Manhattan Beach and Pier Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, I’ve looked at the numbers, and I gotta be straight with you: Manhattan Beach and Pier (Los Angeles) is going through a pretty flat spell right now. For the next several days, we’ve got tiny swell and tricky wind. The combined wave energy is weak, not much over 300, and often sits in the low hundreds. Monday the 6th through Wednesday the 8th, we’re talking knee-high waves at best, around 2ft from the SSW, with a long period of 16 to 18 seconds. That’s groundswell, and while the period is nice, the size is just too small to get excited about. Plus winds are cross-onshore, putting a little bump on the surface. Not the day to call in sick.

Thursday the 9th morning offers a tiny glimmer. The swell holds around 3ft from the SSW, but the wind shifts to a light cross-offshore from the SSE, giving us clean conditions. Combined energy is a moderate 383. This is the first real chance for a fun little session on a log or a fish. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so no shocks there.

Friday the 10th and Saturday the 11th mornings see the swell drop a bit to about 2ft, but the cross-offshore wind hangs in there, making for clean, rippable little waves. The energy dips into the 200s, so it’s weak but surfable.

Then we hit a big gap. From Sunday the 12th afternoon all the way through Saturday the 18th, conditions turn poor. Swell drops to 1ft to 2ft, onshore winds kick in, and the energy falls below 200. This stretch is nearly flat and choppy. For a beginner-friendly, consistent spot like Manhattan Beach, this is a bummer.

But hold on. Sunday the 19th morning brings hope. A 2ft SW groundswell (16 seconds) rolls in with a clean, light cross-offshore wind from the SSE. The energy jumps to 272. It’s small but clean. Monday the 20th morning is a standout: 3ft from the SSE, 13-second period, light cross-offshore wind, and energy at 323—clean, fun little waves. Tuesday the 21st morning repeats that recipe with 3ft from the S, 13 seconds, and light offshore wind, pushing energy up to 486. That’s the best-looking window in the whole 16-day forecast.

The standout is definitely Tuesday the 21st morning. The swell is still modest at 3ft, but it’s clean, the wind is light offshore, and the energy is moderate. For a consistent beach break that’s usually crowded, this will be a sweet window to grab a longboard or a mid-length and go have a blast. Not huge, but quality over quantity.

Rusty.

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