California’s first king tides of the season arrive November 24 to 26, 2026, Thanksgiving week, with more on December 23 to 25 and January 21 to 22. The California Coastal Commission warns that actual water levels may run higher than predicted this winter, as El Niño conditions that already pushed October tides to record levels continue.
Key Takeaways
- The Coastal Commission’s statewide king tide dates are November 24–26, December 23–25 and January 21–22.
- Some Northern California locations may also see king tides on December 22, January 20 or January 23.
- In late October, the National Weather Service said tides were running 1 to 1.7 feet above astronomical predictions along parts of the Southern California coast.
- NOAA tide gauges at Los Angeles and San Diego set all-time records for high-tide water levels in October.
- King tides typically run one to two feet above an average daily high tide.
- The California King Tides Project asks residents to photograph the highest tides to show what future sea levels may look like.
California King Tides Arrive in Three Windows This Winter
The California Coastal Commission has set three statewide king tide windows for the 2026–27 season: November 24 to 26, December 23 to 25, and January 21 to 22, 2027. Parts of Northern California may also see king tides on December 22, January 20 or January 23.
Timing and height vary along the coast. The Coastal Commission publishes a tide map that shows the predicted days, times and heights for specific locations, from San Diego Bay to Humboldt County. The November window falls over Thanksgiving week, when many Californians will be traveling along the coast.
What Makes a King Tide
“King tide” isn’t a scientific term. It’s a common name for the highest tides of the year. They happen a few times a year when the Earth, moon and sun line up while the moon is at its closest point to Earth. They’re usually strongest around the New Year, when the Earth is also closest to the sun.
During a king tide, water rises one to two feet higher than an average daily high tide. The Coastal Commission notes that king tides are a natural astronomical event and aren’t caused by climate change. They do, however, show what everyday water levels may look like as sea levels rise.
October Flooding Showed What El Niño Adds to California Tides
This season, the tide tables may understate the real tides. In late October, before the official king tide windows, unusually high tides flooded low-lying parts of the Southern California coast. The National Weather Service said tides were running 1 to 1.7 feet above astronomical predictions in Orange County, and roughly 1 to 1.5 feet above predictions along the Los Angeles County coast.
Some of those tides set records. NOAA tide gauges at Los Angeles and San Diego recorded their highest high-tide water levels on record, and water levels near both cities rose above 8 feet. San Francisco recorded its highest October reading. Huntington Beach declared a local emergency as water reached streets and homes.
The extra water comes from conditions in the ocean, not the tide tables. El Niño and related ocean patterns can raise sea levels along the coast for weeks at a time, so even a normal high tide reaches farther inland. NOAA oceanographer William Sweet has described the effect as a “double whammy”: decades of sea level rise have already left coastal waters close to the brim, and El Niño adds more on top.
The Coastal Commission Warns Actual Heights May Exceed Predictions
The Coastal Commission’s guidance for this season says it directly: actual tide heights may exceed predictions, particularly during El Niño or Kelvin wave conditions, which are expected to be significant this winter. Since predicted king tides are already the highest astronomical tides of the year, any extra water from El Niño adds to an already high baseline.
State agencies are preparing for the same winter. CA Gazette has covered the state’s new Highway 1 task force to protect coastal communities ahead of El Niño storms, part of a broader push to get ahead of storm and flooding risks along the coast.
The California King Tides Project Asks Residents to Document the Coast
The California King Tides Project, which began in the winter of 2010–2011, invites anyone to photograph the highest tides of the year. The Coastal Commission describes the project as a way to picture future sea levels by observing today’s highest tides. Over the years, the photos have built a record of how high water affects beaches, harbors, roads and wetlands up and down the state.
Taking part is simple. The Coastal Commission suggests choosing a location, checking its tide map for the local date, time and predicted height of the king tide, and photographing on the day of that location’s highest tide if it’s safe. Photos can be uploaded through the project’s website or shared on social media with #kingtides.
Viewing and Property Guidance From the Coastal Commission
King tides can make shoreline conditions dangerous, especially when they arrive with storm swells. The Coastal Commission recommends checking swell forecasts before heading out, since swells can push water higher than tide predictions. Photographers should stay back from the water’s edge and avoid slippery rocks and flooded roads.
For shoreline property owners, the Coastal Commission’s preparedness guidance includes inspecting structures and drainage ahead of the season. It also advises seeking an emergency permit rather than making unauthorized changes to the beach.
FAQs
When are the king tides in California in 2026?
The Coastal Commission’s statewide king tide dates are November 24–26 and December 23–25, 2026, and January 21–22, 2027.
What is a king tide?
A king tide is a common name for the highest tides of the year. They happen when the Earth, moon and sun align while the moon is closest to Earth, and run one to two feet above an average high tide.
Are king tides caused by climate change?
No. King tides are a natural astronomical event. The Coastal Commission says they offer a preview of what higher sea levels may look like.
Will El Niño make the king tides higher?
It may. The Coastal Commission says actual tide heights may exceed predictions this winter because of El Niño and related ocean conditions. In October, tides ran 1 to 1.7 feet above predictions along parts of Southern California.
How can I take part in the California King Tides Project?
Check the Coastal Commission’s tide map for your local king tide date and time, photograph the high water safely, and upload the photos to the project’s website or share them with #kingtides.
Is it safe to watch king tides?
It can be, with care. Check swell forecasts, stay back from the water’s edge and avoid flooded roads and slippery rocks.
