What Are King Tides?
What Are King Tides?
King tides are exceptionally high tides that occur when the Earth, moon, and sun align during new and full moons. These astronomical tides represent the highest tides that occur under normal weather conditions and are a natural part of the tidal cycle.
Understanding King Tides
The term "king tide" is a colloquial expression used primarily in the United States, Australia, and other Pacific nations to describe the highest tides of the year. Scientifically, these are known as "perigean spring tides."
When Do King Tides Occur?
King tides happen when several factors align:
- New or Full Moon: The gravitational forces of the sun and moon are aligned
- Perigee: The moon is at its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit
- Perihelion: Earth is closest to the sun (occurs in January)
- Low Atmospheric Pressure: Weather conditions can amplify the effect
These conditions typically create king tides 2-3 times per year, most commonly in winter months.
Why King Tides Matter
1. Coastal Photography
King tides create dramatic coastal scenes that photographers seek out:
- Waves crashing over seawalls
- Temporarily flooded coastal areas
- Enhanced tidal pools
- Dramatic shoreline transformations
Photography Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before peak high tide to capture the progression.
2. Climate Change Preview
King tides provide a glimpse of future sea levels due to climate change. Areas that flood during king tides today may experience regular flooding as sea levels rise.
3. Coastal Planning
Urban planners use king tide data to:
- Identify vulnerable infrastructure
- Plan future development
- Design flood mitigation systems
- Assess climate adaptation needs
4. Marine Activities
For boaters, surfers, and fishermen:
- Boating: Higher water allows access to normally shallow areas
- Surfing: Can create unique wave conditions
- Fishing: Changes fish behavior and feeding patterns
King Tides vs. Regular High Tides
| Feature | Regular High Tide | King Tide | |---------|------------------|-----------| | Frequency | Twice daily | 2-3 times per year | | Height | Average for location | 10-15% higher than average | | Predictability | Highly predictable | Predictable months in advance | | Duration | ~6 hours | ~6 hours |
Finding King Tides Near You
Use HighTideNearMe to find the highest tides of the year at your location:
- Visit your local tide station page
- Check the "Significant High Tides" section
- Look for the 🏆 Highest of Year designation
- Note the date and plan accordingly
Safety Considerations
King tides can be dangerous:
- Never turn your back on the ocean: Waves during king tides are unpredictable
- Stay off jetties and rocks: Waves can sweep people into the ocean
- Watch for coastal flooding: Roads and parking areas may flood
- Check local warnings: Some areas close access during king tides
- Monitor weather: Storms combined with king tides create extreme conditions
Best Locations for Observing King Tides
West Coast
- San Francisco Bay Area, CA
- Newport Beach, CA
- Seattle waterfront, WA
- Cannon Beach, OR
East Coast
- Boston Harbor, MA
- Miami Beach, FL
- Charleston, SC
- Portland, ME
Gulf Coast
- Galveston, TX
- Tampa Bay, FL
- Mobile, AL
Planning Your King Tide Visit
- Check the date: Use our tide calculator to find the highest tide
- Arrive early: Get there 1-2 hours before peak
- Scout locations: Visit during normal tides first
- Check weather: Wind and storms amplify king tides
- Bring gear: Waterproof boots, rain gear, camera protection
- Stay safe: Keep a safe distance from the water
The Science Behind King Tides
Gravitational Forces
Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun on Earth's oceans. When these forces align during new and full moons, we get spring tides—the highest and lowest tides of the month.
Orbital Mechanics
The moon's orbit is elliptical, not circular. When the moon is at perigee (closest to Earth), its gravitational pull is about 20% stronger, creating higher tides.
Local Variations
King tide heights vary dramatically by location:
- Bay of Fundy, Canada: 40+ feet
- Gulf of Mexico: 1-2 feet
- West Coast: 6-8 feet
- East Coast: 4-6 feet
King Tides and Climate Change
King tides serve as a "preview" of future sea level rise:
- Current king tides flood areas that will flood regularly by 2050
- They help communities visualize climate impacts
- Some cities use king tides to test flood mitigation systems
- Citizen science projects document king tide flooding
Example: In San Francisco, king tides show what daily high tides will look like with 2-3 feet of sea level rise.
Photographing King Tides
Essential Gear
- Camera with weather sealing
- Wide-angle lens (16-35mm)
- Tripod with good stability
- Lens cloth for water droplets
- Waterproof bag or rain cover
Best Techniques
- Long Exposure: Use 1-4 second exposures to blur water motion
- Burst Mode: Capture the perfect wave crash
- Safety First: Never wade into water during king tides
- Scout Locations: Know escape routes from rising water
- Golden Hour: Combine king tides with sunrise/sunset
Composition Tips
- Include scale (people, buildings) to show water height
- Capture before/after comparisons
- Show normally dry areas underwater
- Focus on dramatic wave action
- Include reflections in flooded areas
Conclusion
King tides are a fascinating natural phenomenon that offers opportunities for photography, science education, and climate awareness. By understanding when and where they occur, you can safely observe these impressive tides while appreciating the power of gravitational forces.
Use HighTideNearMe to find king tides at your favorite coastal locations throughout the year.
Related Articles:
- How Tides Affect Coastal Photography
- Best Beach Photography Times by State
- Understanding NOAA Tide Predictions
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