K-38
K-38 is a classic Baja beach break named for its kilometer marker on the toll road south of Tijuana. The spot delivers consistent peaks and occasional barrels when winter NW swells push through, making it a reliable option for surfers heading south of the border. Its accessibility and consistency have made it a popular destination for Southern California surfers looking for less crowded waves.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to TIJ, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when Central America is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in Central America — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
¿Prefieres español? Recibe el Strike Report en español, gratis →
Get the full K-38 trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (285°)
- Direction range
- 270° - 300°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.4m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 15s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 60° - 120°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
6/10
👥 Summer Break (Jul 15 – Aug 31) — expect extra crowds
Access: Easy highway access. Named for kilometer marker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at K-38?
K-38 works best on a mid tide. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at K-38?
Offshore wind at K-38 blows from the E (90°). Anything in the 60° to 120° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at K-38?
K-38 wants WNW swell (270° to 300°) between 0.9m and 3m, with a period of 15s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf K-38?
The main season at K-38 is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Oct, Apr. Winter NW swells. Consistent and accessible.
How do I get to K-38?
Fly into TIJ, then allow about 30 minutes by road. Easy highway access. Named for kilometer marker.
What kind of wave is K-38?
K-38 is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Oct, Apr
Winter NW swells. Consistent and accessible.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Rosarito Pier
🏖️ Rosarito beach break • Pier-side peaks • Easy Baja access
Baja Malibu
🏄 Baja's Malibu • Mellow longboard right • Easy border crossing surf
La Fonda (K-58)
🌊 Baja reef break • Multiple quality peaks • K-58 winter waves
Windansea
🌴 Historic shack • La Jolla heart • Local crew
Black's Beach
🏔️ Scripps Canyon power • Cliff descent required • SoCal's heaviest
San Miguel
🇲🇽 Birthplace of Mexican surf • Trestles-like rights • Winter NW swells