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California • San Luis Obispo CountyBuoy: 46011

Pismo Beach

Junky

Wave Height

4-6

ft

Swell

~5s

WNW

Wind

25mph

Sideshore (NW)

Water

60°

4/3mm

Rising• High in 5h 45m

Updated: 4/15/2026, 5:37:13 AM • Data: Open-Meteo

Accurate?

Surf Graph

Clean
Fair
Choppy
Flat

Tide Forecast

Tomorrow
H4:28am5.2ft
L10:58am-0.0ft
H5:05pm4.3ft
L10:45pm0.9ft
Fri, Apr 17
H4:56am5.6ft
L11:44am-0.6ft
H5:58pm4.1ft
L11:17pm1.3ft
Sat, Apr 18
H5:29am6.0ft
L12:33pm-1.0ft
H6:56pm3.9ft

Recent History

No recent history available

About Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach is the Central Coast's most consistent surf spot, a long stretch of beach break that picks up swell from every direction. The pier creates sandbars on both sides that focus the wave energy into workable peaks. It's a versatile spot—fun and mellow on small days, surprisingly powerful when the swell gets overhead. The classic California beach town feel, with the pier, clam chowder shops, and monarch butterfly groves, makes it one of the coast's most enjoyable surf destinations.

FAQ

What is the water temperature at Pismo Beach?

The current water temperature at Pismo Beach is 60°F. A 4/3mm wetsuit with optional boots is recommended.

What is the surf like at Pismo Beach today?

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

What time is high tide at Pismo Beach?

Today's high tide at Pismo Beach is at 12:04 AM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What time is low tide at Pismo Beach?

Today's low tide at Pismo Beach is at 6:15 AM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What are the best conditions for surfing Pismo Beach?

Pismo Beach works best with swells from the W, WNW, NW, SW and E, NE, N winds (offshore). The ideal tide is all tides.

Is Pismo Beach good for beginners?

Yes, Pismo Beach is suitable for beginners, especially on smaller days. It's always a good idea to check conditions before paddling out and consider taking a lesson if you're new to surfing.

This Week's Outlook

Friday morning looks like your best bet with 5-6ft waves, clean 8-second periods, and light cross-shore winds hitting right around the late morning low tide. Saturday morning could work too if you don't mind slightly more onshore texture, but Friday's definitely cleaner.

Updated 4/15/2026, 6:16:40 PM

Spot Info

Break TypeBeach Break
BottomSand
Skill LevelAll Levels
CrowdModerate
Best TideAll Tides
Best SwellW, WNW, NW, SW
Best WindE, NE, N
ParkingFree and paid parking near Pismo Pier

Local Tip

Works on almost any swell. South of the pier tends to have better shape. Classic California beach town.