How do I read the surf forecast for Black's Beach?

Our forecast shows wave height in feet, swell period in seconds (longer = more powerful), swell direction, wind speed/direction, and tide times. Look for longer periods (10+ seconds) and offshore winds for the best conditions.

California • San Diego County • Buoy: 46225

Black's Beach

Q: What is the surf like at Black's Beach today?

Black's Beach currently has waves around 2-4. Conditions change throughout the day, so check back for updated forecasts.

Good

Wave Height

2-4

Swell

~12s

SSW

Wind

3mph

Onshore (WNW)

Water

71°

Springsuit

Falling• Low in 7h 5m

Updated: 7/12/2026, 5:30:24 PM • Data: Open-Meteo

Accurate?

Surf Graph

Clean

Fair

Choppy

Flat

Tide Forecast

Today

L10:29am-1.5ft

H5:05pm3.9ft

L9:31pm2.2ft

Tomorrow

H3:51am7.2ft

L11:12am-1.6ft

H5:45pm4.1ft

L10:24pm2.0ft

Wed, Jul 15

H4:40am7.1ft

L11:54am-1.5ft

H6:24pm4.3ft

L11:16pm1.8ft

Recent History

No recent history available

About Black's Beach

Black's Beach is one of the most powerful beach breaks in Southern California, tucked beneath the towering Torrey Pines cliffs in La Jolla. The steep, narrow beach focuses swell energy into heavy, hollow peaks that can hold well overhead surf. Access requires a rugged trail down the bluffs—no easy paddle-out here, which keeps the crowd more committed than your average SoCal break. Winter northwest swells light this place up, producing barreling A-frames that rival anything on the coast. The nudist section to the north adds to the uniquely SoCal atmosphere.

FAQ

What is the water temperature at Black's Beach?

The current water temperature at Black's Beach is 71°F. A springsuit or shorty wetsuit is recommended.

What is the surf like at Black's Beach today?

Black's Beach currently has waves around 2-4ft. Conditions change throughout the day, so check back for updated forecasts.

What time is high tide at Black's Beach?

Today's high tide at Black's Beach is at 11:01 PM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What time is low tide at Black's Beach?

Today's low tide at Black's Beach is at 6:29 AM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What are the best conditions for surfing Black's Beach?

Black's Beach works best with swells from the W, WNW, NW and E, NE, ENE winds (offshore). The ideal tide is low to mid.

Is Black's Beach good for beginners?

Black's Beach is recommended for experienced surfers only. The waves here can be powerful and conditions challenging. Beginners should look for more forgiving spots nearby.

This Week's Outlook

Thursday morning looks dialed with 4ft waves, clean 14-second periods, and light winds right around the incoming tide at 6:27 AM. You'll want to get out there early before the wind picks up to 10mph later.

Updated 6/15/2026, 6:00:53 AM

Spot Info

Break TypeBeach Break

BottomSand

Skill LevelAdvanced

CrowdModerate

Best TideLow to Mid

Best SwellW, WNW, NW

Best WindE, NE, ENE

ParkingFree parking at Torrey Pines gliderport, steep trail down

Local Tip

The cliff trail is no joke—allow 15 minutes each way. Winter NW swells are when this place really turns on.