84°
Sunny
2%
72
Monterey County, CA · Pacific Ocean
Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur)
Sycamore Canyon Rd, Big Sur, CA 93920
The Big Sur beach with the famous Keyhole Arch and the purple-streaked sand (manganese garnet from the cliffs above). Reached via the narrow Sycamore Canyon Road off Highway 1 — easy to miss. Sunset through the arch is the photograph everyone wants.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 84°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny. High near 84, with temperatures falling to around 80 in the afternoon. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy. Low around 68, with temperatures rising to around 70 overnight. North northwest wind around 9 mph.
Weather
- 84°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 65°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
72 /100
great
20 Swim
81 Sunbathe
86 Walk
82 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.6 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.
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
84°F
Sunny
Wind
6 to 9 mph
NW
Rain
2%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
81°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
65°F
Cold
Next High Tide
9:47 PM
5.9 ft · in 2.5h
Wave Height
5.6 ft
9s · NW swell
Barometer
30.03 inHg
1017 hPa · buoy 46028
Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference
No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (PZZ565)
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
6:45 AM
Sunset
7:24 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:57 AM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 10:25 AM | High | 4.6 ft |
| 3:47 PM | Low | 1.8 ft |
| 9:47 PM | High | 5.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:35 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 10:56 AM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 4:37 PM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| 10:37 PM | High | 5.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:09 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 11:25 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 5:26 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 11:27 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:42 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 11:55 AM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 6:14 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:17 AM | High | 4.8 ft |
| 6:13 AM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| 12:26 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
| 7:02 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:11 AM | High | 4.3 ft |
| 6:42 AM | Low | 1.9 ft |
| 12:57 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
| 7:53 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:12 AM | High | 3.9 ft |
| 7:11 AM | Low | 2.4 ft |
| 1:30 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 8:48 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9413450, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
81°
Sunny
2%
79
77°
Sunny
0%
77
68°
Sunny
0%
64
63°
Sunny
0%
59
64°
Sunny
0%
64
60°
Sunny
1%
64
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 65°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Forest Service lot, $15/vehicle. Fills by mid-afternoon; arrive early or in the off-season.
Dogs
Dogs allowed leashed.
Entry Fee
$15/vehicle Forest Service day-use fee.
Address
Sycamore Canyon Rd, Big Sur, CA 93920
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur) today?
Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur) 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 Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur) dog-friendly?
Dogs allowed leashed.
Is there an entry fee at Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur)?
$15/vehicle Forest Service day-use fee.
Are there lifeguards at Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur)?
No lifeguards are stationed at Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur). Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur)?
Amenities at Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur) include picnic tables, no restrooms or potable water on-site.
When is the water warmest at Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur)?
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 Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur) located?
Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur) is in Monterey County, CA, at Sycamore Canyon Rd, Big Sur, CA 93920.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS