Surfing in the USA
SurfScanners covers 4 surf spots in the USA, including spots in California and Hawaii. Of those, 1 suits intermediates and 4 suit advanced surfers. Across them, the water averages ~20°C in March and ~24°C in August.
Surf spots in the USA
Lower Trestles
California
- Level:
- advanced
- Best months:
- Advanced surfers: Sep–Feb
- Water in October:
- ~20°C
Pipeline (Banzai Pipeline)
Hawaii
- Level:
- advanced
- Best months:
- Advanced surfers: Nov–Feb
- Water in October:
- ~27°C
Honolua Bay
Hawaii
- Level:
- advanced
- Best months:
- Advanced surfers: Jun, Nov–Apr
- Water in October:
- ~27°C
Huntington Beach Pier
California
- Level:
- intermediate–advanced
- Best months:
- Intermediates: May–Nov · Advanced surfers: Nov–May
- Water in October:
- ~19°C
USA water temperature by month
Average across the spots above, with the coldest and warmest spot's in brackets.
January
~20°C (15–25°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
February
~20°C (14–25°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
March
~20°C (14–25°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
April
~20°C (15–25°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
May
~21°C (17–25°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
June
~22°C (19–26°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
July
~24°C (20–27°C): boardshorts or a rashguard, no wetsuit needed
August
~24°C (21–27°C): boardshorts or a rashguard, no wetsuit needed
September
~24°C (21–27°C): boardshorts or a rashguard, no wetsuit needed
October
~23°C (19–27°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
November
~22°C (17–26°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
December
~21°C (17–26°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
Surfing in the USA: FAQ
When is the best time to surf in the USA?
For intermediates: May–Nov. For advanced surfers: Nov–Apr. Across the country, waves are biggest in February, averaging 4.9 ft (1.5 m), and smallest in September, at 3.3 ft (1.0 m).
What is the water temperature in the USA?
Averaged across our 4 spots, it ranges from ~20°C in March to ~24°C in August. The spots differ: Huntington Beach Pier drops to ~14°C in March, while Honolua Bay reaches ~27°C in August.
What wetsuit do I need to surf in the USA?
It depends on the spot: in March, Huntington Beach Pier (~14°C) calls for a 4/3mm full suit, boots recommended, while in August, Honolua Bay (~27°C) needs boardshorts or a rashguard, no wetsuit needed.
Is the USA good for beginner surfers?
Not really: the spots we cover in the USA are better suited to intermediate and advanced surfers.
Where are the best surf spots in the USA?
We cover 4 spots in the USA. Intermediate and up: Huntington Beach Pier. Advanced only: Lower Trestles, Pipeline (Banzai Pipeline), and Honolua Bay.