Mostly Cloudy
San Francisco County, CA · Pacific Ocean
Ocean Beach (San Francisco)
Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94121
Three and a half miles of broad sand along the western edge of San Francisco — wind, rip currents, and cold water make it unswimmable but the long walk along the Great Highway is a defining SF experience. The Cliff House and Sutro Baths ruins are at the north end.
Today's Conditions
Great day for photography.
58°F air · 57°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. West wind around 12 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. West wind 7 to 12 mph.
Weather
- 58°F air — chilly for a beach day
- Cloud cover — overcast reduces uv exposure but the vibe too
Water
- 57°F water — cold — wetsuit or stay dry
Safety
- UV 10 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
Best for photography 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
Mostly Cloudy
Mostly Cloudy
Mostly Cloudy
Partly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Partly Sunny
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 10 — very high
- critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 57°F — dangerously cold
- recommended Layers / windbreaker Only 58°F outside
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Free street parking along the Great Highway and in the Sunset.
Dogs
Dogs allowed off-leash voice-control in most sections.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94121
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Ocean Beach (San Francisco) today?
Ocean Beach (San Francisco) 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 Ocean Beach (San Francisco) dog-friendly?
Dogs allowed off-leash voice-control in most sections.
Is there an entry fee at Ocean Beach (San Francisco)?
Entry to Ocean Beach (San Francisco) is free.
Are there lifeguards at Ocean Beach (San Francisco)?
No lifeguards are stationed at Ocean Beach (San Francisco). Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Ocean Beach (San Francisco)?
Amenities at Ocean Beach (San Francisco) include restrooms at major access points, fire pits permitted, no lifeguards.
When is the water warmest at Ocean Beach (San Francisco)?
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 Ocean Beach (San Francisco) located?
Ocean Beach (San Francisco) is in San Francisco County, CA, at Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94121.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS