California Will Experience King Tides This Winter

Coastal areas across California will see elevated tide levels starting in late November 2026.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Forecasts

Waves crash against a rocky California coastline during high tide under a cloudy, overcast sky. — California residents and coastal authorities are preparing for a series of high-level King Tides occurring between late November 2026 and January 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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California will experience a series of King Tides during the upcoming winter season between November 2026 and January 2027. These tides will reach levels exceeding average high tides due to the specific alignment of the Earth, moon, and sun.

Why it matters

Understanding these tidal patterns allows residents and coastal communities to prepare for temporary flooding and elevated water levels along the shoreline. Documenting these events helps provide data on how current tide levels compare to coastal baselines.

Wave heights at Los Angeles Harbor are forecast to reach up to 7.3 feet during the peak of the winter tide season. These tides represent a height increase of 1 to 2 feet above standard high tide levels.

The players

California King Tides Project

This initiative, which launched during the winter of 2010-11, monitors tidal flooding and exists as part of a global network.

The details

The California King Tides Project invites residents to photograph and share images to document the effects of these extreme tides along the coast. The phenomenon occurs when the orbits and alignment of the Earth, moon, and sun combine to push tide levels significantly higher than normal.

November 24-26, 2026 marks the first period of King Tides in California.
December 22-25, 2026 includes peak tide periods for both Northern and Southern California.
January 20-23, 2027 serves as the final forecasted window for King Tides this season.

Seasonal Patterns

The California King Tides Project provides the community-science framework for tracking these seasonal events, mirroring international efforts to monitor sea-level changes. This event follows the annual pattern of public documentation established by the project since the 2010-11 season.

Residents living in coastal areas should monitor local tide charts to prepare for potential temporary flooding during these dates. The public is encouraged to document tidal impacts by photographing the coast and contributing to the community project.

The takeaway

King Tides are a natural occurrence driven by celestial mechanics that provide a glimpse into the future of high-water events. Residents can participate in citizen science by safely capturing images of tidal reach to support long-term environmental research.