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California • San Luis Obispo CountyBuoy: 46011

Pismo Beach

Good

Wave Height

3-5

ft

Swell

~6s

WNW

Wind

7mph

Offshore (N)

Water

58°

4/3mm

Falling• Low in 2h 54m

Updated: 5/13/2026, 5:36:48 PM • Data: Open-Meteo

Accurate?

Surf Graph

Clean
Fair
Choppy
Flat

Tide Forecast

Today
L8:45pm1.1ft
Tomorrow
H3:11am5.5ft
L10:03am-0.1ft
H4:11pm3.8ft
L9:22pm1.4ft
Fri, May 15
H3:43am5.9ft
L10:48am-0.8ft
H5:09pm3.8ft
L10:00pm1.7ft
Sat, May 16
H4:18am6.3ft
L11:36am-1.3ft

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 58°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 3-5ft. 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 10:43 PM 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 5:18 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 money with clean 6-7ft waves, light cross-onshore winds, and the tide dropping through mid-morning - perfect timing for multiple sessions. Saturday morning could be epic too if you can handle bigger surf, but those 8ft+ sets with stronger winds might be a bit much for most people.

Updated 5/13/2026, 6:16:35 AM

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.