Mostly Cloudy
Monterey County, CA · Pacific Ocean
Monterey State Beach
Del Monte Ave, Monterey, CA 93940
A mile of crescent sand along Monterey Bay near Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row — calm bay water (the Pacific is sheltered by the Monterey Bay submarine canyon offshore), kayaking with sea otters, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium two blocks inland.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
NWS alert active · 59°F water
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly cloudy. High near 67, with temperatures falling to around 63 in the afternoon. West northwest wind 2 to 7 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. West northwest wind around 5 mph.
Weather
- 67°F air — cool but workable
- Cloud cover — overcast reduces uv exposure but the vibe too
Water
- 59°F water — cold — wetsuit or stay dry
- 4.3ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- NWS alert active — coastal flood advisory issued july 12 at 5:38am pdt until july 15 at 4:00am pdt by nws san francisco ca
Best for photography today
Coastal Flood Advisory issued July 12 at 5:38AM PDT until July 15 at 4:00AM PDT by NWS San Francisco CA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Up to 1.7 ft of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE...Pacific Coast including Monterey Bay. * WHEN...Until 4 AM PDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...At the San Francisco tidal gauge, high tide is expected to be 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 9:11 PM 7/11, 1.7 ft above normal (7.5 ft MLLW) at 10:06 PM 7/12, 1.7 ft above normal (7.5 ft MLLW) at 11:01 PM 7/13, 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 11:55 PM 7/14. These predictions include both astronomical tides and roughly 3-6 inches of additional water mainly from a combination of thermal expansion and accumulated sea level rise since the tidal datum was established (1983-2001). High tide varies up to 90 minutes earlier or later along the Pacific Coast and through the San Francisco Bay, respectively.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:55 AM | Low | -1.3 ft |
| 10:51 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 2:35 PM | Low | 2.8 ft |
| 9:01 PM | High | 6.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:43 AM | Low | -1.6 ft |
| 11:36 AM | High | 3.9 ft |
| 3:36 PM | Low | 2.7 ft |
| 9:54 PM | High | 7.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:29 AM | Low | -1.7 ft |
| 12:18 PM | High | 4.0 ft |
| 4:36 PM | Low | 2.6 ft |
| 10:45 PM | High | 6.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:14 AM | Low | -1.6 ft |
| 12:59 PM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 5:36 PM | Low | 2.4 ft |
| 11:37 PM | High | 6.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:56 AM | Low | -1.3 ft |
| 1:40 PM | High | 4.4 ft |
| 6:37 PM | Low | 2.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:29 AM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 7:37 AM | Low | -0.8 ft |
| 2:21 PM | High | 4.6 ft |
| 7:41 PM | Low | 2.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:23 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 8:17 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 3:03 PM | High | 4.8 ft |
| 8:50 PM | Low | 2.0 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9413450, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
Partly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Partly Sunny
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 59°F — dangerously cold
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Free street parking; paid lots near Cannery Row.
Dogs
Dogs allowed leashed.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Del Monte Ave, Monterey, CA 93940
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Monterey State Beach today?
Monterey 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. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Monterey State Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs allowed leashed.
Is there an entry fee at Monterey State Beach?
Entry to Monterey State Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Monterey State Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Monterey State Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Monterey State Beach?
Amenities at Monterey State Beach include lifeguards (in season), restrooms, showers, aquarium nearby, restaurants, kayak rentals.
When is the water warmest at Monterey 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 Monterey State Beach located?
Monterey State Beach is in Monterey County, CA, at Del Monte Ave, Monterey, CA 93940.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS