Water temperature in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California

Water temperatures refreshed hourly from NOAA buoys and forecast models.

Pack the right rubber and you'll extend your sessions in Cardiff-by-the-Sea by an hour. Temps swing from upwelling lows to summer peaks, and the difference between a 3/2 and a 4/3 day can come overnight.

67°F
Spring suit (2mm)

A spring suit or shorty wetsuit is ideal

7-Day Temperature Trend

Data from George's · Updated hourly

Beach Water Temperatures

Current water temperatures at each surf spot. Temperatures can vary based on local conditions, currents, and depth.

George's

67°F

Spring suit (2mm)

Pipes

67°F

Spring suit (2mm)

San Elijo State Beach

67°F

Spring suit (2mm)

Next steps

Keep planning Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Water temperature answers the gear question. Use the live spot list, best-window guide, and tide page to pick the actual session.

Check live Cardiff-by-the-Sea spotsSee the local breaks and jump into current surf conditions.Open pageFind the best surf windowMatch the seasonal call with the days worth watching.Open pageWatch the tide windowPair the water temperature with the next useful tide shift.Open page

Surf spots in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

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Featured Beaches(3)

George's

Beginner friendly

George's is a beach break in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA. It is suited for beginner-intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents, pollution.

Pipes

Intermediate

Pipes is a reef break in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA. It is best suited for intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents, rocks, sea urchins, pollution.

San Elijo State Beach

Beginner friendly

San Elijo State Beach is a beach break in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA. It is suited for beginner-intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents, pollution.

Spot guide for Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Break types, ratings, and local tips for each beach.

George's
beach
beginner-intermediate
4.1(15)

George's is a beach break in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA. It is suited for beginner-intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents, pollution.

Pipes
reef
intermediate
3.2(14)

Pipes is a reef break in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA. It is best suited for intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents, rocks, sea urchins, pollution.

San Elijo State Beach
beach
beginner-intermediate
3.8(16)

San Elijo State Beach is a beach break in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA. It is suited for beginner-intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents, pollution.

What to know about water temperature

  • Weekly temperature trends and seasonal averages
  • Gear recommendations for dawn patrol versus midday
  • Upwelling signals that drop temps overnight
  • Health and recovery tips for long cold sessions

Surf Guides for Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Conditions

Dawn Patrol
Best early morning sessions
Sunset Sessions
Evening golden hour spots
Tide Windows
Optimal tidal conditions
Water Temperature
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Style

Beginner Spots
Gentle waves for learning
Longboard Spots
Mellow waves for logging

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Water temperatures in Cardiff-by-the-Sea typically range from 55-72°F. For summer, spring suit or 3/2mm is recommended. In winter, you'll want 4/3mm. Spring and fall may require adjusting based on your cold tolerance.
Water temperatures in Cardiff-by-the-Sea vary by season, ranging from 55-72°F. Check Quiver's live water temperature data for real-time readings at specific surf spots. Temperatures are typically warmest around August-September and coldest in January-February.
Water temperatures in Cardiff-by-the-Sea range from 55-72°F, so most surfers wear at least spring suit or 3/2mm even in summer. A wetsuit is recommended year-round for longer sessions and early morning surfs.

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