Northern California
Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Needle Rock, Northern 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: 4–5ft, 12s period, rated Fair - Good. Consistent 4-5ft surf through the day on WSW swell at 13s with 8mph from the NNE.
Mon, May 11: 4–5ft, 11s period, rated Good. Get out early for the best of it — 4-5ft waves on WNW swell at 11s and strong NE wind at 14mph. Conditions go downhill through the afternoon.
Tue, May 12: 3–4ft, 11s period, rated Fair. Steady 4-5ft waves on offer on WNW swell at 11s — barely a breath of wind.
Wed, May 13: 4–5ft, 13s period, rated Fair. Expect 4-5ft all day on W swell at 11s with light winds out of the SSE — nothing amazing but surfable.
Thu, May 14: 4–5ft, 12s period, rated Fair. Early morning is your best window — 4-5ft waves on W swell at 11s with gentle ENE breeze. Things get a bit scrappier as the day goes on.
Free, simple, and takes 30 seconds.
Needle Rock is a rugged reef break along Northern California's dramatic coastline, where rocky outcroppings create predictable wave formations when swell wraps around the point. The break works best during autumn when Pacific swells approach from the northwest, peeling consistently across the reef structure. This exposed, less-crowded spot rewards experienced surfers with quality waves and stunning coastal scenery.
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
The current wave height at Needle Rock is 4-5ft with a 11.55s swell period. Wind is NNE at 8mph and conditions are rated Fair - Good. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.
The current breaking wave height at Needle Rock is 4-5ft, produced by a 3.1ft W primary swell at 11s, a 1.7ft WNW secondary swell at 12s, a 1ft SW tertiary swell at 16s, a 4.5ft WNW wind swell swell at 6s. 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.
Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Needle Rock is Sunday from 3 PM to 6 PM with 5ft waves, a 6.5s swell period, and conditions rated Good. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.
Needle Rock works best with a NW swell and SE winds. Offshore winds groom the face of the wave, while onshore winds turn it sloppy. Cross-offshore conditions usually produce the cleanest shape.
Tide plays a big role at Needle Rock. 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.
Needle Rock is a reef with a rock bottom, suited to intermediate surfers. Needle Rock is a rugged reef break along Northern California's dramatic coastline, where rocky outcroppings create predictable wave formations when swell wraps around the point. The break works best during autumn when Pacific swells approach from the northwest, peeling consistently across the reef structure. This exposed, less-crowded spot rewards experienced surfers with quality waves and stunning coastal scenery.
The prime season at Needle Rock 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.
Common hazards at Needle Rock include rocks, strong currents, shallow reef, cold water. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.
Our Needle Rock 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.
