California • San Luis Obispo County • Buoy: 46011

Pismo Beach

Good

Wave Height

4-6

ft

Swell

~10s

SSW

Wind

18mph

Sideshore (NW)

Water

68°

Springsuit

Rising• High in 5h 45m

Updated: 10/13/2026, 5:39:21 PM • Data: Open-Meteo

Accurate?

Surf Graph

Clean
Fair
Choppy
Flat

Tide Forecast

Today
H8:37am3.7ft
L12:41pm3.0ft
H6:59pm5.4ft
Tomorrow
L2:43am0.4ft
H9:55am3.5ft
L1:05pm3.3ft
H7:34pm5.1ft
Fri, Oct 16
L3:41am0.6ft
H8:18pm4.8ft

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 68°F. A springsuit or shorty wetsuit 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 4:37 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 9:55 PM 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

Wednesday morning looks like your best bet with 5ft waves, light cross-shore winds, and clean conditions right around that 8:37 AM high tide. If that doesn't work, Thursday AM is solid backup with similar size and offshore winds keeping things groomed.

Updated 10/13/2026, 6:18:18 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.