Live water temps and wetsuit planner for Orange County
Orange County, California
Updated December 27, 2025 at 2:32 AM · Dialed recommendations refresh every 30 minutes based on tide, wind, and crowd telemetry from Quiver.
From spring upwelling chills to balmy south-swell summers, Orange County water temps fluctuate more than the forecast suggests. Use this guide to pick the right rubber and understand when sudden drops are coming. We pair it with live data so you can decide whether to stay put, scoot north up the freeway, or log a sunset session after work.
Top spot recommendations
Sort your quiver, choose the right tide window, and jot down a backup in case the main peak gets stacked.
Featured Beaches
7 spots
Doheny State Beach
Beginner friendlyDoheny State Beach is Orange County’s most forgiving break, with rolling point-style waves created by cobblestone reefs and dredged sand. It’s a magnet for longboarders, surf schools, and families.
San Onofre Trails
Longboard friendlySan Onofre is a sprawling surf zone with cobblestone reefs, mellow points, and beachbreak peaks stretching from the power plant to Trail 6. Long rides and retro equipment define the vibe.
Old Man's
Beginner friendlyOld Man’s is the heart of San Onofre, delivering soft, rolling rights and lefts that are tailor-made for logging and family sessions. The gentle takeoff makes it accessible for all ages.
Lower Trestles
Intermediate to expertLower Trestles is Southern California’s high-performance playground, delivering ruler-straight rights and playful lefts over a meticulously shaped cobblestone reef.
Huntington Beach Pier
IntermediateHuntington Pier is the surf city epicenter, offering punchy beachbreak peaks amplified by the pier pilings. Contests, night sessions, and photogenic sunsets are part of the daily routine.
Bolsa Chica
Beginner friendlyBolsa Chica State Beach is Huntington’s laid-back counterpart, featuring long, rolling waves that welcome longboards, beginners, and surf campers.
Seal Beach Pier
IntermediateSeal Beach offers a mix of pier peaks and river-mouth sandbars that love combo swells. The quiet town vibe makes it a solid fallback when nearby zones are slammed.
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What to focus on today
- 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
Session logging tips
Once you wrap the surf, drop a note in your Quiver journal with tide, board, and crowd observations. Over time you'll see crystal-clear patterns about when Orange County rewards this type of session objective.