Delray Beach Surf Report, Cam & Spot Guide
Delray Beach, Florida · South Florida
Delray Beach is a sandy beach break that's one of the friendliest waves in Palm Beach County for beginners and longboarders. It needs a real NE-E swell to wake up and often runs on the smaller, softer side, especially in summer. Best conditions line up with W/NW offshore wind and a mid tide, mostly during winter NE windswell season.
| Day | Surf | Wind | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 7/24 | knee to waist (2.4 ft) | 13 mph E | Marginal |
| Sat 7/25 | ankle to knee (1.4 ft) | 13 mph SSE | Marginal |
| Sun 7/26 | ankle to knee (1.0 ft) | 17 mph SSW | Marginal |
| Mon 7/27 | ankle to knee (1.0 ft) | 14 mph SW | Fair |
| Tue 7/28 | ankle to knee (1.4 ft) | 16 mph SW | Marginal |
| Wed 7/29 | ankle to knee (1.9 ft) | 12 mph SW | Fair |
| Thu 7/30 | knee to waist (2.2 ft) | 16 mph W | Good |
Days 8 to 15 are a lower confidence outlook. Data by Open-Meteo.com, refreshed every 2 hours.
How It Breaks
Delray Beach is a straightforward sand-bottom beach break, no jetty, no reef, just sandbars doing the work. That makes it forgiving for beginners and a fun cruiser wave for longboards on a clean day. The tradeoff is that it needs a real NE-E swell to get going, and without one it sits small and soft, especially through summer when swimmer crowds fill the water too.
Best Conditions
Look for a NE-E swell with W/NW offshore wind and a mid tide to get the most out of Delray. Winter NE windswell is the most reliable season, with hurricane swell adding size later in the year. Locals favor the stretch along Atlantic Avenue, where an E/SE swell and offshore wind line up into a mellow, social peak that is easy to share.
Cam and What to Know Before You Go
Watch the live multi-view cam at delraybeachfl.gov for a real-time look before you head down, or check the Surfline Delray Beach report for a fuller forecast. Rip currents are the main hazard here, so read the flags before paddling out, and expect the water to get crowded with summer swimmers once the temperature climbs.
Parking and Local Tips
Parking along A1A is metered and paid, and it gets tight once the season fills in, so arrive early if you want a close spot. If you are after a mellower, social session, the Atlantic Avenue stretch works well on an E/SE swell with offshore wind. Refuel after your session at Boston's on the Beach, right on the sand for beachfront bar food.
Gear and the Shop
Because Delray works best for beginners and longboarders, a soft-top is the easiest way to get started here, and Island Water Sports - Delray Beach is just 0.8 miles away with soft-tops, surfboards, winter wetsuits, leashes, wax, fins, and ding repair on the shelf. New to it? Call 954-427-4929 to book a lesson or line up a rental before you paddle out.
Gear for Delray Beach
FAQ
Is Delray Beach good for beginners?
Yes. Delray Beach is a beginner to intermediate sand-bottom break that is a popular pick for longboarding and learning to surf.
What swell does Delray Beach need?
Delray Beach needs a NE-E swell with W/NW offshore wind and a mid tide, and it is most reliable during winter NE windswell season.
Where can I check the surf cam for Delray Beach?
The City of Delray Beach runs a free multi-view cam at delraybeachfl.gov, and Surfline also publishes a Delray Beach surf report.
Nearby spots
Boca RatonBoca Raton (Palmetto Park & A1A)
Boca RatonBoynton Beach Inlet
Ocean RidgeDania Beach Pier
Dania Beach · live cam