77°
Partly Sunny
1%
71
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
Ideal for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 77°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Partly sunny. High near 77, with temperatures falling to around 74 in the afternoon. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. West southwest wind around 9 mph.
Weather
- 77°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 61°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
- 5.6ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- NWS alert active — heat advisory issued september 9 at 3:14am pdt until september 10 at 10:00pm pdt by nws san francisco ca
71 /100
great
14 Swim
82 Sunbathe
86 Walk
82 Photo
Best for walking today
Coastal Flooding Coastal Flood Advisory
Coastal Flood Advisory issued September 9 at 1:01AM PDT until September 10 at 1:00AM PDT by NWS San Francisco CA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Up to 1.0 ft of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE...Bayshore locations along the San Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, and Monterey Bay. * WHEN...In effect now through 1 AM PDT Thursday. * 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 1.0 ft above normal (6.79 ft MLLW) at 10:54 PM Wednesday 9/9. These predictions include up to 0.6 ft of storm 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.
Weather alert in effect
Heat Advisory issued September 9 at 3:14AM PDT until September 10 at 10:00PM PDT by NWS San Francisco CA
Atmosphere
Air Temp
77°F
Partly Sunny
Wind
5 to 10 mph
WNW
Rain
1%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 12 PM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
67°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
61°F
Cold
Next High Tide
10:54 PM
6.3 ft · in 3.6h
Wave Height
5.6 ft
9s · NW swell
Barometer
30.05 inHg
Rising 1.1 hPa / 3h · 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
6:46 AM
Sunset
7:28 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:39 AM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 11:34 AM | High | 5.4 ft |
| 4:45 PM | Low | 1.8 ft |
| 10:54 PM | High | 6.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:18 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 12:07 PM | High | 5.6 ft |
| 5:32 PM | Low | 1.4 ft |
| 11:46 PM | High | 6.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:55 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 12:38 PM | High | 5.8 ft |
| 6:18 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:37 AM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 6:30 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 1:09 PM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 7:03 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:28 AM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 7:05 AM | Low | 1.2 ft |
| 1:38 PM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 7:48 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:21 AM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 7:40 AM | Low | 1.9 ft |
| 2:08 PM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 8:34 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:19 AM | High | 4.5 ft |
| 8:17 AM | Low | 2.5 ft |
| 2:40 PM | High | 5.8 ft |
| 9:23 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9414290, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
67°
Mostly Sunny
5%
70
64°
Partly Sunny
0%
65
63°
Mostly Sunny
0%
56
64°
Sunny
0%
62
64°
Mostly Sunny
0%
64
62°
Partly Sunny
1%
65
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 61°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