Best Palos Verdes surf window today: tide and conditions

Palos Verdes's best surf window today is 2:30 PM-3:30 PM, with rising tide, 5 mph wind, and 1.4 ft swell; light winds, good swell angle. Palos Verdes Cove is the top pick at 3.4 ft.

Live surf planning

Plan around the live conditions

Best time to surf Palos Verdes this week

September rates 39/100 for Palos Verdes. Palos Verdes is between peak-season windows; December is the historical peak if this week's surf report looks marginal.

Match the surf report

Now: rising tide, 7 mph wind, and 4 ft swell. Confirm them in the live surf report first.

Check today's Palos Verdes Cove surf report
39
MEH

Seasonal pattern in September

September

Palos Verdes is between peak seasons right now. Expect 3-6 ft waves and 68°F water. Peak month: December.

Next steps

Turn Palos Verdes'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.

Check today's Palos Verdes Cove surf reportStart with the live wave height, wind, tide, and board call before committing.Open pageFind the best current Palos Verdes windowCompare the city's current forecast and spot list against the seasonal pattern.Open pageCompare nearby Palos Verdes spotsUse the map to switch beaches when crowd, wind, or tide changes the call.Open page

Surf Score by Month

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

Monthly Breakdown

January

Peak
87
Waves4-8 ft
Water temp56°F
Wetsuit4/3mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking1

Big NW swells, uncrowded lineups

February

Peak
76
Waves4-8 ft
Water temp56°F
Wetsuit4/3mm
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking1

Consistent NW groundswells

March

44
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp57°F
Wetsuit4/3mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking0

Transitional swells, spring breaks

April

28
Waves2-4 ft
Water temp58°F
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking0

Small clean days, longboarding

May

19
Waves2-4 ft
Water temp60°F
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking0

Glassy mornings, south swell teasers

June

20
Waves2-4 ft
Water temp63°F
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking0

June gloom glass, early south swells

July

22
Waves2-5 ft
Water temp66°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking0

Summer south swells, warm water

August

Peak
28
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp68°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking0

Peak south swells, warm water

September

Peak
39
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp68°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking0

South swells + early NW, warm water

October

Peak
51
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp66°F
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking0

Combo swells, Santa Ana offshore winds

November

Peak
76
Waves4-8 ft
Water temp62°F
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking1

First big NW swells, Santa Anas

December

Peak
88
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 Palos Verdes

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 Palos Verdes

Palos Verdes Cove
upper-intermediatemedium

Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb

Surf Guides for Palos Verdes, CA

Conditions

Dawn Patrol
Best early morning sessions
Sunset Sessions
Evening golden hour spots
Tide Windows
Optimal tidal conditions
Water Temperature
Conditions & wetsuit guide