
Surf Forecasts:
Depressions surf forecast from 12 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Wednesday 15 Jul, 2AM (local time) - 1.5ft (0.4m), 18s period, SW swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Saturday 18 Jul, 5PM (local time) - 3ft (0.9m), 16s period, SSE swell with 382 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Saturday 11 Jul, 8PM (local time) - 1.5ft (0.5m), 14s period with SSW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Depressions this week:
The surf forecast for Depressions over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Saturday (Jul 11) at 8PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.5m and 14s period with a secondary swell of 0.5m and 8s. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Depressions in the next 16 days are 0.9m 16s and forecast to arrive on Saturday (Jul 18) at 5PM. Winds are predicted to be onshore at the time the swell arrives.
| Wave Type | Time (PDT) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 8PM (Sat 11th Jul) | 1.5ft (0.5m) 14s |
| Best Surf | 2AM (Wed 15th Jul) | 1.5ft (0.4m) 18s |
| Most Powerful | 5PM (Sat 18th Jul) | 3ft (0.9m) 16s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Depressions over the next 16 days.
Alright, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s on offer for the local stretch.
Right out of the gate, I gotta be straight with you—this 16-day window is a real test of patience. There’s a long, dry spell with nothing worth paddling out for. The first few days through to mid-July are flat or tiny, with poor conditions and wind ruining any chance of a wave. You’re looking at a gap of about a week before anything even starts to whisper.
The only break we’ve got to talk about is Depressions. It’s a beginner-friendly, fairly consistent spot that’s fairly exposed to the swell. The water temp is sitting at 64°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year.
Now, for the first real glimmer of hope. Around Saturday, July 18th, things start to change. The swell swings around to the SSE, bringing in a long-period groundswell of 16 seconds, which is proper energy. The combined energy of all swells directed here is a solid 510 (moderate wave energy), and by Saturday morning we’ve got glassy conditions—that’s a major positive. The wind is from the SW at only 3 mph, and it’s glass. The wave height is around 2 ft, so it’s small but clean. This is the standout of the entire period. The break is fairly consistent, and with that glassy surface, it’s going to be a treat for a longboard or a fun board. Because it’s a fairly exposed spot, the long-period SSE swell should wrap in nicely. Keep in mind, though, Depressions can get crowds sometimes, so get in early.
After that Saturday morning window, the quality drops off again. The rest of the period into the second week has some small, choppy, or onshore conditions, with the odd marginal score. The energy levels do get higher, with some readings up in the 400s and 500s, but the wind is never really in the right spot, and the wave comments all say poor or marginal. The swell period gets very long again—up to 20 and 21 seconds—but it’s coming from the SW or SSW, and with onshore winds, it’s just not coming together. There’s no other standout to chase.
So, to sum it up: Saturday, July 18th morning is your day. Everything else is a write-off or a gamble. It’s a tough stretch, but when that glassy, clean SSE swell rolls in, it’ll be worth the wait.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 27°C on Mon morning, min 18°C on Sat night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 31°C on Wed afternoon, min 22°C on Thu night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Saturday 11 | Sunday 12 | Monday 13 | Tuesday 14 | Wednesday 15 | Thursday 16 | Friday 17 | |||||||||||||||
AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | |
Swell Height Map | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wave Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SW 19 | SW 13 | SW 18 | SW 18 | WNW 7 | WNW 6 | WNW 6 | WNW 9 | WNW 8 | WNW 8 | WNW 18 | WNW 8 | WNW 17 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
172 | 118 | 152 | 163 | 136 | 104 | 139 | 141 | 68 | 44 | 51 | 109 | 136 | 220 | 165 | 243 | 101 | 212 | 118 | 112 | 96 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross | cross-on | glassy | on | on | glassy | cross-on | on | glassy | on | cross-on | cross-off | on | cross-on | cross-off | on | cross-on | glassy | on | on | glassy |
High Tide | 9:03AM1.38m | 7:29PM2.37m | 9:53AM1.46m | 8:23PM2.47m | 10:38AM1.52m | 9:15PM2.51m | 11:20AM1.58m | 10:06PM2.48m | 12:03PM1.64m | 10:56PM2.37m | 12:45PM1.70m | 11:46PM2.18m | 1:27PM1.75m | 00:38AM1.94m | |||||||
Low Tide | 12:52PM1.13m | 3:08AM-0.01m | 1:54PM1.11m | 3:56AM-0.12m | 2:53PM1.07m | 4:42AM-0.16m | 3:49PM1.03m | 5:26AM-0.12m | 4:46PM0.99m | 6:08AM-0.01m | 5:45PM0.97m | 6:48AM0.15m | 6:48PM0.96m | ||||||||
5:54 | — | — | 5:56 | — | — | 5:56 | — | — | 5:56 | — | — | 5:58 | — | — | 5:58 | — | — | 5:58 | — | — | |
— | 8:13 | — | — | 8:13 | — | — | 8:13 | — | — | 8:12 | — | — | 8:12 | — | — | 8:10 | — | — | 8:10 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 21 | 22 | 19 | 24 | 26 | 23 | 27 | 26 | 23 | 27 | 30 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 28 | 28 | 30 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 23 |
Feels °C | 21 | 23 | 20 | 24 | 26 | 24 | 28 | 26 | 23 | 26 | 29 | 26 | 29 | 28 | 24 | 26 | 29 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 24 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | WNW 8 | WNW 8 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | NW 9 | SSW 12 | SW 18 | SW 17 | SW 16 | SW 16 | WNW 9 | WNW 8 | WNW 8 | WNW 8 | WNW 17 | W 5 |
49 | 45 | 152 | 163 | 136 | 104 | 139 | 141 | 68 | 20 | 51 | 109 | 77 | 93 | 90 | 243 | 101 | 212 | 118 | 97 | 28 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | WNW 8 | WNW 9 | WNW 9 | WNW 4 | WNW 9 | WNW 9 | S 12 | S 12 | SW 18 | SSW 13 | WNW 13 | W 13 | W 13 | SW 16 | SW 16 | NW 6 | WNW 18 | SW 14 | WNW 17 |
172 | 118 | 24 | 27 | 27 | 6 | 29 | 31 | 26 | 26 | 49 | 56 | 35 | 31 | 14 | 89 | 87 | 11 | 104 | 54 | 96 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 19 | S 16 | S 18 | S 18 | S 15 | NW 9 | W 16 | SW 19 | SW 19 | SW 13 | W 14 | WNW 14 | S 13 | S 12 | SSW 21 | WNW 20 | WNW 12 | SW 19 | SW 14 | W 12 | SW 17 |
7 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 67 | 22 | 20 | 59 | 59 | 44 | 16 | 41 | 14 | 11 | 44 | 38 | 27 | 92 | 74 | 11 | 77 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | NW 9 | — | — | — | WNW 9 | W 4 | WNW 5 | WNW 5 | WNW 7 | WNW 6 | WNW 6 | — | WNW 6 | WNW 8 | — | WNW 8 | — |
— | — | — | — | 21 | — | — | — | 46 | 5 | 42 | 90 | 136 | 220 | 165 | — | 50 | 207 | — | 112 | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 76 | 149 | 0 | 149 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 35 | 0 | 1 | 35 | 0 | 35 | 1 | 0 | 54 | 1 | 0 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Santa Barbara | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in United States | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Depressions Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Depressions provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Depressions can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Depressions surf forecast is unique since it includes wave energy (power) that defines the real feel of the surf rather than just the height or the period. If you surf the same spot (Depressions) regularly then make a mental note of the wave energy from the surf forecast table each time you go. Very soon you may start to choose your surf days based on the wave energy alone combined with our forecast of favourable offshore wind conditions. Our star ratings will help here and of course you will also find the usual wave height and period predictions on our surf forecasts as well as a full break down of the swell components under our advanced users option (to reveal that, click the little Einstein character under the tide times).
Further information to help with frequently asked questions about our surf forecast for Depressions may be found under the help tab on the top menu and also by moving your mouse over the question marks on the surf forecast table itself. Please always bear in mind that the forecast is for near-shore open water and local factors at each surf break influence the actual breaking wave height, such as the beach / reef profile, water depths offshore and shelter.
Depressions is 1 km (1 miles) from Isla Vista. If you plan a vacation in Santa Barbara, look for hotels and other accommodation in Isla Vista. Isla Vista has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.










