64°
Mostly Cloudy
2%
53
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
Great day for photography.
55°F water · 64°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly cloudy. High near 64, with temperatures falling to around 62 in the afternoon. West southwest wind around 3 mph.
Tonight
Isolated rain showers between 4am and 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. West wind 0 to 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Weather
- 64°F air — chilly for a beach day
- Cloud cover — overcast reduces uv exposure but the vibe too
Water
- 55°F water — cold — wetsuit or stay dry
- 4.3ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
42 /100
ok
22 Swim
52 Sunbathe
72 Walk
79 Photo
Best for photography today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
64°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
3 mph
WSW
Rain
2%
Today
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
70°F
Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Cloudy
Water
Water Temp
55°F
Cold
Next High Tide
9:21 PM
7.2 ft · in 6.1h
Wave Height
4.3 ft
WNW swell
Barometer
29.93 inHg
1014 hPa
Water Quality
Clean
20 MPN/100mL · Total Coliform
USGS · sampled 8mo ago
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
8:58 AM
Sunset
11:33 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:08 AM | Low | -1.4 ft |
| 11:07 AM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 3:06 PM | Low | 3.1 ft |
| 9:21 PM | High | 7.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:57 AM | Low | -1.7 ft |
| 11:53 AM | High | 4.4 ft |
| 4:06 PM | Low | 3.0 ft |
| 10:14 PM | High | 7.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:44 AM | Low | -1.8 ft |
| 12:36 PM | High | 4.7 ft |
| 5:05 PM | Low | 2.8 ft |
| 11:07 PM | High | 7.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:30 AM | Low | -1.7 ft |
| 1:17 PM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 6:04 PM | Low | 2.6 ft |
| 11:59 PM | High | 6.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 7:13 AM | Low | -1.4 ft |
| 1:57 PM | High | 5.1 ft |
| 7:04 PM | Low | 2.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:52 AM | High | 6.3 ft |
| 7:54 AM | Low | -0.8 ft |
| 2:37 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 8:05 PM | Low | 2.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:46 AM | High | 5.6 ft |
| 8:33 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 3:18 PM | High | 5.5 ft |
| 9:11 PM | Low | 2.1 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9415020, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
70°
Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Cloudy
23%
53
70°
Mostly Sunny
0%
66
68°
Mostly Sunny
0%
59
64°
Mostly Sunny
0%
56
61°
Partly Sunny
1%
55
62°
Patchy Fog then Mostly Cloudy
5%
50
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 55°F — dangerously cold
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