Calm Day for Surfing in Pacific Beach
The year-round warm weather makes it easy to attend surf school in San Diego. However, some months are better for learning than others.
Generally speaking, August thru February is the best time of the year to experience the San Diego waves. But this time of year may not all be the best for beginners to learn.
While the beaches from March thru May can have less predictable conditions, I can confidently say that no surf school on our list will have you out in the water in conditions that are beyond the level of the students in the course.
Let’s break down the times of year into four ‘seasons’ of sorts so you know that no matter when you jump in for your surf lesson, you feel prepared!
Mutiple Barrels in a Wave in Pacific Beach
Winter Surfing: December to February
Winter storms bring large swells. Large swells bring experienced surfers looking for their waves. Winter in San Diego truly becomes a “surfer’s paradise” with thrilling waves that test both skill and endurance.
Water temperatures dip down into the high 50s and conditions can be rough. We recommend watching the pros during this time of year at say Blacks Beach or perhaps one of the Ocean Beach surf spots and booking lessons in the other months if possible - especially if you are brand new to the sport.
However, every surf instructor will do their best to make sure that they find the appropriate waves, even in the winter months, to make sure you are comfortable. And they’ll be with you for wave selection to make sure that you are safe as you learn.
Relax at North Pacific Beach
Spring Surfing: March to May
As the weather, and water temperatures warm, surfers of all levels head to the beach.
San Diego’s spring weather delivers milder winds, consistent swells, and less crowded beaches. Expect to need a wetsuit, especially when it’s still early in the season.
In terms of a spring surf camp or group surf lessons for your family, the best surf instructors will have minimal challenges getting you trained up and out in the waves in no time!
Surfer Catching a Wave at Del Mar City Beach
Summer Surfing: June to August
This is peak tourism season so you can expect the beaches, and water, to be full.
Early mornings and later in the evening is the perfect time to surf. In fact, this is when you can find experienced surfers out and about in order to avoid the crowds.
The Pacific Ocean will warm up and range from a mid to high 60s degree Fahrenheit.
I’m a surfer often out in the waves in Pacific Beach and I can say that if you’re visiting over the summer, you’ve picked a great time to learn to surf! A little summer surf camp sounds like an incredible way to experience San Diego if I do say so myself!
Surfer About to Take off on a Wave at Stone Steps Beach
Fall Surfing: September to November
This is when the locals love to hit the waves. This is their peak surfing season. The water is still warm, the weather is lovely, and the crowds are much lighter.
Consistent swells equal exhilarating waves - so we recommend having some experience beforehand. This is the perfect time of year for intermediate learners.
I will once again say though that the best surf schools will assess your surfing skills and keep you safe no matter what, even if you’ve never been on a surfboard before!
Pacific Beach Surfer Looking at the Waves
The Surf Report
The best way to know if you’ve booked the perfect dates is with a surf report. A detailed surf report will be the best guide to determining the optimal day to schedule your San Diego surf lesson.
A surf report will give the best insight on when to sign up for surf lessons by showing if there’s any swell in the water, what direction it’s coming from, and any changes to the tide.
Visitors can find free surf reports online or you can download Surfline's app. The predictions are made up to a week in advance, so the reports can serve as a guide to determining the best day to schedule surf school no matter what season you visit.