Swell Intel

204s Surf Forecast, Orange County, California

Orange County, California

204s surf spot

Current Conditions

Fair
Wave Height
3-4ft
waist to chest high
Swell Period
17.7s
Wind
7mph
WSW / Gusts 7mph
Conditions
Fair
Active Swells
Primary
1.6ft @ 18sSSW
Secondary
1.1ft @ 6sW
Tertiary
0.8ft @ 13sS

204s 5-Day Forecast Summary

Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at 204s, Orange County, California. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.

Sun, May 10: 34ft, 18s period, rated Fair. Expect 3-4ft all day on SSW swell at 18s with light WSW winds — nothing amazing but surfable.

Mon, May 11: 34ft, 18s period, rated Fair. Get out early for the best of it — 3-4ft waves on SSW swell at 17s and light NW winds. Things get a bit scrappier as the day goes on.

Tue, May 12: 34ft, 16s period, rated Poor - Fair. Dawn patrol is the move — 3-4ft on SSW swell at 15s with light SSE winds. The SW wind kicks in by afternoon — 8mph and poor - fair by then.

Wed, May 13: 23ft, 15s period, rated Fair. First light looks cleanest — 2-3ft on SSW swell at 14s with light ESE winds. Onshore flow builds through the day to 10mph, bringing conditions down to poor - fair.

Thu, May 14: 23ft, 16s period, rated Poor - Fair. First light looks cleanest — 2-3ft on SSW swell at 13s with light ESE winds. Onshore flow builds through the day to 9mph, bringing conditions down to poor - fair.

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Swell building Wed, May 13Fair

15s period — conditions are improving beyond your forecast

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Forecast Charts

204s Surf Spot Guide

Break
Beach
Bottom
Sand
Level
Beginner
Crowd
Moderate
Best Swell
S
Best Wind
NE
Season
Fall

204s is a accessible sandy beach break in Orange County that works best during fall and winter swells when southern hemisphere groundswell wraps into Southern California. The NE-facing beach offers forgiving, mellow waves ideal for learning and progression, with a wide sandy bottom that provides consistent, peeling opportunities across various swell sizes. This spot's popularity with beginners and intermediates makes it a reliable option when other nearby breaks are either too crowded or outside their optimal swell window.

Crowded during peak timesOccasional rip currents

Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.

204s Surf Forecast FAQ

What is the current surf forecast for 204s?

The current wave height at 204s is 3-4ft with a 17.7s swell period. Wind is WSW at 7mph and conditions are rated Fair. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.

What is the breaking wave height at 204s?

The current breaking wave height at 204s is 3-4ft, produced by a 1.6ft SSW primary swell at 18s, a 1.1ft W secondary swell at 6s, a 0.8ft S tertiary swell at 13s. Breaking wave height is the actual rideable wave size at the shore — calculated from offshore swell data using this spot's coastal bathymetry — not the raw buoy reading.

When is the best time to surf 204s?

Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf 204s is Monday from 6 AM to 9 AM with 4ft waves, a 16.5s swell period, and conditions rated Fair - Good. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.

What swell and wind direction work best at 204s?

204s works best with a S swell and NE winds. Offshore winds groom the face of the wave, while onshore winds turn it sloppy. Cross-offshore conditions usually produce the cleanest shape.

What tide is best at 204s?

Tide plays a big role at 204s. Mid tide works for most beach breaks, while reef and point breaks often prefer higher or lower stages. Use the tide chart above to line up your session with the swell peak.

What kind of wave is 204s and who is it for?

204s is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to beginner surfers. 204s is a accessible sandy beach break in Orange County that works best during fall and winter swells when southern hemisphere groundswell wraps into Southern California. The NE-facing beach offers forgiving, mellow waves ideal for learning and progression, with a wide sandy bottom that provides consistent, peeling opportunities across various swell sizes. This spot's popularity with beginners and intermediates makes it a reliable option when other nearby breaks are either too crowded or outside their optimal swell window.

When is the best season to surf 204s?

The prime season at 204s is fall, when swell direction, wind patterns, and water temps line up most consistently. Outside the peak season you can still score, but you'll need to watch the forecast closely for the right windows.

Are there any hazards to know about at 204s?

Common hazards at 204s include crowded during peak times, occasional rip currents. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.

How accurate is the 204s surf forecast?

Our 204s forecast uses NOAA GFS and other weather models combined with spot-specific bathymetry to calculate breaking wave heights. Short-range (1-3 day) forecasts are most reliable. Extended forecasts show general trends. See the forecast accuracy card above for per-spot and regional performance metrics.