70°
Mostly Sunny
0%
46
San Mateo County, CA · Pacific Ocean
Half Moon Bay State Beach
95 Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Four miles of beach along the San Mateo coast — Francis Beach (with the campground), Venice Beach, Dunes Beach, and Roosevelt Beach. The town of Half Moon Bay is the pumpkin capital of California (the World Championship Weigh-Off is here every October). Mavericks big-wave surf break is nearby off Pillar Point.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
7.9ft waves · NWS alert active
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly sunny. High near 70, with temperatures falling to around 64 in the afternoon. Northwest wind 2 to 6 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. North northwest wind 3 to 7 mph.
Weather
- 70°F air — cool but workable
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Water
- 65°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
Safety
- 7.9ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
- NWS alert active — beach hazards statement issued november 6 at 6:31pm pst until november 9 at 10:00pm pst by nws san francisco ca
46 /100
ok
13 Swim
77 Sunbathe
83 Walk
25 Fish
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 1.1 ft above predicted
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Beach Hazard Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued November 6 at 6:31PM PST until November 9 at 10:00PM PST by NWS San Francisco CA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, up to 1.6 ft of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. For the Beach Hazards Statement, an increased risk for sneaker waves and strong rip currents with breaking waves of 12 to 16 ft expected. * WHERE...Pacific Coast. * WHEN...For the Beach Hazards Statement through Monday evening. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, from 6 AM Saturday to noon PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Waves can sweep across the shoreline without warning, pulling people into the sea from beaches, jetties, and rocks. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...At the San Francisco tide gauge, high tide is expected to be: 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 9:38 AM Saturday 11/7, 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 10:06 AM Sunday 11/8, 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 10:35 AM Monday 11/9, 1.5 ft above normal (7.3 ft MLLW) at 11:04 AM Tuesday 11/10, These predictions include up to 1.5 ft of surge that will enhance the astronomical tide and flooding threat. High tide varies up to 90 minutes earlier or later along the Pacific Coast and through the San Francisco Bay, respectively.
Coastal Flooding Coastal Flood Advisory
Coastal Flood Advisory issued November 6 at 6:31PM PST until November 10 at 12:00PM PST by NWS San Francisco CA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, up to 1.6 ft of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. For the Beach Hazards Statement, an increased risk for sneaker waves and strong rip currents with breaking waves of 12 to 16 ft expected. * WHERE...Pacific Coast. * WHEN...For the Beach Hazards Statement through Monday evening. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, from 6 AM Saturday to noon PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Waves can sweep across the shoreline without warning, pulling people into the sea from beaches, jetties, and rocks. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...At the San Francisco tide gauge, high tide is expected to be: 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 9:38 AM Saturday 11/7, 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 10:06 AM Sunday 11/8, 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 10:35 AM Monday 11/9, 1.5 ft above normal (7.3 ft MLLW) at 11:04 AM Tuesday 11/10, These predictions include up to 1.5 ft of surge that will enhance the astronomical tide and flooding threat. High tide varies up to 90 minutes earlier or later along the Pacific Coast and through the San Francisco Bay, respectively.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
70°F
Fog/Mist
Wind
2 to 6 mph
NW
Rain
0%
Today
Air Quality
10 Good
Ozone · San Francisco
UV Peak
4 Moderate
Peaks 12 PM · burn in ~50m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 02 PM
Tomorrow
69°F
Partly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
65°F
Cold
Next High Tide
10:58 PM
4.7 ft · in 4.4h
Wave Height
7.9 ft
15s · WNW swell
Barometer
30.07 inHg
1018 hPa · buoy 46026
Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference
No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (PZZ545)
The MTR office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.
- CAZ505 SONOMA AND MARIN COUNTY COASTAL AREAS n/a
- CAZ509 SAN FRANCISCO AND SAN MATEO COUNTY COASTAL AREAS n/a
- CAZ529 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY COASTAL AREAS n/a
- CAZ530 MONTEREY BAY AND BIG SUR COASTAL AREAS n/a
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:40 AM
Sunset
5:06 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:09 AM | Low | 1.8 ft |
| 9:38 AM | High | 6.2 ft |
| 4:11 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 10:58 PM | High | 4.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:47 AM | Low | 2.3 ft |
| 10:06 AM | High | 6.2 ft |
| 4:48 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 11:50 PM | High | 4.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:25 AM | Low | 2.7 ft |
| 10:35 AM | High | 6.2 ft |
| 5:24 PM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:39 AM | High | 4.7 ft |
| 5:02 AM | Low | 3.0 ft |
| 11:04 AM | High | 6.1 ft |
| 6:00 PM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:27 AM | High | 4.6 ft |
| 5:41 AM | Low | 3.3 ft |
| 11:35 AM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 6:37 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:15 AM | High | 4.6 ft |
| 6:21 AM | Low | 3.5 ft |
| 12:10 PM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 7:17 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:04 AM | High | 4.5 ft |
| 7:06 AM | Low | 3.6 ft |
| 12:49 PM | High | 5.5 ft |
| 8:00 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9414290, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
69°
Partly Sunny
0%
73
70°
Partly Sunny
0%
74
71°
Sunny
0%
76
71°
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
0%
76
69°
Partly Sunny
13%
70
66°
Chance Light Rain
32%
51
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
- recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 65°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Major
9:20 PM - 11:20 PM
Minor
4:50 AM - 5:50 AM
Major
9:40 AM - 11:40 AM
Beach Info
Parking
Paid state lots at each beach entrance; $10/day.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on the beaches themselves. Permitted leashed on the Coastside Trail and in the campground and picnic areas.
Entry Fee
$10/vehicle state beach day-use.
Address
95 Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Half Moon Bay State Beach today?
Half Moon Bay State Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Half Moon Bay State Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on the beaches themselves. Permitted leashed on the Coastside Trail and in the campground and picnic areas.
Is there an entry fee at Half Moon Bay State Beach?
$10/vehicle state beach day-use.
Are there lifeguards at Half Moon Bay State Beach?
No lifeguards are stationed at Half Moon Bay State Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Half Moon Bay State Beach?
Amenities at Half Moon Bay State Beach include restrooms, showers, campground (Francis Beach), fire rings.
When is the water warmest at Half Moon Bay State Beach?
The Pacific is cold. Southern California (San Diego to Santa Barbara) peaks in August at 65-72°F. Central and Northern California stay in the upper 50s to low 60s year-round. Oregon and Washington rarely exceed 60°F. Wetsuits are common.
Where is Half Moon Bay State Beach located?
Half Moon Bay State Beach is in San Mateo County, CA, at 95 Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS