78°
Sunny
1%
74
San Luis Obispo County, CA · Pacific Ocean
Avila Beach
6520 Avila Beach Dr, Avila Beach, CA 93424
Sheltered, south-facing cove in San Luis Bay known for some of the warmest water on the Central Coast. Anchored by the historic 1,685-foot wooden Avila Pier.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
58°F water · 78°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 78. Northwest wind around 10 mph.
Tonight
Patchy fog after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Northwest wind 0 to 10 mph.
Weather
- 78°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 58°F water — cold — wetsuit or stay dry
Safety
- UV 10 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
69 /100
good
54 Swim
81 Sunbathe
87 Walk
70 Fish
82 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.5 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
78°F
Clear
Wind
10 mph
NW
Rain
1%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
10 Very High
High 10 AM–04 PM · burn in ~20m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
78°F
Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
58°F
Cold
Barometer
30.07 inHg
1018 hPa
Water Quality
Elevated
262 MPN/100mL · Total Coliform
USGS · sampled 8mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
9:01 AM
Sunset
11:16 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:57 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 7:49 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 2:32 PM | High | 4.7 ft |
| 8:18 PM | Low | 1.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:54 AM | High | 4.4 ft |
| 8:26 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 3:16 PM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 9:36 PM | Low | 1.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:02 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 9:04 AM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| 4:01 PM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 11:01 PM | Low | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:35 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 9:44 AM | Low | 1.9 ft |
| 4:48 PM | High | 5.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:19 AM | Low | 1.1 ft |
| 6:29 AM | High | 2.9 ft |
| 10:32 AM | Low | 2.5 ft |
| 5:36 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:25 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 8:23 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 11:30 AM | Low | 2.8 ft |
| 6:24 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:18 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 9:27 AM | High | 3.3 ft |
| 12:33 PM | Low | 3.0 ft |
| 7:11 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9412110, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
78°
Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny
1%
74
80°
Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny
2%
75
84°
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
3%
74
75°
Mostly Sunny
1%
70
75°
Sunny
1%
70
74°
Mostly Sunny
0%
73
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 10 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 58°F — dangerously cold
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Minor
1:20 AM - 2:20 AM
Major
6:40 AM - 8:40 AM
Minor
1:20 PM - 2:20 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Free roadside parking plus paid metered lots along Front Street.
Dogs
Off-leash voice control allowed before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.; no dogs 10 a.m.–5 p.m. except service animals.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
6520 Avila Beach Dr, Avila Beach, CA 93424
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Avila Beach today?
Avila 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 Avila Beach dog-friendly?
Off-leash voice control allowed before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.; no dogs 10 a.m.–5 p.m. except service animals.
Is there an entry fee at Avila Beach?
Entry to Avila Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Avila Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Avila Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Avila Beach?
Amenities at Avila Beach include restrooms, showers, lifeguard tower, pier.
When is the water warmest at Avila 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 Avila Beach located?
Avila Beach is in San Luis Obispo County, CA, at 6520 Avila Beach Dr, Avila Beach, CA 93424.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS