Mendocino Headlands Surf Forecast, Northern California
Northern California
Current Conditions
PoorDaily Forecast
3 of 5 daysPretty quiet out there — 1-2ft and mostly poor with light winds out of the SW. Winds do pick up a bit by the afternoon to 10mph.
Hold off if you can — morning starts out poor - fair with 3-4ft waves. Surf builds nicely through the day to 4-5ft with good conditions by the afternoon.
10s period — conditions are improving beyond your forecast
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Mendocino Headlands Surf Spot Guide
Mendocino Headlands is a raw and dramatic surf spot along the rugged Northern California coastline, where exposed rocky shelves and sea stacks create powerful, unpredictable reef breaks that reward experienced surfers willing to navigate the challenging entry and exit points. The spot faces northeast, picking up the powerful northwest swells that barrel down the Pacific during the winter months, producing heavy, hollow waves with significant punch. What makes this spot truly unique is its stunning natural setting within Mendocino Headlands State Park, where crashing surf meets dramatic bluffs and sea caves, making it as visually spectacular as it is technically demanding.
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.