California • San Francisco CountyBuoy: 46026

Ocean Beach

Good

Wave Height

4-6

ft

Swell

~4s

WNW

Wind

9mph

Onshore (WNW)

Water

56°

4/3mm

Falling• Low in 3h 24m

Updated: 8/28/2026, 5:36:22 PM • Data: Open-Meteo

Accurate?

Surf Graph

Clean
Fair
Choppy
Flat

Tide Forecast

Today
L1:37pm0.3ft
H8:23pm5.5ft
Tomorrow
L1:55am1.5ft
H8:10am5.5ft
L2:07pm0.7ft
H8:49pm5.7ft
Mon, Aug 31
L2:37am1.2ft
H9:00am5.1ft
L2:39pm1.2ft
H9:18pm5.9ft
Tue, Sep 1
L3:25am0.9ft
H9:57am4.7ft

Recent History

No recent history available

About Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach San Francisco is one of the heaviest beach breaks in the world. A four-mile stretch of exposed Pacific coastline, OB picks up every ounce of North Pacific swell and turns it into powerful, shifting peaks that can hold waves well over 20 feet. The currents are relentless, the water is freezing, and the fog can reduce visibility to near zero. This is not a wave for the faint-hearted. But on a rare, clean day with offshore winds and a solid swell, OB produces some of the best beach break barrels on the planet. It has earned its reputation as one of America's most challenging everyday surf spots.

FAQ

What is the water temperature at Ocean Beach?

The current water temperature at Ocean Beach is 56°F. A 4/3mm wetsuit with optional boots is recommended.

What is the surf like at Ocean Beach today?

Ocean Beach currently has waves around 4-6ft. Conditions change throughout the day, so check back for updated forecasts.

What time is high tide at Ocean Beach?

Today's high tide at Ocean Beach is at 3:26 AM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What time is low tide at Ocean Beach?

Today's low tide at Ocean Beach is at 9:16 PM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What are the best conditions for surfing Ocean Beach?

Ocean Beach works best with swells from the W, WNW, NW and E, SE, S winds (offshore). The ideal tide is low to mid.

Is Ocean Beach good for beginners?

Ocean Beach is recommended for experienced surfers only. The waves here can be powerful and conditions challenging. Beginners should look for more forgiving spots nearby.

This Week's Outlook

Sunday morning's your best bet with 5 footers peeling through on 8 second intervals, though the onshore winds are gonna make it a bit messier than ideal. If that doesn't work, Monday's cleaner with lighter cross-onshore winds keeping things more manageable even though the swell's dropping a touch.

Updated 8/29/2026, 6:16:07 AM

Spot Info

Break TypeBeach Break
BottomSand
Skill LevelAdvanced to Expert
CrowdModerate
Best TideLow to Mid
Best SwellW, WNW, NW
Best WindE, SE, S
ParkingFree parking along Great Highway (when open) and Golden Gate Park

Local Tip

This wave will humble you. Strong currents, cold water, and heavy lips. Know your limits. 5mm wetsuit essential.