What is the current surf forecast for Del Mar?
The current wave height at Del Mar is 2-3ft with a 5.5s swell period. Wind is SW at 6mph. Conditions are rated Fair. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.
Del Mar Surf Forecast, San Diego County, California
San Diego County, California
Right nowFair
2-3ft
Dawn patrol is the move — 2-3ft on W swell at 6s with light winds out of the WSW.
Dawn patrol is the move — 2-3ft on W swell at 6s with light winds out of the WSW.
Swell
2.3ft
6s · W
Wind
6mph
SW · Calm
Water
73°F
Springsuit or none
Tide
Mid
rising · high 1:52 PM
Surf: nearshore model · 10 AM localWind: model · 10 AM localTide: forecast
Best window·Sunday 6AM–9AM·3-4ft·Good
Registered at the buoy
Swell2.9ft @ 7s WNW
Groundswell2.2ft @ 11s SW
Steepness: average
Del Mar 5-Day Forecast Summary
Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Del Mar, San Diego County, California. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.
Thu, Sep 3: 2–3ft, 6s period, rated Poor - Fair. Dawn patrol is the move — 1-2ft on W swell at 5s with light winds out of the WSW. Wind fills in through the day, pushing up to 11mph from the W and dropping conditions to poor.
Fri, Sep 4: 2–3ft, 18s period, rated Poor - Fair. Get out early for the best of it — 2-3ft waves on SSW swell at 17s and gentle ESE breeze. Conditions go downhill through the afternoon.
Sat, Sep 5: 2–3ft, 15s period, rated Poor - Fair. Midday is the call — 2-3ft waves with light NW winds and fair conditions. It's a bit wonky first thing but settles down. Afternoon wind picks back up so try to get wet before 2pm.
Sun, Sep 6: 3–4ft, 14s period, rated Fair. First light looks cleanest — 3-4ft on S swell at 14s with light NNW winds. It gets a bit messier later in the day.
Mon, Sep 7: 3–4ft, 13s period, rated Fair - Good. First light looks cleanest — 3-4ft on SSW swell at 13s with light winds out of the NNW. The WNW wind kicks in by afternoon — 10mph and poor - fair by then.
Daily Forecast
Hourly Forecast
Two days at a glance. Swipe for later hours.Five days at a glance. Drag for later hours.
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Better right now nearby:SwamisFair2-3ft· point· 5 miSeaside ReefFair2-3ft· reef· 3 miCardiff ReefFair2-3ft· reef· 4 mi
Check Del Mar from the lineup
Forecasts, surf alerts, and live conditions in the Swell Intel iPhone app.
Del Mar Surf Spot Guide
Break
Beach
Bottom
Sand
Level
Beginner
Crowd
Moderate
Best Swell
SSW
Best Wind
E
Season
Fall
Del Mar's sandy beach breaks offer mellow, rolling waves ideal for surfers just getting their feet wet, with the easterly offshore winds creating clean, peeling conditions during morning sessions. The wide, sandy bottom provides a forgiving learning environment with multiple peaks spreading surfers across the beach, reducing congestion. This picturesque North County spot benefits from Southern Hemisphere swells in fall and winter while maintaining the accessibility that makes it perfect for beginners and families.
Beach break shorebreakOccasional rip currents
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
Del Mar Surf Forecast FAQ
(9)
Del Mar Surf Forecast FAQ
(9)What is the breaking wave height at Del Mar?
The current breaking wave height at Del Mar is 2-3ft, produced by a 2.3ft W wind swell swell at 6s, a 2.1ft SSW secondary swell at 10s, a 1.2ft SW tertiary swell at 16s. Breaking wave height is the actual rideable wave size at the shore — calculated from offshore swell data using this spot's coastal bathymetry — not the raw buoy reading.
When is the best time to surf Del Mar?
Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Del Mar is Sunday from 6 AM to 9 AM with 3ft waves, a 14s swell period, and conditions rated Good. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.
What swell and wind direction work best at Del Mar?
Del Mar works best with a SSW swell and E winds. Offshore winds groom the face of the wave, while onshore winds turn it sloppy. Cross-offshore conditions usually produce the cleanest shape.
What tide is best at Del Mar?
Tide plays a big role at Del Mar. Mid tide works for most beach breaks, while reef and point breaks often prefer higher or lower stages. Use the tide chart above to line up your session with the swell peak.
What kind of wave is Del Mar and who is it for?
Del Mar is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to beginner surfers. Del Mar's sandy beach breaks offer mellow, rolling waves ideal for surfers just getting their feet wet, with the easterly offshore winds creating clean, peeling conditions during morning sessions. The wide, sandy bottom provides a forgiving learning environment with multiple peaks spreading surfers across the beach, reducing congestion. This picturesque North County spot benefits from Southern Hemisphere swells in fall and winter while maintaining the accessibility that makes it perfect for beginners and families.
When is the best season to surf Del Mar?
The prime season at Del Mar is fall, when swell direction, wind patterns, and water temps line up most consistently. Outside the peak season you can still score, but you'll need to watch the forecast closely for the right windows.
Are there any hazards to know about at Del Mar?
Common hazards at Del Mar include beach break shorebreak, occasional rip currents. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.
How accurate is the Del Mar surf forecast?
Our Del Mar forecast uses NOAA GFS and other weather models combined with spot-specific bathymetry to calculate breaking wave heights. Short-range (1-3 day) forecasts are most reliable; extended forecasts show general trends. We also verify our offshore swell predictions against NOAA buoy measurements daily — see our accuracy page for those swell-verification metrics (buoys measure open-water swell, not breaking surf size).