National Weather ServiceCaliforniaHigh Surf AdvisoryArchive to October 1, 2026
High Surf Advisories in California
The National Weather Service issued 44 high surf advisories for California in 2025 and 51 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 2nd most of any state. 2026 through September: 28, 17% below the average of 34 for those months in 2008-2025. San Luis Obispo County Central Coast was covered most often (310 times since 2008).
How many high surf advisories does California get?
Every high surf advisory that covered part of California. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 28 |
| 2025 | 44 |
| 2024 | 66 |
| 2023 | 60 |
| 2022 | 33 |
| 2021 | 45 |
| 2020 | 40 |
| 2019 | 54 |
| 2018 | 45 |
| 2017 | 43 |
| 2016 | 85 |
| 2015 | 34 |
| 2014 | 55 |
| 2013 | 38 |
| 2012 | 60 |
| 2011 | 51 |
| 2010 | 74 |
| 2009 | 46 |
| 2008 | 42 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does California get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in California?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Luis Obispo County Central Coast | 310 | 0 | April 5, 2022 |
| Santa Barbara County Central Coast | 310 | 0 | April 5, 2022 |
| Ventura County Coast | 220 | 0 | March 28, 2022 |
| San Diego County Coastal Areas | 190 | 31 | September 5, 2026 |
| Los Angeles County Coast including Downtown Los Angeles | 178 | 0 | March 28, 2022 |
| Coastal North Bay (including Point Reyes National Seashore) | 152 | 33 | February 18, 2026 |
| Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast | 149 | 33 | February 18, 2026 |
| San Francisco | 146 | 33 | February 18, 2026 |
| Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands | 132 | 32 | September 28, 2026 |
| Northern Monterey Bay | 122 | 21 | February 18, 2026 |
| San Luis Obispo County Beaches | 101 | 93 | May 30, 2026 |
| Santa Barbara County Central Coast Beaches | 101 | 93 | May 30, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a high surf advisory?
A high surf advisory means large, dangerous breaking waves and strong currents along the shore. An advisory is issued for a hazard less serious than a warning that can still cause inconvenience or danger if people are not careful. The national record · Every warning type in California.