Highest Tides of 2026: King Tide Calendar by Location
Highest Tides of 2026: King Tide Calendar by Location
Planning coastal activities for 2026? This comprehensive guide shows the highest tides of the year for every major coastal location in the United States. Whether you're a photographer seeking dramatic wave action, a beachcomber looking for the best low tides, or a coastal resident preparing for potential flooding, this calendar has you covered.
What Are the Highest Tides?
The highest tides of the yearâoften called king tides or perigean spring tidesâoccur when several astronomical factors align:
- New or Full Moon: Sun and moon gravitational forces align
- Perigee: Moon is closest to Earth in its elliptical orbit
- Perihelion: Earth is closest to the sun (early January)
These factors combine to create tides 10-15% higher than average high tides.
When Do King Tides Occur in 2026?
The highest tides of 2026 occur during these approximate periods:
Peak King Tide Windows
- January 19-21, 2026: Highest tides of the year
- February 17-19, 2026: Second highest period
- March 18-20, 2026: Spring high tides
- October 15-17, 2026: Fall king tides
- November 13-15, 2026: Late season high tides
- December 13-15, 2026: Year-end king tides
West Coast - Pacific Ocean
California
San Francisco Bay Area
- Highest Tide: January 20, 2026 at 9:24 AM PST - 7.10 feet
- 2nd Highest: February 18, 2026 at 10:12 AM PST - 6.95 feet
- 3rd Highest: December 14, 2026 at 8:48 AM PST - 6.82 feet
Photo Tip: Visit Baker Beach at sunrise during the January king tide for dramatic Golden Gate Bridge shots with crashing waves.
- Highest Tide: January 20, 2026 at 9:15 AM PST - 6.8 feet
- 2nd Highest: February 18, 2026 at 10:02 AM PST - 6.7 feet
- 3rd Highest: March 19, 2026 at 8:35 AM PDT - 6.5 feet
Southern California
- Highest Tide: January 20, 2026 at 9:42 AM PST - 7.2 feet
- 2nd Highest: February 18, 2026 at 10:28 AM PST - 7.0 feet
- 3rd Highest: December 14, 2026 at 9:05 AM PST - 6.9 feet
- Highest Tide: January 20, 2026 at 10:18 AM PST - 7.5 feet
- 2nd Highest: February 18, 2026 at 11:02 AM PST - 7.3 feet
- 3rd Highest: December 14, 2026 at 9:38 AM PST - 7.2 feet
Photo Tip: La Jolla tide pools are best at low tideâvisit 6 hours after these high tides for maximum exposure.
Pacific Northwest
- Highest Tide: January 20, 2026 at 9:12 AM PST - 13.8 feet
- 2nd Highest: December 14, 2026 at 8:35 AM PST - 13.5 feet
- 3rd Highest: February 18, 2026 at 9:58 AM PST - 13.2 feet
Note: Puget Sound experiences some of the largest tidal ranges on the West Coast.
- Highest Tide: January 20, 2026 at 9:05 AM PST - 9.8 feet
- 2nd Highest: February 18, 2026 at 9:52 AM PST - 9.6 feet
- 3rd Highest: December 14, 2026 at 8:28 AM PST - 9.4 feet
Alaska
- Highest Tide: January 20, 2026 at 10:42 AM AKST - 32.5 feet
- 2nd Highest: December 14, 2026 at 9:58 AM AKST - 31.8 feet
- 3rd Highest: February 18, 2026 at 11:28 AM AKST - 31.2 feet
Warning: Cook Inlet has some of the highest tides in North America. Extreme caution required.
- Highest Tide: January 20, 2026 at 8:35 AM AKST - 18.2 feet
- 2nd Highest: December 14, 2026 at 7:52 AM AKST - 17.8 feet
- 3rd Highest: February 18, 2026 at 9:18 AM AKST - 17.5 feet
Hawaii
- Highest Tide: July 12, 2026 at 1:45 PM HST - 2.4 feet
- 2nd Highest: August 10, 2026 at 2:12 PM HST - 2.3 feet
- 3rd Highest: June 13, 2026 at 1:18 PM HST - 2.3 feet
Note: Hawaii has very small tidal ranges compared to continental U.S.
East Coast - Atlantic Ocean
New England
- Highest Tide: January 21, 2026 at 12:35 PM EST - 10.8 feet
- 2nd Highest: February 19, 2026 at 1:22 PM EST - 10.6 feet
- 3rd Highest: December 15, 2026 at 11:52 AM EST - 10.4 feet
- Highest Tide: January 21, 2026 at 12:42 PM EST - 11.5 feet
- 2nd Highest: February 19, 2026 at 1:28 PM EST - 11.3 feet
- 3rd Highest: December 15, 2026 at 11:58 AM EST - 11.0 feet
Coastal Flooding: These king tides often coincide with nor'easters, creating significant flooding in Boston.
- Highest Tide: January 21, 2026 at 12:28 PM EST - 4.8 feet
- 2nd Highest: February 19, 2026 at 1:15 PM EST - 4.7 feet
- 3rd Highest: December 15, 2026 at 11:45 AM EST - 4.6 feet
Mid-Atlantic
- Highest Tide: January 21, 2026 at 12:15 PM EST - 5.8 feet
- 2nd Highest: February 19, 2026 at 1:02 PM EST - 5.7 feet
- 3rd Highest: December 15, 2026 at 11:32 AM EST - 5.5 feet
Coastal Flooding: King tides can flood low-lying areas of Manhattan and Brooklyn waterfronts.
- Highest Tide: January 21, 2026 at 11:48 AM EST - 2.2 feet
- 2nd Highest: February 19, 2026 at 12:35 PM EST - 2.1 feet
- 3rd Highest: December 15, 2026 at 11:05 AM EST - 2.0 feet
Southeast
- Highest Tide: January 21, 2026 at 11:25 AM EST - 7.2 feet
- 2nd Highest: February 19, 2026 at 12:12 PM EST - 7.0 feet
- 3rd Highest: October 16, 2026 at 11:38 AM EDT - 6.9 feet
Photo Tip: Battery Park during king tides offers excellent shots of historic Charleston with high water.
- Highest Tide: January 21, 2026 at 11:18 AM EST - 8.5 feet
- 2nd Highest: February 19, 2026 at 12:05 PM EST - 8.3 feet
- 3rd Highest: October 16, 2026 at 11:32 AM EDT - 8.2 feet
- Highest Tide: October 16, 2026 at 11:45 AM EDT - 3.2 feet
- 2nd Highest: November 14, 2026 at 12:18 PM EST - 3.1 feet
- 3rd Highest: September 17, 2026 at 11:12 AM EDT - 3.0 feet
Coastal Flooding: Miami Beach regularly floods during king tides. Expect street closures.
- Highest Tide: October 16, 2026 at 11:22 AM EDT - 2.8 feet
- 2nd Highest: November 14, 2026 at 11:55 AM EST - 2.7 feet
- 3rd Highest: September 17, 2026 at 10:48 AM EDT - 2.6 feet
Gulf Coast
- Highest Tide: October 16, 2026 at 10:55 AM EDT - 3.5 feet
- 2nd Highest: November 14, 2026 at 11:28 AM EST - 3.4 feet
- 3rd Highest: September 17, 2026 at 10:22 AM EDT - 3.3 feet
- Highest Tide: October 16, 2026 at 10:12 AM CDT - 1.8 feet
- 2nd Highest: November 14, 2026 at 10:45 AM CST - 1.7 feet
- 3rd Highest: April 17, 2026 at 9:38 AM CDT - 1.6 feet
Note: Gulf of Mexico has very small tidal rangesâtypically only 1-2 feet.
- Highest Tide: October 16, 2026 at 9:45 AM CDT - 2.2 feet
- 2nd Highest: November 14, 2026 at 10:18 AM CST - 2.1 feet
- 3rd Highest: April 17, 2026 at 9:12 AM CDT - 2.0 feet
How to Use This Calendar
For Photographers
High Tide Shots:
- Arrive 30-60 minutes before peak high tide
- Dramatic wave action peaks around high tide
- Best light: Combine with sunrise/sunset
Low Tide Shots:
- Visit 6 hours after the listed high tide
- Exposed tide pools and rock formations
- Wide beach landscapes
For Coastal Residents
Flood Preparation:
- Monitor weather forecasts during king tide periods
- King tide + storm = extreme flooding
- Move vehicles from low-lying parking
- Sandbags for vulnerable areas
For Beach Activities
Avoid High Tide:
- Limited beach space
- Strong currents
- Difficult swimming conditions
Best Beach Time:
- 2-4 hours after high tide
- More beach exposed
- Calmer conditions
Regional Patterns
West Coast Pattern
- Highest tides: January and December
- Mixed semidiurnal: Two unequal high tides per day
- Large range: 5-7 feet typical, up to 30+ feet in Alaska
East Coast Pattern
- Highest tides: January/February and October/November
- Semidiurnal: Two roughly equal high tides per day
- Moderate range: 4-8 feet typical, highest in Maine
Gulf Coast Pattern
- Highest tides: October and November
- Diurnal influence: Often one dominant tide per day
- Small range: 1-3 feet typical
Climate Change and King Tides
King tides provide a preview of future sea levels:
- Today's king tides = Daily high tides by 2050-2100
- Coastal areas that flood during king tides will flood regularly
- Use king tides to plan for sea level rise
King Tide Photography Projects: Many coastal communities document king tide flooding to visualize future sea levels. Consider participating!
Safety Warnings
Never Underestimate King Tides
Dangers:
- Rogue waves can sweep people off rocks
- Strong currents and undertow
- Flooding of normally dry areas
- Rapid water level changes
Safety Rules:
- Never turn your back on the ocean
- Stay off jetties during king tides
- Check tide times before coastal walks
- Have an escape route planned
Storm Surge + King Tide = Extreme Flooding
When storms coincide with king tides:
- Coastal flooding can be severe
- Road closures common
- Property damage risk
- Follow official warnings
Finding Exact Times for Your Location
This calendar shows approximate times for major cities. For exact times at your specific location:
- Visit our location finder
- Find your nearest tide station
- Check "Significant High Tides" section
- Note exact time and height
Data Updates: Our tide data is updated daily from NOAA to ensure accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do king tides vary by location?
Different factors affect each location:
- Local geography: Bays amplify tides
- Ocean basin: Atlantic vs Pacific patterns
- Latitude: Affects timing of moon's pull
- Continental shelf: Shallow water increases range
Are king tides dangerous?
King tides themselves are predictable and safe if you:
- Know when they occur
- Stay off rocks and jetties
- Don't walk under cliffs at high tide
- Monitor weather for storm combinations
Do king tides cause coastal erosion?
Yes, especially when combined with:
- Storm waves
- High winds
- Heavy rain
- El Niño conditions
Planning Your 2026 Coastal Adventures
Use this calendar to plan:
January 19-21: Best king tide photography of the year February 17-19: Second-best king tides, longer days than January March 18-20: Spring photography with wildflowers October 15-17: Fall colors + king tides (East Coast) November 13-15: Dramatic storm season (West Coast) December 13-15: Year-end king tides, holiday coastal trips
Conclusion
The highest tides of 2026 offer incredible opportunities for photography, scientific observation, and coastal awareness. By planning around these king tide events, you can safely experience the most dramatic tidal conditions of the year.
Remember:
- Plan ahead using exact times for your location
- Prioritize safetyânever turn your back on the ocean
- Use king tides to understand climate change impacts
- Capture the drama while respecting the power of the sea
Find Exact Tide Times:
Related Articles:
- What Are King Tides?
- Best Times for Beach Photography
- How Tides Affect Coastal Photography
- Understanding Tide Predictions
Data Source: All tide predictions from NOAA Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services. Updated daily. Learn more at our Data Sources page.