Partly Sunny
San Mateo County, CA · Pacific Ocean
Half Moon Bay State Beach
95 Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Four miles of beach along the San Mateo coast — Francis Beach (with the campground), Venice Beach, Dunes Beach, and Roosevelt Beach. The town of Half Moon Bay is the pumpkin capital of California (the World Championship Weigh-Off is here every October). Mavericks big-wave surf break is nearby off Pillar Point.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
57°F water · 63°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Partly sunny. High near 63, with temperatures falling to around 60 in the afternoon. West wind around 8 mph.
Tonight
Areas of fog after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 53. West northwest wind 1 to 6 mph.
Weather
- 63°F air — chilly for a beach day
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 57°F water — cold — wetsuit or stay dry
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Water
Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference
No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (PZZ545)
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
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:35 AM | High | 5.6 ft |
| 9:00 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 4:04 PM | High | 5.6 ft |
| 9:46 PM | Low | 1.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:34 AM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 9:42 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 4:44 PM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 10:55 PM | Low | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:43 AM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 10:25 AM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| 5:24 PM | High | 5.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:05 AM | Low | 1.4 ft |
| 6:10 AM | High | 3.8 ft |
| 11:14 AM | Low | 2.1 ft |
| 6:07 PM | High | 5.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:13 AM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 7:55 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 12:13 PM | Low | 2.7 ft |
| 6:52 PM | High | 5.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:14 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 9:29 AM | High | 3.9 ft |
| 1:20 PM | Low | 3.2 ft |
| 7:40 PM | High | 5.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:08 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 10:34 AM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 2:24 PM | Low | 3.4 ft |
| 8:27 PM | High | 5.9 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9414290, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
Areas Of Fog then Mostly Cloudy
Areas Of Fog then Mostly Cloudy
Partly Sunny
Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny
Mostly Cloudy
Mostly Cloudy
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 57°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.
Beach Info
Parking
Paid state lots at each beach entrance; $10/day.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on the beaches themselves. Permitted leashed on the Coastside Trail and in the campground and picnic areas.
Entry Fee
$10/vehicle state beach day-use.
Address
95 Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Half Moon Bay State Beach today?
Half Moon Bay State 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. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Half Moon Bay State Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on the beaches themselves. Permitted leashed on the Coastside Trail and in the campground and picnic areas.
Is there an entry fee at Half Moon Bay State Beach?
$10/vehicle state beach day-use.
Are there lifeguards at Half Moon Bay State Beach?
No lifeguards are stationed at Half Moon Bay State Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Half Moon Bay State Beach?
Amenities at Half Moon Bay State Beach include restrooms, showers, campground (Francis Beach), fire rings.
When is the water warmest at Half Moon Bay State 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 Half Moon Bay State Beach located?
Half Moon Bay State Beach is in San Mateo County, CA, at 95 Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS