Big Rock
reef
advanced
Big Rock is a heavy, hollow left-hand reef break at the foot of Palomar Avenue. It produces fast stand-up barrels on west swells and is best suited to advanced surfers due to the very shallow reef and powerful waves.
La Jolla water temperature today
La Jolla, California
La Jolla 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 La Jolla 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 Big Rock · 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 La Jolla
Featured Beaches
6 spots
Big Rock
AdvancedBig Rock is a heavy, hollow left-hand reef break at the foot of Palomar Avenue. It produces fast stand-up barrels on west swells and is best suited to advanced surfers due to the very shallow reef and powerful waves.
Birdrock
IntermediateBirdrock is a reef break in La Jolla, CA. It is best suited for intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents, rocks, sea urchins, pollution.
Horseshoe
IntermediateHorseshoe is a reef break in La Jolla, CA. It is best suited for intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents, rocks, sea urchins, pollution.
La Jolla Shores
Beginner friendlyLa Jolla Shores functions as San Diego's most popular beginner beach, rated 7/10 for learning environment.
Scripps
Beginner friendlyScripps Pier offers beginner to intermediate beach break rated 6/10, with pier structure creating defined peaks on both sides.
Windansea
AdvancedWindansea stands as San Diego's most consistent and iconic break, rated 9/10. This flat rock reef under La Jolla's wealthy neighborhood produces long rights (up to 150m) and short hollow lefts.
Loading map...
Featured Beaches(6)
Spot guide for La Jolla
Break types, ratings, and local tips for each beach.
Birdrock
3.9(22)reef
intermediate
Birdrock is a reef break in La Jolla, CA. It is best suited for intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents, rocks, sea urchins, pollution.
Horseshoe
3.9(15)reef
intermediate
Horseshoe is a reef break in La Jolla, CA. It is best suited for intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents, rocks, sea urchins, pollution.
La Jolla Shores
3.5(13)beach
beginner
**La Jolla Shores** functions as San Diego's most popular beginner beach, rated 7/10 for learning environment.
Scripps
3.9(10)beach
beginner
**Scripps Pier** offers beginner to intermediate beach break rated 6/10, with pier structure creating defined peaks on both sides.
Windansea
3.6(14)reef
advanced
**Windansea** stands as San Diego's most consistent and iconic break, rated 9/10. This flat rock reef under La Jolla's wealthy neighborhood produces long rights (up to 150m) and short hollow lefts.
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 La Jolla
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
About surfing in La Jolla
- La Jolla 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.
- La Jolla 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 La Jolla 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 La Jolla 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.
