Best Time to Surf Pacific Beach (2026)
Pacific Beach, Washington — Month-by-month surf guide
0
Minimal
Surfing in April
April
Pacific Beach is between peak seasons right now. Expect 3-5 ft waves and 47°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
0
Waves6-12 ft
Water temp46°F
Wetsuit5/4mm + boots/gloves/hood
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking1
Big storms, hardcore sessions
February
0
Waves6-10 ft
Water temp45°F
Wetsuit5/4mm + boots/gloves/hood
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking1
Consistent large swells
March
0
Waves4-8 ft
Water temp46°F
Wetsuit5/4mm + boots/gloves/hood
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking1
Late winter energy
April
0
Waves3-5 ft
Water temp47°F
Wetsuit5/4mm + boots/gloves/hood
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking0
Spring transitions
May
0
Waves2-4 ft
Water temp48°F
Wetsuit4/3mm + boots
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking0
Smaller days, longer daylight
June
0
Waves2-3 ft
Water temp50°F
Wetsuit4/3mm + boots
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking0
Summer starts, glassy mornings
July
0
Waves2-3 ft
Water temp52°F
Wetsuit4/3mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking0
Small clean summer surf
August
0
Waves2-4 ft
Water temp55°F
Wetsuit4/3mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking1
Warmest water, small swells
September
Peak0
Waves4-8 ft
Water temp54°F
Wetsuit4/3mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking1
Fall swell season fires up
October
Peak0
Waves4-8 ft
Water temp52°F
Wetsuit4/3mm + boots
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking1
Consistent fall swells
November
Peak0
Waves5-10 ft
Water temp50°F
Wetsuit5/4mm + boots/gloves/hood
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking1
Big swells, heavy rubber
December
0
Waves6-12 ft
Water temp48°F
Wetsuit5/4mm + boots/gloves/hood
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking1
Winter storms
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 (46°F in winter)
- Best for beach breaks and exposed reef setups in Pacific 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 (55°F in summer)
- Sunset sessions can be magic when winds die down
Top Surf Spots in Pacific Beach
Seabrook (Pacific Beach area)
beginner-intermediatecrowded
Peak: Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar