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.

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
skip
2 Swim
57 Sunbathe
74 Walk
81 Photo

Best for photography today

Coastal Flooding Coastal Flood Advisory

Coastal Flood Advisory issued July 12 at 5:38AM PDT until July 15 at 4:00AM PDT by NWS San Francisco CA

NWS · In effect through Jul 15, 11:00 AM

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.

Air Temp
67°F
Clear
Wind
2 to 7 mph
WNW
Rain
3%
Today
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
70°F
Partly Sunny
Water Temp
59°F
Cold
Next High Tide
9:01 PM
6.9 ft · in 5.8h
Wave Height
4.3 ft
15s · SSW swell
Barometer
29.94 inHg
1014 hPa
Water Quality
Clean
10 MPN/100mL · Total Coliform
USGS · sampled 7mo ago
Sunrise
8:58 AM
Sunset
11:27 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
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

High/low predictions from NOAA station 9413450, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

Today Jul 12
67°

Mostly Cloudy

3%
59
Mon Jul 13
70°

Partly Sunny

2%
70
Tue Jul 14
69°

Mostly Sunny

0%
68
Wed Jul 15
67°

Mostly Sunny

0%
63
Thu Jul 16
66°

Mostly Sunny

1%
61
Fri Jul 17
67°

Partly Sunny

6%
65
Sat Jul 18
68°

Partly Sunny

6%
67
  • 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).

Parking

Free street parking; paid lots near Cannery Row.

Dogs

Dogs allowed leashed.

Entry Fee

Free

Address

Del Monte Ave, Monterey, CA 93940

lifeguards (in season)restroomsshowersaquarium nearbyrestaurantskayak rentals
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.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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