Swell Intel

Topanga State Beach Surf Forecast, Los Angeles County, California

Los Angeles County, California

Topanga State Beach surf spot

Current Conditions

Poor
Wave Height
1-2ft
ankle to knee high
Swell Period
15.15s
Wind
2mph
SW / Gusts 3mph
Conditions
Poor
Active Swells
Primary
1.0ft @ 6sWSW
Secondary
0.9ft @ 13sSSW
Tertiary
0.9ft @ 15sSSW

Topanga State Beach 5-Day Forecast Summary

Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Topanga State Beach, Los Angeles County, California. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.

Sat, May 16: 12ft, 15s period, rated Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 1-2ft and mostly poor with barely a breath of wind. Winds do pick up a bit by the afternoon to 7mph.

Sun, May 17: 23ft, 14s period, rated Poor. Afternoon is the play — morning is only poor at 1-2ft. Things come together by the afternoon with 2-3ft at poor - fair.

Mon, May 18: 12ft, 16s period, rated Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 1-2ft and mostly poor with gentle ESE breeze.

Tue, May 19: 01ft, 15s period, rated Very Poor. Not the most exciting day — 0-1ft and very poor conditions with barely a breath of wind. Expect the wind to bump up to around 11mph by PM.

Wed, May 20: 01ft, 14s period, rated Very Poor. Not the most exciting day — 0-1ft and very poor conditions with glassy conditions. Winds do pick up a bit by the afternoon to 9mph.

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Forecast Charts

Topanga State Beach Surf Spot Guide

Break
Beach
Bottom
Sand
Level
Beginner
Crowd
Moderate
Best Swell
S
Best Wind
N
Season
Fall

Topanga State Beach offers accessible, mellow beach breaks perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers looking to escape the intensity of nearby breaks. The sandy bottom provides forgiving conditions with consistent peaks that work well during Southern Pacific swell events, particularly in the fall months. This well-maintained state beach combines gentle waves with beautiful coastal scenery and easy amenities, making it an ideal destination for families and those new to surfing.

Crowds on weekendsRip currents during larger swellsRocky point at northern end of beach

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

Topanga State Beach Surf Forecast FAQ

What is the current surf forecast for Topanga State Beach?

The current wave height at Topanga State Beach is 1-2ft with a 15.15s swell period. Wind is SW at 2mph and conditions are rated Poor. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.

What is the breaking wave height at Topanga State Beach?

The current breaking wave height at Topanga State Beach is 1-2ft, produced by a 1ft WSW primary swell at 6s, a 0.9ft SSW secondary swell at 13s, a 0.9ft SSW tertiary swell at 15s. 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 Topanga State Beach?

Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Topanga State Beach is Sunday from 5 PM to 8 PM with 2ft waves, a 13.4s swell period, and conditions rated Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.

What swell and wind direction work best at Topanga State Beach?

Topanga State Beach works best with a S swell and N 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 Topanga State Beach?

Tide plays a big role at Topanga State Beach. 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 Topanga State Beach and who is it for?

Topanga State Beach is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to beginner surfers. Topanga State Beach offers accessible, mellow beach breaks perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers looking to escape the intensity of nearby breaks. The sandy bottom provides forgiving conditions with consistent peaks that work well during Southern Pacific swell events, particularly in the fall months. This well-maintained state beach combines gentle waves with beautiful coastal scenery and easy amenities, making it an ideal destination for families and those new to surfing.

When is the best season to surf Topanga State Beach?

The prime season at Topanga State Beach 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 Topanga State Beach?

Common hazards at Topanga State Beach include crowds on weekends, rip currents during larger swells, rocky point at northern end of beach. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.

How accurate is the Topanga State Beach surf forecast?

Our Topanga State Beach 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. See the forecast accuracy card above for per-spot and regional performance metrics.