77°
Partly Sunny
1%
64
Marin County, CA · Pacific Ocean
Stinson Beach
Hwy 1, Stinson Beach, CA 94970
A 3.5-mile crescent in Marin County, half an hour over the headlands from the Golden Gate. One of the few northern California beaches actually swimmable in summer (relatively — water is still 55-60°F), with lifeguards Memorial Day – mid-September. Mount Tamalpais looms behind.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
77°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Partly sunny. High near 77, with temperatures falling to around 75 in the afternoon. West northwest wind 1 to 7 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. West northwest wind 2 to 7 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
64 /100
good
44 Swim
83 Sunbathe
87 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.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
77°F
Partly Sunny
Wind
1 to 7 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
70°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
61°F
Cold
Next High Tide
10:09 PM
6.3 ft · in 2.9h
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 (CAZ502)
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
6:47 AM
Sunset
7:28 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:14 AM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 10:45 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 4:10 PM | Low | 1.9 ft |
| 10:09 PM | High | 6.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:52 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 11:16 AM | High | 5.5 ft |
| 5:00 PM | Low | 1.5 ft |
| 10:59 PM | High | 6.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:29 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 11:47 AM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 5:48 PM | Low | 1.1 ft |
| 11:50 PM | High | 5.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:03 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 12:17 PM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 6:35 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:40 AM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 6:36 AM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| 12:48 PM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 7:22 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:32 AM | High | 4.8 ft |
| 7:08 AM | Low | 1.9 ft |
| 1:19 PM | High | 5.8 ft |
| 8:09 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:29 AM | High | 4.4 ft |
| 7:39 AM | Low | 2.5 ft |
| 1:51 PM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 9:00 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9415020, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
70°
Mostly Sunny
5%
69
65°
Mostly Sunny
0%
61
60°
Mostly Sunny
0%
40
67°
Sunny
0%
62
66°
Sunny
0%
63
60°
Mostly Sunny
1%
57
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 National Park Service lot; fills early on warm Saturdays.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on the main beach. Upton Beach (north end) allows dogs.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Hwy 1, Stinson Beach, CA 94970
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Stinson Beach today?
Stinson 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 Stinson Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on the main beach. Upton Beach (north end) allows dogs.
Is there an entry fee at Stinson Beach?
Entry to Stinson Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Stinson Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Stinson Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Stinson Beach?
Amenities at Stinson Beach include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, snack bar, volleyball.
When is the water warmest at Stinson 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 Stinson Beach located?
Stinson Beach is in Marin County, CA, at Hwy 1, Stinson Beach, CA 94970.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS