Whispers are buzzing about the upcoming king tides on the Central Coast and what they mean. With excitement from tidepoolers and sand artists, there also comes concern from people who have seen the impact on coastal infrastructure in previous years. The bottom line is that king tides are a natural phenomenon, but it’s important to understand them to prepare for their arrival.
King tides reveal both the beauty and vulnerability of our oceanfront. They can lead to flooding, erosion, and temporary loss of beach access. Yet, they also offer incredible opportunities for dramatic photography, tidepool discoveries, and a front-row seat to the forces that shape California’s coast.
This guide breaks down what king tides are, how to experience them safely in Pismo Beach, and what to look for when the ocean shows its wild side.
Q: What Are King Tides?
A: “King tide” isn’t actually a scientific term, but rather a popular way to describe the highest high tides of the year. They occur when the Earth, moon, and sun align in a way that maximizes gravitational pull on our oceans. The result: tides that rise higher (and fall lower) than normal.
As you can see in the tidal chart above, the tides this month will go from extreme highs to extreme lows when compared to later in the month.
Q: Why Do They Happen?
A: King tides happen during perigean spring tides, when the moon is both full or new and closest to Earth in its orbit. Add in the sun’s gravitational influence, and you get an amplified tide cycle. These events often coincide with winter storms that bring large waves, which can make the high tides even more dramatic and potentially destructive.
Q: Do They Happen at the Same Time Each Year?
A: Roughly, yes. King tides typically occur two to three times each winter, often in December and January. Local tide charts will list the exact dates and times. Each year’s peak can vary slightly depending on the moon’s orbit. This year has a November king tide, as well.
King Tides in Pismo Beach
King tides showcase the incredible dynamics of our shoreline in Pismo Beach. The pier and the cliffs both provide a safe way to observe the large tidal swings that happen in only a few hours.
Coastal flooding during the high tides can affect parking areas and low-lying streets, and the beach itself can appear dramatically narrower. The California King Tides Project encourages residents to photograph these events to help scientists visualize the future impacts of sea-level rise, so your curiosity can contribute to coastal research, too.
Understanding Swells vs. Tides
A tide is a long, slow rise and fall of sea level caused by the moon’s and sun’s gravity.
A swell is a train of waves generated by distant storms that travel across the ocean.
When large swells coincide with king tides, the result can be coastal flooding, beach erosion, and dangerous surf conditions. It’s the combination of these two natural forces that makes the waves move farther and faster up the beach than usual.
Cool Experiences During King Tides
Watch the Power of the High Tide
Stand on safe, elevated spots like the Pismo Pier or the bluffs near Shell Beach to witness the ocean at full force. You’ll see waves reshaping sandbars, carving temporary cliffs, and swirling driftwood back into the sea. Places you know may change shape before your eyes!
Tidepooling at Ultra-Low Tides
King tides also bring exceptionally low tides, revealing tidepools that are normally underwater. Explore spots like Dinosaur Caves Park or Shell Beach’s rocky coves for sea stars, anemones, and tiny crabs — but time it carefully, and always check swell height before heading out.
Sand Art and Beach Exploration
During the Pismo Beach Sand Art Festival, lower-than-usual tides create an expansive canvas for artists. The movement of an ultra high tide to an extra low one sweeps away sand into a clean canvas to work on.
Staying Safe During King Tides
- Watch weather advisories and surf reports before heading to the coast. Again, it’s the large swell that makes large waves that should be considered before walking the beach.
- Specifically, check both tide and swell forecasts.
- Watch from above, but be careful on any lower cliffs during the high tides. High tides with large swells can make lower cliffs slippery and susceptible to erosion.
- Never turn your back to the ocean — sneaker waves can surge farther than expected.
- Photograph responsibly — keep a safe distance and be mindful of incoming waves.
In Summary
King tides remind us of the ocean’s raw energy and our place within it. They reshape the beaches we love, highlight the changing coastline, and give us a glimpse of what everyday tides might look like as sea levels rise.
Whether you’re marveling at waves beneath the Pismo Pier or exploring tidepools at low tide, the key is simple: observe, respect, and stay safe.
