Syzygy alignment
During new and full moons, the sun, Earth, and moon form a straight line. Their gravitational pulls combine to create higher high tides and lower low tides.
King Tides in San Diego
The highest tides of the year transform the coastline. Here is where to watch — and where not to get trapped.
Last updated
Quick answer
King tides are the highest high tides of the year, caused by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon when they align with Earth. In San Diego, they typically occur from November through February, with the biggest tides around the new and full moons in December and January. During a king tide, water levels can be one to three feet above normal high tide, flooding low-lying beaches, trails, and parking lots. Popular viewing spots include La Jolla Shores, Scripps Pier, Imperial Beach, and the Silver Strand. King tides are also a preview of future sea-level rise. They are beautiful but dangerous: waves can wash over normally dry rocks, and it is easy to get trapped by a rapidly rising tide. Check tide charts, wear shoes with grip, and never turn your back on the ocean.
Best king tide viewing spots in San Diego
| Spot | What to expect | Best tide | Safety note |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Jolla Shores | Beach narrows dramatically | Morning high tide | Waves can overtake the boardwalk |
| Scripps Pier | Waves surge under the pier | High tide near sunrise/sunset | Slippery rocks, strong currents |
| Imperial Beach | Flooding on Seacoast Drive | Highest tides of the year | Road closures possible |
| Silver Strand | Beach becomes very narrow | High tide | Do not park close to the water |
| Sunset Cliffs | Waves crash over lower shelves | High tide at sunset | Cliff edges unstable; stay back |
| Mission Bay | Water reaches higher into marshes | High tide | Kayak access changes; check launch points |
What causes king tides
King tides are astronomy, not weather. They happen when the sun, moon, and Earth line up and the moon is at its closest point to Earth.
Perigee boost
When the moon is at perigee — its closest orbital point to Earth — its gravitational pull is stronger, adding extra height to the tide.
Seasonal tilt matters
In winter, Earth is closer to the sun, slightly amplifying solar gravity. That is why the biggest king tides in San Diego tend to come in December and January.
Local geography shapes the impact
Wide, shallow beaches like La Jolla Shores and Imperial Beach show king tides more dramatically than steep cliff beaches like Torrey Pines.
Storms can make them worse
A king tide combined with high surf or storm surge can produce coastal flooding even in areas that normally stay dry.
They are a sea-level rise preview
Scientists and planners use king tides to model what daily high tides could look like with several more feet of sea-level rise.
How to see king tides safely
The same conditions that make king tides photogenic also make them hazardous. Plan ahead and watch from a safe distance.
Check the tide chart first
King tides happen at predictable times, but the exact height varies. Use NOAA or a local tide app to find the peak high tide for your spot.
Arrive 30 minutes before peak
The most dramatic flooding happens as the tide rises toward its peak, not after. Give yourself time to set up and scout.
Wear shoes with grip
Rocks and seawalls are slick with algae and spray. Flip-flops are a bad idea anywhere near the water line.
Never turn your back on the ocean
Sneaker waves are real, especially during high-surf periods. Stay off low rocks and keep children close.
Have an escape route
At spots like Sunset Cliffs and Scripps Pier, a rising tide can cut off access. Know how to get to higher ground quickly.
Respect closures
If a beach or road is closed due to flooding, do not drive or walk around barriers. Flooded roads can hide deeper water and damage.
Photographing king tides
King tides are one of the most dramatic natural events for San Diego coastal photography. Here is how to get the shot without getting wet.
Scripps Pier at high tide
The classic shot: waves rolling under the pier at sunrise or sunset. Use a tripod and a slow shutter for silky water.
Imperial Beach wide shot
The flooded street and wide beach make for strong documentary-style images showing the reach of the tide.
La Jolla Shores boardwalk
Water splashing over the boardwalk at peak tide captures the power and scale of the event.
Sunset Cliffs long exposure
From the safe clifftop, a long exposure of waves surging over the lower shelves shows motion and drama.
Include a human for scale
A person standing on a normally dry spot that is now underwater makes the tide height instantly understandable.
Shoot the low tide too
King tide cycles also produce very low tides, exposing tide pools and reef structures that are usually hidden.
Frequently asked
When are the king tides in San Diego?
King tides typically occur from November through February, with the highest tides around the new and full moons in December and January. Exact dates change each year.
How high do king tides get in San Diego?
King tides can raise high tide one to three feet above normal. Combined with high surf or storm surge, the water can reach areas that stay dry during typical high tides.
Where is the best place to see king tides in San Diego?
La Jolla Shores, Scripps Pier, Imperial Beach, the Silver Strand, and Sunset Cliffs are the most dramatic spots. Each shows the tide differently.
Are king tides dangerous?
They can be. Waves can wash over normally dry rocks and roads, and it is easy to get trapped by a rising tide. Check tide charts, wear grip shoes, and never turn your back on the ocean.
What causes king tides?
King tides happen when the gravitational pulls of the sun and moon align during new or full moons, especially when the moon is also closest to Earth.
Do king tides affect tide pools?
Yes. King tide cycles include very low tides that expose more tide pools than usual. Check a tide chart and visit at the lowest point for the best tide-pooling.
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