Playa San Diego Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. This is Rusty, and I’m looking at the next couple of weeks here at Playa San Diego.

Right now, we’re seeing a bit of a slow start, but don’t let that fool you. There’s some real potential building up, especially for the mornings. The water’s sitting at a warm 86°, which is about average for this time of year – nothing unusual there.

We kick things off on Sunday afternoon, but honestly, it’s a bit of a dud. Small 2ft swell from the southwest with a 14-second period, but the wind is blowing onshore from the SW at 9 mph, and the wave energy is weak (269). Not worth paddling out for.

Now, Monday the 3rd is where it starts to get interesting. Early morning, we’ve got glassy conditions, dead calm wind, and a 3ft SW swell at 13 seconds. The combined energy bumps up to 292 – still moderate, but the clean conditions make it a nice little session for beginners. The wind swings onshore in the afternoon, so get it early.

Tuesday the 4th morning is another glassy one, with a light ENE breeze at 3 mph. Swell drops a touch to 2ft from the SW, but the energy is moderate (230). It’s clean, but small. Afternoon onshore wind kills it again.

Wednesday the 5th morning: glassy with a 2ft SW swell, period 12 seconds, energy 165. It’s surfable, but very ordinary. Not a standout.

Thursday the 6th morning sees a little more energy (202) with a 2ft SSW swell, 14-second period, and a clean cross-off wind from the ENE. It’s a step up, but still small.

Now, Friday the 7th morning – this is one to circle. The swell jumps to 4ft from the SSE, but with a short 8-second period. The energy is strong (597), and we’ve got glassy conditions with a light NE wind at 3 mph. The short period means it might be a bit jumbled, but for a beach break, it’ll be fun and punchy. Best for intermediate to experienced surfers.

Saturday the 8th morning is another standout. Swell at 3ft from the SSW, but with a long 16-second period – that’s groundswell. Energy is strong (739), and it’s glassy with a light N wind. The long period will make the waves more powerful and walled up, but at this size, it’s still manageable for a keen beginner. The afternoon gets a bit questionable with the wind shifting, but the morning is the pick.

Sunday the 9th morning: 4ft SW swell, 14-second period, energy 541, and a clean cross-off wind from the NE. Another solid morning session, though the crowds are listed as “sometimes” – so expect a few others out there.

Monday the 10th and Tuesday the 11th mornings are both glassy with 3ft SSW swell, decent energy, and clean conditions. Solid but not special.

Wednesday the 12th morning is interesting – only 2ft from the SW, but with a very long 17-second period. Energy is moderate (280), and it’s dead calm, glassy. That long period at a beach break can make it break too straight, but for a mellow day, it’s a fun little wave.

Now, the real highlight of the whole forecast is Friday the 14th and Saturday the 15th. Friday morning: 3ft SSW swell, 18-second period, energy 754 (strong), and a clean offshore wind from the NNE at 6 mph. That’s a powerful, clean groundswell. Saturday morning: 4ft SW swell, 16-second period, energy 1082 – that’s very strong wave energy. Offshore wind again from the NNE at 6 mph. This is the best on offer for the whole period – excellent surf for experienced surfers. The long period and clean offshore wind will make for some beautiful, lined-up waves. If you’re a beginner, 4ft might be a bit much, but it’s not overly big.

Sunday the 16th morning still has good energy (580) with 3ft SW swell, 15-second period, and a gentle offshore wind. Another solid session, but the peak of the swell is Saturday.

After that, Monday the 17th morning is still clean with 3ft SW swell, 14-second period, and offshore wind – a nice way to wind down.

So, overall, the first few days are slow and small, but from Friday the 7th onwards, the mornings are where it’s at. The absolute best windows are Saturday the 8th morning, and then the big one: Friday the 14th and Saturday the 15th mornings. Get on it.

- Rusty

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