Swell Intel

Ponto Surf Forecast, San Diego County, California

San Diego County, California

Ponto surf spot

Current Conditions

Fair
Wave Height
4-5ft
chest to head high
Swell Period
17.65s
Wind
8mph
W / Gusts 9mph
Conditions
Fair
Active Swells
Primary
1.5ft @ 6sW
Secondary
1.4ft @ 18sSSW
Tertiary
0.8ft @ 13sS

Ponto 5-Day Forecast Summary

Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Ponto, San Diego 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. Rideable all day with 4-5ft waves on WSW swell at 12s and 8mph from the W.

Mon, May 11: 34ft, 18s period, rated Fair. Rideable all day with 3-4ft waves on SSW swell at 16s and light winds out of the WNW.

Tue, May 12: 34ft, 16s period, rated Poor - Fair. Early morning is your best window — 3-4ft waves on SSW swell at 15s with light winds out of the SW. The SW wind kicks in by afternoon — 9mph and poor - fair by then.

Wed, May 13: 23ft, 15s period, rated Poor - Fair. Get out early for the best of it — 2-3ft waves on SSW swell at 14s and glassy conditions. The WSW wind kicks in by afternoon — 11mph and poor - fair by then.

Thu, May 14: 23ft, 16s period, rated Poor - Fair. Dawn patrol is the move — 2-3ft on SSW swell at 13s with calm winds. The WSW wind kicks in by afternoon — 12mph and poor - fair by then.

Nearest Webcam

Daily Forecast

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Forecast Charts

Ponto Surf Spot Guide

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

Ponto is a sandy beach break located in central San Diego County that offers mellow, fun waves ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers. The break faces ENE and picks up south swells effectively, creating peaky, forgiving waves that work well throughout the year. The sandy bottom provides a soft landing and natural progression for learning surfers, making it a popular local favorite.

Shorebreak at high tideOccasional rip currents

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

Ponto Surf Forecast FAQ

What is the current surf forecast for Ponto?

The current wave height at Ponto is 4-5ft with a 17.65s swell period. Wind is W at 8mph 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 Ponto?

The current breaking wave height at Ponto is 4-5ft, produced by a 1.5ft W primary swell at 6s, a 1.4ft SSW secondary swell at 18s, 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 Ponto?

Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Ponto is Monday from 6 AM to 9 AM with 4ft waves, a 16.45s 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 Ponto?

Ponto 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 Ponto?

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

Ponto is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to beginner surfers. Ponto is a sandy beach break located in central San Diego County that offers mellow, fun waves ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers. The break faces ENE and picks up south swells effectively, creating peaky, forgiving waves that work well throughout the year. The sandy bottom provides a soft landing and natural progression for learning surfers, making it a popular local favorite.

When is the best season to surf Ponto?

The prime season at Ponto 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 Ponto?

Common hazards at Ponto include shorebreak at high tide, 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 Ponto surf forecast?

Our Ponto 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.