Almanac note · Outdoors
King tides turn beach plans into a timing question
The California King Tides Project gives statewide king tide windows and a local tide map, so coastal visits work better when date, hour, and beach shape are checked together.
King tides are a reminder that the coast is about timing as much as place. A beach, harbor walk, tide-pool trip, low road, or waterfront path can feel different at a very high tide than it does a few hours later.
The California King Tides Project gives statewide date windows and sends people to local tide timing. For the 2026-27 season, the statewide windows are November 24-26, 2026, December 23-25, 2026, and January 21-22, 2027. Northern California locations may have a few extra nearby dates, so the local tide map matters.
This is not a reason to skip the coast. It is a reason to match the plan to the tide. A high tide can make wave runup, low spots, harbor edges, beach access, and tide-pool timing different from the usual weekend visit.
For a beach day, photo walk, coastal drive, or tide-pool outing, look at the local time as well as the date. Then pay attention to signs, lifeguards, harbor staff, and local weather or surf notices when you arrive.
Where to see it
California Coastal Commission King Tides Project.
Official sources
Official source trail
Reviewed July 4, 2026
California Porch explains the path. The official source is still the place to confirm the current rule, fee, form, map, deadline, or office decision.
Use the official page before you spend money, file paperwork, rely on a deadline, or change a property.
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