65°
Mostly Sunny
0%
63
San Francisco County, CA · Pacific Ocean
Ocean Beach (San Francisco)
Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94121
Three and a half miles of broad sand along the western edge of San Francisco — wind, rip currents, and cold water make it unswimmable but the long walk along the Great Highway is a defining SF experience. The Cliff House and Sutro Baths ruins are at the north end.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
7.9ft waves · NWS alert active
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly sunny. High near 65, with temperatures falling to around 63 in the afternoon. North northwest wind around 8 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. Northwest wind 7 to 14 mph.
Weather
- 65°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 — coastal flood advisory issued november 6 at 6:31pm pst until november 13 at 4:00pm pst by nws san francisco ca
63 /100
good
6 Swim
67 Sunbathe
78 Walk
77 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...San Francisco. * WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 4 PM PST Friday November 13. For the Beach Hazards Statement, until Monday evening. * IMPACTS...High tides will result in flooding of low-lying infrastructure, isolated road closures, and coastal erosion. Rising tides will bring water and waves farther up the beach than normal, restricting escape from beaches and coastal areas. 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, 1.4 ft above normal (7.2 ft MLLW) at 11:35 AM Wednesday 11/11, 1.4 ft above normal (7.2 ft MLLW) at 12:10 PM Thursday 11/12, 1.2 ft above normal (7.0 ft MLLW) at 12:49 PM Friday 11/13. 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 13 at 4:00PM 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...San Francisco. * WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 4 PM PST Friday November 13. For the Beach Hazards Statement, until Monday evening. * IMPACTS...High tides will result in flooding of low-lying infrastructure, isolated road closures, and coastal erosion. Rising tides will bring water and waves farther up the beach than normal, restricting escape from beaches and coastal areas. 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, 1.4 ft above normal (7.2 ft MLLW) at 11:35 AM Wednesday 11/11, 1.4 ft above normal (7.2 ft MLLW) at 12:10 PM Thursday 11/12, 1.2 ft above normal (7.0 ft MLLW) at 12:49 PM Friday 11/13. 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
65°F
Mostly Sunny
Wind
8 mph
NNW
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
65°F
Mostly Cloudy
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
6:41 AM
Sunset
5:05 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
65°
Mostly Cloudy
0%
69
65°
Partly Sunny
0%
72
66°
Mostly Sunny
0%
74
68°
Mostly Sunny
0%
75
66°
Partly Sunny
13%
71
64°
Chance Light Rain
32%
53
What to Bring Today
- recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 65°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Free street parking along the Great Highway and in the Sunset.
Dogs
Dogs allowed off-leash voice-control in most sections.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94121
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Ocean Beach (San Francisco) today?
Ocean Beach (San Francisco) 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 Ocean Beach (San Francisco) dog-friendly?
Dogs allowed off-leash voice-control in most sections.
Is there an entry fee at Ocean Beach (San Francisco)?
Entry to Ocean Beach (San Francisco) is free.
Are there lifeguards at Ocean Beach (San Francisco)?
No lifeguards are stationed at Ocean Beach (San Francisco). Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Ocean Beach (San Francisco)?
Amenities at Ocean Beach (San Francisco) include restrooms at major access points, fire pits permitted, no lifeguards.
When is the water warmest at Ocean Beach (San Francisco)?
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 Ocean Beach (San Francisco) located?
Ocean Beach (San Francisco) is in San Francisco County, CA, at Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94121.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS