What's the best tide for surfing in Manhattan Beach?

Tide preferences vary by spot in Manhattan Beach. Generally, incoming mid-tides work well for most beaches, offering a good balance of wave shape and power. Check individual spot guides for specific tide recommendations.

How do tides affect surfing conditions in Manhattan Beach?

Tides significantly impact surf conditions in Manhattan Beach. Low tide can expose reefs and sandbars creating hollow waves, while high tide often creates softer, more forgiving waves. Mid-tide transitions typically offer the most consistent conditions.

Where can I check tide charts for Manhattan Beach?

You can check tide charts for Manhattan Beach on Quiver's surf forecast pages, NOAA tide predictions, or various surf forecast apps. Quiver provides real-time tide information integrated with surf conditions for accurate session planning.

Tide conditions for Manhattan Beach surf spots

Manhattan Beach, California

Updated Refreshed hourly · Tide data refreshes every 30 minutes from NOAA stations.

A foot of tide swing can shut down one break and light up another in Manhattan Beach. These 3 spots all respond differently - some need the low to expose the bar, others clean up on a rising mid.

Current Tide

2.5ft

Falling

Next Low

03:00 AM

2.2 ft

NOAA tide data via Cached Tide Data

Tide Chart

7-Day Tide Schedule

7-day tide schedule showing high and low tides
Day	High 1	Low 1	High 2	Low 2
Tomorrow	5:00 AM(4.3 ft)	12:00 AM(3.3 ft)	9:00 PM(3.0 ft)	1:00 PM(0.3 ft)
Thu, Feb 12	6:00 AM(4.5 ft)	2:00 PM(0.1 ft)	9:00 PM(3.1 ft)	--
Fri, Feb 13	6:00 AM(4.8 ft)	12:00 AM(2.6 ft)	9:00 PM(3.3 ft)	2:00 PM(-0.4 ft)
Sat, Feb 14	7:00 AM(5.3 ft)	1:00 AM(2.3 ft)	9:00 PM(3.6 ft)	2:00 PM(-0.3 ft)
Sun, Feb 15	8:00 AM(5.3 ft)	1:00 AM(2.2 ft)	9:00 PM(3.6 ft)	3:00 PM(-0.7 ft)
Mon, Feb 16	8:00 AM(5.5 ft)	2:00 AM(1.7 ft)	10:00 PM(3.8 ft)	3:00 PM(-0.6 ft)
Tue, Feb 17	9:00 AM(5.6 ft)	3:00 AM(1.5 ft)	10:00 PM(4.3 ft)	4:00 PM(-0.5 ft)

Tomorrow

5:00 AM (4.3 ft)

9:00 PM (3.0 ft)

12:00 AM (3.3 ft)

1:00 PM (0.3 ft)

11:00 PM (2.9 ft)

Thu, Feb 12

6:00 AM (4.5 ft)

9:00 PM (3.1 ft)

2:00 PM (0.1 ft)

Fri, Feb 13

6:00 AM (4.8 ft)

9:00 PM (3.3 ft)

12:00 AM (2.6 ft)

2:00 PM (-0.4 ft)

Sat, Feb 14

7:00 AM (5.3 ft)

9:00 PM (3.6 ft)

1:00 AM (2.3 ft)

2:00 PM (-0.3 ft)

Sun, Feb 15

8:00 AM (5.3 ft)

9:00 PM (3.6 ft)

1:00 AM (2.2 ft)

3:00 PM (-0.7 ft)

Mon, Feb 16

8:00 AM (5.5 ft)

10:00 PM (3.8 ft)

2:00 AM (1.7 ft)

3:00 PM (-0.6 ft)

Tue, Feb 17

9:00 AM (5.6 ft)

10:00 PM (4.3 ft)

3:00 AM (1.5 ft)

4:00 PM (-0.5 ft)

11:00 PM (3.7 ft)

Beach Tide Preferences

Each beach performs best at a specific tide range and direction. Plan your session around these windows.

Top spot recommendations

Sort your quiver, choose the right tide window, and jot down a backup in case the main peak gets stacked.

Featured Beaches

3 spots

El Porto

Intermediate

El Porto is the premier surf spot in the South Bay and one of the most consistent.

El Porto (Manhattan)

Beginner friendly

El Porto (Manhattan Beach) functions as South Bay's northwest swell magnet rated 7/10 for consistency despite variable quality.

Manhattan Beach Pier

Intermediate

The sandbars north and south of Manhattan Beach Pier provide consistent beach-break peaks with both lefts and rights. Summer southwest swells and offshore east winds create the best conditions. The waves can be fun for intermediates but rips are common and the lineup is often crowded.

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Featured Beaches(3)

What to focus on today

Annotated tide windows tied to specific breaks
How lunar cycles reshape sandbars through the season
Safety notes for rip-prone outbound tides
Session planning tips for dawn patrol versus sunset

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