Swell Intel

Aliso Creek Surf Forecast, Orange County, California

Orange County, California

Right now
Poor - Fair
overall conditions
5-7ft
head high
Onshore·W 7–8 mph
Swell2.2ft @ 17s SSW
TideHigh, rising · high 6:12 PM

Best window·Thursday 6AM9AM·5ft·Fair - Good

Aliso Creek 5-Day Forecast Summary

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

Wed, Jun 24: 57ft, 18s period, rated Fair. First light looks cleanest — 5-7ft on SSW swell at 14s with barely a breath of wind. Conditions go downhill through the afternoon.

Thu, Jun 25: 57ft, 17s period, rated Fair. Dawn patrol is the move — 5-7ft on SSW swell at 16s with calm winds. The W wind kicks in by afternoon — 8mph and poor - fair by then.

Fri, Jun 26: 35ft, 15s period, rated Poor - Fair. Get out early for the best of it — 3-5ft waves on SSW swell at 14s and barely a breath of wind. Onshore flow builds through the day to 10mph, bringing conditions down to poor - fair.

Sat, Jun 27: 46ft, 17s period, rated Poor - Fair. Dawn patrol is the move — 3-5ft on W swell at 6s with moderate SE wind around 10mph. Things get a bit scrappier as the day goes on.

Sun, Jun 28: 35ft, 17s period, rated Poor - Fair. Dawn patrol is the move — 3-5ft on W swell at 7s with moderate SSE wind around 11mph. Things get a bit scrappier as the day goes on.

Daily Forecast

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Aliso Creek Surf Spot Guide

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

Aliso Creek is a sandy beach break in Laguna Beach that offers mellow, forgiving waves ideal for learning and progression. The beach's protected cove setup creates consistent peaks during Southern Hemisphere swells, with the creek mouth adding a unique freshwater character to the lineup. The gentle slopes and sandy bottom make it a welcoming spot for surfers of all levels looking to escape the more crowded Orange County breaks nearby.

Creek currentsOccasional rip currents

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

Aliso Creek Surf Forecast FAQ

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What is the current surf forecast for Aliso Creek?

The current wave height at Aliso Creek is 5-7ft with a 16.75s swell period. Wind is W at 7mph and conditions are rated Poor - Fair. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.

What is the breaking wave height at Aliso Creek?

The current breaking wave height at Aliso Creek is 5-7ft, produced by a 2.2ft SSW primary swell at 17s, a 0.8ft WSW wind swell swell at 2s. 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 Aliso Creek?

Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Aliso Creek is Thursday from 6 AM to 9 AM with 5ft waves, a 15.75s 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 Aliso Creek?

Aliso Creek 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 Aliso Creek?

Tide plays a big role at Aliso Creek. 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 Aliso Creek and who is it for?

Aliso Creek is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to beginner surfers. Aliso Creek is a sandy beach break in Laguna Beach that offers mellow, forgiving waves ideal for learning and progression. The beach's protected cove setup creates consistent peaks during Southern Hemisphere swells, with the creek mouth adding a unique freshwater character to the lineup. The gentle slopes and sandy bottom make it a welcoming spot for surfers of all levels looking to escape the more crowded Orange County breaks nearby.

When is the best season to surf Aliso Creek?

The prime season at Aliso Creek 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 Aliso Creek?

Common hazards at Aliso Creek include creek currents, 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 Aliso Creek surf forecast?

Our Aliso Creek 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. Visit /public/accuracy for per-spot and regional performance metrics.