Tides
Today's highs and lows at Port San Luis, the week ahead, and the best daytime low tides for exploring the tide pools.
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- Tide station
- NOAA Port San Luis, #9412110
- Pattern
- Two highs and two lows most days, of different heights
- Typical range
- About 5 feet from the lowest low to the highest high
- Best for tide pools
- Daytime lows under about 1 foot, best below zero
These are the predicted tides at Port San Luis, which is the official tide station for Avila Beach. They update every time you open the page. Heights are in feet above the average lower low tide, which is why a very low tide can show as a minus number.
Today's tides
Next 7 days
Best daytime low tides
Low tides under 1 foot between sunrise and sunset, over the next 30 days.
Loading tide predictions from NOAA…
Predictions from NOAA, Port San Luis. Times are local.
How tides work in Avila
Avila has mixed tides: most days bring two high tides and two low tides, and the two of each are different heights. One low is usually much lower than the other. The average high tide sits about 3.5 feet above the average low, and from the lowest low of the day to the highest high it's about 5 feet. The gap swings wider around the new and full moon each month and narrows in between.
The numbers on this page come from NOAA's Port San Luis station. On the chart, the average lower low tide is 0 and the average higher high tide is about 5.3 feet. A few times a month the low drops below zero. NOAA's lowest reading at the station was about 2.4 feet below zero, in January 1951.
Planning around the tide
- Tide pools. Go at a daytime low under about 1 foot. Minus tides are best, when the rocks between Avila Beach and Pirate's Cove are most exposed. See Tide Pools for where to go and what you'll find.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding. Lower tides open up the caves and rocks along the cliffs, and the water in the cove is usually calmest in the morning. See Kayak & Paddleboard.
- Beach walks. Low tide uncovers a wide strip of firm, wet sand under the Avila Beach Pier, and it's the best time to look for birds feeding at the water's edge.
For the weather, water temperature and sunset times, see Weather & Conditions.
Local tips
- Get to the rocks an hour or so before the low, so you're exploring while the water is still going out.
- Keep an eye on the water once the tide turns. The rocks toward Pirate's Cove can get cut off as it comes back in.
- Wear shoes with grip. Wet rocks and seaweed are slippery.
- Check the sunset time before a late-afternoon low, and finish before it gets dark.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the tide times for Avila Beach measured?
At NOAA's Port San Luis station (#9412110), at Port San Luis, about a mile west of town. It's the official station for Avila and San Luis Bay.
How many tides a day does Avila Beach have?
Usually two high tides and two low tides, and the two of each are different heights. That's called a mixed tide, and it's normal for the California coast.
What is a minus tide?
A low tide that drops below zero on the tide chart. Zero is the average of each day's lower low tide, so a minus tide is lower than usual and exposes more of the tide pools.
What is the best tide for tide pooling in Avila?
A daytime low tide under about 1 foot, and a minus tide is even better. The list on this page shows the next good ones.
