Playa Santa Catalina Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Howdy, I’m Rusty, and here’s how things are shaping up for Playa Santa Catalina. This is a very consistent point break, exposed to the SSW swell, with N as the offshore direction. It’s an advanced wave, so keep that in mind. Water temp is sitting at 86°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year.

The first solid window kicks off Monday 13 July morning. We’ve got a clean 3 ft SSW swell, period a tasty 13 seconds, and light cross-off wind from the NE at 6 mph. The combined swell energy is moderate at 349. That sets us up nicely. Monday afternoon turns glassy with the wind swinging ESE at 3 mph, a 3 ft swell, and longer 14-second spacing – that’s clean, grunty surf.

Tuesday 14 July keeps the good run going. Morning is clean again with 3 ft SSW, 14-second period, and NE cross-off at 9 mph. Afternoon holds with the same size and 13-second period under light NE breeze. Wednesday 15 July morning looks like the standout: a pure offshore N wind at 3 mph, pushing 3 ft SSW at 14 seconds, and combined energy up to 361. That’s clean, lined-up point surf. Wednesday afternoon gets a bit choppy with a cross-on SW breeze, so morning is your window.

Thursday 16 July morning is clean with 3 ft and NNE cross-off, but afternoon brings a cross-on trend. Friday 17 July is a beauty: morning has north offshore at 6 mph, 3 ft SSW at 14 seconds, and combined energy at 369. Afternoon goes glassy with a 3 mph SSE wind, the same 3 ft size, and a 13-second period. Saturday 18 July morning goes glassy again with NE 3 mph, 3 ft swell at 13 seconds – glassy conditions, mate. Afternoon is onshore so skip it. Sunday 19 July morning sees a light north offshore at 3 mph, 3 ft at 12 seconds – still clean.

The second week starts to taper. Monday 20 July morning is glassy with 3 ft, afternoon glassy with 2 ft. Tuesday 21 July morning brings a clean 2 ft SW swell with a long 15-second period, but it’s tiny. Wednesday 22 July morning is glassy but just 1 ft. There is a quiet patch from around Wednesday 22 July through Friday 24 July – those days offer only knee-high dribble and onshore afternoons, so a few days of slim pickings.

Now for the two true standouts further out. Saturday 25 July morning has a very long period 21-second SSW groundswell at just 1 ft, combined energy at 315, with a light NE cross-off. That period is exceptional – the sets will be fat, clean, and drawn out, perfect for this point break. Sunday 26 July morning stacks up even better: 2 ft SSW, 19-second period, combined energy strong at 402, and NE cross-off at 6 mph. That’s the best wave of the whole run: proper long-period groundswell with clean offshore wind. The last call is Monday 27 July morning with 2 ft at 17 seconds and NE cross-off, combined energy 386 – still a solid option. Tuesday 28 July morning sees glass but only 2 ft at 15 seconds. The point will be picky on those smaller days, but when the long-period stuff lines up, it’ll be magic.

Crowds are listed as *sometimes* so you might bump into a few locals, but it’s not a circus. Overall, the first week is consistent and clean, while the 26th morning is the clear standout offering the best combo of size, period, and wind.

Stay frothy,
Rusty

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