsuit5/4mm + boots/gloves/hood
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking1
Late winter swells, water starts warming
April
0
Waves2-4 ft
Water temp48°F
Wetsuit4/3mm + boots
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking0
Spring swells, fewer crowds
May
0
Waves1-3 ft
Water temp55°F
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking0
Small clean days, Cape Cod wakes up
June
0
Waves1-2 ft
Water temp62°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking0
Summer tourists, mostly small surf
July
0
Waves1-2 ft
Water temp65°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking0
Beach season peak, minimal swell
August
0
Waves1-3 ft
Water temp68°F
Wetsuitboardshorts
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking1
Hurricane season building
September
Peak0
Waves3-8 ft
Water temp66°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking1
Hurricane swells, warm water, classic fall
October
Peak0
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp60°F
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking1
Fall nor'easters, crowds thin out
November
Peak0
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp52°F
Wetsuit4/3mm
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking1
Consistent fall storms, empty beaches
December
0
Waves3-5 ft
Water temp44°F
Wetsuit5/4mm + boots/gloves/hood
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking0
Winter arrives, committed locals
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 (40°F in winter)
- Best for beach breaks and exposed reef setups in Orleans
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 Orleans
Nauset Beach
intermediatecrowded
Peak: Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Feb, Mar