Carlsbad State Beach
3.4(14)beach
beginner-intermediate
Carlsbad State Beach is a beach break in Carlsbad, CA. It is suited for beginner-intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents, pollution.
Carlsbad water temperature today
Carlsbad, California
Carlsbad water temperature today is 76°F. Is it cold? It's warm for most people, so plan on boardshorts.
Water temperature refreshed hourly from an observed station reading.
Pack the right rubber and you'll extend your sessions in Carlsbad 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.
76°F
Boardshorts
Warm enough for boardshorts or a bikini
7-Day Temperature Trend
Data from Carlsbad State Beach · Updated hourly
Beach Water Temperatures
Current water temperatures at each surf spot. Temperatures can vary based on local conditions, currents, and depth.
Surf spots in Carlsbad
Featured Beaches
4 spots
Carlsbad State Beach
Beginner friendlyCarlsbad State Beach is a beach break in Carlsbad, CA. It is suited for beginner-intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents, pollution.
Ponto
Beginner friendlyPonto (South Carlsbad State Beach) benefits from Army Corps jetties at Batiquitos Lagoon, rated 7/10 for punchy beachbreak quality.
Tamarack
IntermediateTamarack State Beach features two warm-water jetties creating decent sandbars rated 6/10. River provides water movement for sandbar formation.
Terramar Point
IntermediateTerramar Point represents rare North San Diego County point break rated 6/10 but fickle. Rocky reef extending 200-300 feet produces long lefts (longest in SoCal potential) and rights.
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Featured Beaches(4)
Spot guide for Carlsbad
Break types, ratings, and local tips for each beach.
Ponto
3.5(14)beach
beginner-intermediate
**Ponto** (South Carlsbad State Beach) benefits from Army Corps jetties at Batiquitos Lagoon, rated 7/10 for punchy beachbreak quality.
Tamarack
3.9(19)beach
intermediate
**Tamarack State Beach** features two warm-water jetties creating decent sandbars rated 6/10. River provides water movement for sandbar formation.
Terramar Point
4.1(14)point
intermediate
**Terramar Point** represents rare North San Diego County point break rated 6/10 but fickle. Rocky reef extending 200-300 feet produces long lefts (longest in SoCal potential) and rights.
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 Carlsbad
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
About surfing in Carlsbad
- Carlsbad water is 76°F today, which is warm for most people, so most surfers wear boardshorts. Wind, air temperature, and session length change how cold it feels.
- Carlsbad water is 76°F today. Readings differ from beach to beach and through the day, so check the per-beach temperatures on this page before you go.
- Water temperatures in Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad 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.
