Clearwater Beach Surf Report: Live Surf Cam, Conditions & Forecast

Best Swell Direction: South to southwest wind swell, generated by Gulf cold fronts and tropical or hurricane systems.

Best Winds: East to northeast winds are offshore here, the opposite of the Atlantic coast, since the Gulf lies to the west.

Best Size: Usually flat to small, coming up only briefly when a front or storm pushes wind swell in.

Best Tide: Often best around high tide on the rare days it breaks.

Break: A sand-bottom Gulf beach break along a wide, gently sloping beach, with Pier 60 near the middle. There is no real point or jetty to focus swell, so it stays small and forgiving when it works.

Seasons: The best windows are winter cold fronts and the summer and fall hurricane season. Summer is typically flat and calm, and even in the good windows surfable days are short-lived.

Crowds: Rarely a surf crowd, though the beach itself is one of the busiest and most touristy on the Gulf Coast, packed much of the year.

Lifeguards: Clearwater Beach is guarded seven days a week, roughly 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with tower staffing varying by season.

Facilities: This is a fully developed destination beach, with restrooms, showers, the Beach Walk promenade, and Pier 60 and its park at the center, plus shops, hotels, and restaurants lining Mandalay Avenue. Clearwater Pass marks the south end, across from Sand Key.

Operating Hours (Subject to change): The beach is open 24 hours. Confirm current rules with the City of Clearwater.

Fees: Parking is paid in city garages and lots and can be pricey and limited in the busy season, so arrive early. Confirm current pricing at https://www.myclearwater.com/Neighborhood-Map-Locations/Parks-Trails-and-Recreation-Centers/Pier-60-Park