Jalama
Jalama is California's wind-swept secret—a remote Central Coast beach break that rewards those willing to drive the long, winding road to reach it with uncrowded waves and spectacular isolation. The famous Jalama burgers at the beach park provide sustenance, but the real draw is the wave: exposed to the full Pacific, capable of excellent conditions when winds cooperate. The problem is that winds rarely cooperate—fierce afternoon howlers are the norm—making morning sessions essential. For those who time it right, Jalama offers empty California perfection.
Jalama surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to SBA, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when North America is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in North America — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
Get the full Jalama 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
- W (260°)
- Direction range
- 230° - 300°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.8m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.5m
Water temp
15°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Jalama Beach County Park. Long windy drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Jalama?
The Jalama profile favors low to mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Jalama?
The Jalama profile uses wind from N (0°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 315° to 45°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Jalama?
The Jalama scoring profile favors swell from W (230° to 300°), a swell-height range of 0.8m to 3m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Jalama?
The main season at Jalama is Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Sep, Apr. Winter NW swells. Often windy afternoons.
How do I get to Jalama?
The spot profile lists SBA as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 75 minutes. Jalama Beach County Park. Long windy drive.
What kind of wave is Jalama?
Jalama is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Sep, Apr
Winter NW swells. Often windy afternoons.