Tajiguas Surf Forecast, Santa Barbara County, California

Santa Barbara County, California

Right nowVery Poor
0-1ft

Not the most exciting day — 0-1ft and very poor conditions with 7mph S winds.

Swell
1.7ft
4s · WNW
Wind
7mph
S · Onshore
Water
67°F
Springsuit / 2mm
Tide
Mid
rising · high 2:00 PM
Surf: nearshore model · 9 AM localWind: model · 9 AM localTide: forecast

Conditions stay similar this week — check the hourly forecast at Tajiguas for the cleanest windows.

Registered at the buoy
Wind wave2.4ft @ 5s W
Groundswell0.8ft @ 10s W

Tajiguas 5-Day Forecast Summary

Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Tajiguas, Santa Barbara 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: 01ft, 5s period, rated Very Poor. A slow one — 0-1ft waves and very poor conditions with 7mph S winds. Winds do pick up a bit by the afternoon to 23mph.

Fri, Sep 4: 12ft, 18s period, rated Poor. First light looks cleanest — 1-2ft on SSW swell at 18s with 15mph N winds. It gets a bit messier later in the day.

Sat, Sep 5: 12ft, 16s period, rated Poor - Fair. Dawn patrol is the move — 1-2ft on SSW swell at 16s with light N winds. Conditions go downhill through the afternoon.

Sun, Sep 6: 12ft, 15s period, rated Poor - Fair. Get out early for the best of it — 1-2ft waves on SSW swell at 15s and moderate N wind around 8mph. It gets a bit messier later in the day.

Mon, Sep 7: 12ft, 14s period, rated Poor. First light looks cleanest — 1-2ft on S swell at 13s with light winds out of the NNW. Conditions go downhill through the afternoon.

Daily Forecast

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Hourly Forecast

Two days at a glance. Swipe for later hours.

Very Poor today — get one free email when Tajiguas turns Good.

Forecasts here are checked against NOAA buoy Santa Maria (46011) 83 km away. Predictions are being recorded before each swell arrives; the predicted-vs-measured record publishes openly around September 9.How it works

Check Tajiguas from the lineup

Forecasts, surf alerts, and live conditions in the Swell Intel iPhone app.

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Tajiguas Surf Spot Guide

Break
Beach
Bottom
Sand
Level
Beginner
Crowd
Light
Best Swell
W
Best Wind
E
Season
Fall

Tajiguas is a mellow beach break along the central Santa Barbara County coast, offering forgiving, rolling waves ideal for learners and cruisy surfers. The sandy bottom and consistent beach break shape make it accessible during various swell directions, particularly when west-facing swells wrap around the coastline. This relatively uncrowded gem provides a laid-back vibe away from the busier Santa Barbara breaks, making it a perfect spot to practice fundamentals or enjoy a peaceful session.

Occasional rip currentsSharp rocks in nearshore area during low tide

Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.

Tajiguas Surf Forecast FAQ

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What is the current surf forecast for Tajiguas?

The current wave height at Tajiguas is 0-1ft with a 3.9s swell period. Wind is S at 7mph. Conditions are rated Very Poor. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.

What is the breaking wave height at Tajiguas?

The current breaking wave height at Tajiguas is 0-1ft, produced by a 1.7ft WNW wind swell swell at 4s, a 1.3ft SSW secondary swell at 11s, a 1.1ft SW tertiary swell at 16s, a 0.9ft SSW tertiary swell at 20s. 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 Tajiguas?

Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Tajiguas is Sunday from 8 AM to 11 AM with 1ft waves, a 14.7s swell period, and conditions rated Poor - Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.

What swell and wind direction work best at Tajiguas?

Tajiguas works best with a W 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 Tajiguas?

Tide plays a big role at Tajiguas. 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 Tajiguas and who is it for?

Tajiguas is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to beginner surfers. Tajiguas is a mellow beach break along the central Santa Barbara County coast, offering forgiving, rolling waves ideal for learners and cruisy surfers. The sandy bottom and consistent beach break shape make it accessible during various swell directions, particularly when west-facing swells wrap around the coastline. This relatively uncrowded gem provides a laid-back vibe away from the busier Santa Barbara breaks, making it a perfect spot to practice fundamentals or enjoy a peaceful session.

When is the best season to surf Tajiguas?

The prime season at Tajiguas 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 Tajiguas?

Common hazards at Tajiguas include occasional rip currents, sharp rocks in nearshore area during low tide. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.

How accurate is the Tajiguas surf forecast?

Our Tajiguas 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).