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.
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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 kind of wave is Jalama?
Jalama is a beach break in Santa Barbara County, USA, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Jalama?
Jalama picks up swell from the SW round to the WNW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the W. It starts working at around 0.8m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 1.8 to 2.5m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Jalama?
A N wind is dead offshore at Jalama, and anything from the NW round to the NE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Jalama?
Jalama is at its best around the low to mid tide, roughly 0.3m to 1.5m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Jalama?
The most reliable run of swell at Jalama comes Oct to Mar. There's a second window in Apr and Sep too. Winter NW swells. Often windy afternoons.
How cold is the water at Jalama?
The water at Jalama averages around 15°C, so you'll want a 4/3mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Jalama good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 6/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). Remote location. Strong rips. Wind can be fierce.
How do I get to Jalama?
The nearest airport on our list is SBA, then it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive. Jalama Beach County Park. Long windy drive.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Sep, Apr
Winter NW swells. Often windy afternoons.