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Buoy San Pedro South, CA (213)

Source: NOAA NDBC
Long-period groundswell

Height

1.0m

Hs

Period

15s

Tp

Direction

S

174°

Water

—

Last update: 16 Oct, 09:26

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Reading History

Last 24 hours

Time(PDT)
Wave heightMax heightPeriodDirectionWater temperatureEnergy

About this buoy

Geographic location

California, United States of America · 16.5 km offshore

Buoy San Pedro South, CA (213) continuously measures essential oceanographic parameters for surfing and water sports. (33.576000° lat, -118.182000° lng)

Nearby surf spots

  • San Pedro Buoy · 13.3 km
  • Cabrillo Point · 17.3 km
  • HB Cliffs · 17.9 km
  • Bolsa Chica Jetties · 17.9 km
  • Bolsa Chica · 18.0 km

Latest reading

On 16 October 2026 at 09:26 GMT-7: 1.0 m significant wave height, 15 s period, from the S (174°).

Measured data

This marine station records significant wave height, maximum height, wave period, swell direction, and water temperature.

About this data source

This buoy's observations are supplied through NOAA National Data Buoy Center by NOAA.

Read source pageOfficial site

How to read buoy data

Significant Height (Hs)

The average of the highest third of waves. This is the most representative measure of the wave size you'll see on the water.

Maximum Height (Hmax)

The highest wave recorded during the measurement period. Generally 1.5 to 2 times the significant height.

Period (Tp)

The time in seconds between two wave crests. A long period (>12s) indicates more powerful and consistent groundswell.

Direction

The direction the swell is coming from. The impact on the coast depends on the shoreline orientation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between significant and maximum height?▼

Significant height (Hs) is the average of the highest third of waves, representing what you typically observe. Maximum height (Hmax) is the largest wave measured, often 1.5 to 2 times higher than Hs. A set of large waves can occasionally exceed Hs.

Why is the period important?▼

A long period (>12s) means waves have traveled far and carry more energy (groundswell). A short period (<8s) indicates local wind-generated swell, more disorganized. For surfing, longer periods produce more powerful and better-shaped waves.

How often is the data updated?▼

Buoys typically transmit their data every 30 minutes to 1 hour. The delay between measurement and display depends on the transmission network and our collection system.

Why doesn't the direction match the waves on the beach?▼

The buoy measures direction offshore. Waves change direction as they approach the coast due to refraction (seabed effect). Beach orientation and coastal obstacles also influence the final wave direction.

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Oct 16, 03:56 PM
0.8m
192 kJ
-14.3s194° S23.5°C192 kJ
Oct 16, 03:26 PM
0.8m
232 kJ
-15.4s195° S-232 kJ
Oct 16, 02:56 PM
0.9m
232 kJ
-15.4s181° S-232 kJ
Oct 16, 02:26 PM
0.9m
235 kJ
-15.4s185° S-235 kJ
Oct 16, 01:56 PM
0.9m
312 kJ
-14.0s212° SW22.9°C312 kJ
Oct 16, 01:26 PM
0.9m
150 kJ
-14.3s204° SW22.9°C150 kJ
Oct 16, 12:56 PM
0.9m
151 kJ
-14.3s194° S22.8°C151 kJ
Oct 16, 12:26 PM
0.9m
236 kJ
-15.4s190° S-236 kJ
Oct 16, 11:56 AM
0.9m
178 kJ
-15.4s191° S22.7°C178 kJ
Oct 16, 11:26 AM
0.9m
154 kJ
-14.3s198° S-154 kJ
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