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San Mateo County · Montara

Montara State Beach

Faces W · Sandy & Rocky · No Lifeguard · Rip Currents
Rip currents are not always visible. They can sometimes be identified by calmer water and less white water than the surrounding surf — which can make them look like a better place to swim. They are not. They are mini rivers where water channels its way back out to sea.
Current Danger Level
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Buoy Reading — View Buoy ↗
⚠ Data may be stale — showing last known reading. Conditions may have changed.
Swell Height*
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feet
Swell Period
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seconds
Direction
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swell from
Water Temp
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°F
NOAA Buoy 46012 — Half Moon Bay
⚠️
Long-Period Swell & Set Waves
Read the table above. Any swell period above 15 seconds means danger. Waves travel in sets separated by long, quiet intervals — sometimes as long as 20 minutes of calm. On long period days, stay aware! Do not approach the water's edge during a quiet stretch — that calm is when energy is building offshore.
Known Hazards at Montara State Beach
🌀
Rip Currents
Rip currents form where water moves off the beach between sand bars. They are not visible from shore. If caught in one, swim parallel to shore — not against it.
🪨
Rock Outcroppings
Rocky sections of the beach create wave surge and backwash hazards. Wet rocks are extremely slippery.
🌡️
🌀
Rip Currents
Rip currents form where water moves off the beach between sand bars. They are not visible from shore. If caught in one, swim parallel to shore — not against it.
🪨
Rock Outcroppings
Rocky sections of the beach create wave surge and backwash hazards. Wet rocks are extremely slippery.
🌡️
Cold Water — Year Round
Pacific water along this coast runs cold year round. Hypothermia can set in quickly.
⛰️
Steep Beach Face
This beach has a steep drop-off at the waterline. Waves surge up the slope and retreat quickly with strong backwash. Standing at the water's edge puts you in the path of that draw. Step back further than you think you need to.
🌡️
Cold Water — Year Round
Pacific water along this coast runs cold year round. Hypothermia can set in quickly.
🚫
No Year-Round Lifeguard Posted
CA State Parks lifeguards patrol state beaches. There is no year-round posted lifeguard. Emergency response times on remote beaches may take longer than in urban environments.
Before You Go Near the Water
01
Read the swell period before you approach the water. The number in the chart above is your warning. A period of 15+ seconds means sets are arriving with long, quiet intervals between them — sometimes up to 20 minutes of calm. Do not approach the water's edge during a quiet stretch — that calm is when energy is building offshore.
02
Watch the ocean. Stay on dry sand. Do not approach wet sand or the water's edge until you have watched the ocean and learned the rhythm of the sets.
03
Wet rocks or sand mark where the ocean has already been. If the rocks or sand are wet, a wave reached them recently. Stay above the wet line — always.
04
A long wait between waves is a warning. During long period swells, stay vigilant. The ocean may appear completely calm between sets. Do not be fooled. If it has been calm for several minutes, stay back. Do not walk toward the water.
05
Keep dogs on leash. Keep dogs on leash and away from the water's edge.
06
Tell someone your plans. Leave your destination and expected return time with someone before you go.
06
Rip currents do not always look dangerous. They can appear as calmer, clearer water with less white water than the surf on either side — which can make them look like a better place to swim. They are not. They are mini rivers where water channels its way back out to sea. If you see a break in the surf line with calmer water, stay out.
How to Read Sets

Long-period swell doesn't produce a steady stream of waves. It travels in sets — groups of larger waves separated by long, quiet intervals. At 15+ seconds, those intervals can stretch to 20 minutes of calm. Do not approach the water's edge during a quiet stretch — that calm is when energy is building offshore.

1
Find a high vantage point above the water line. Do not approach the shore first. Watch from above.
2
Time the quiet intervals. Count the seconds — or minutes — between large waves. This is your set interval.
3
Watch for at least 15 minutes. You need to see multiple sets before you understand the rhythm. One quiet stretch means nothing.
4
The largest wave in a set is not always the first. Sets build in size. The final wave is frequently the biggest.
5
When in doubt, stay back. At 15+ seconds period, stay completely clear of the shore and any rocks.

Ocean Emergency

911

San Mateo County Sheriff · (650) 363-4911

CA State Parks Emergency · (800) 952-5580

USCG San Francisco · (415) 399-3547

Live data: NOAA Buoy 46012 — Half Moon Bay
San Mateo County Coast · California State Parks
Danger levels auto-calculated from swell height and period
This tool displays publicly available NOAA buoy data. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute safety advice. Data may be delayed, incomplete, or inaccurate. Conditions at the water can differ from buoy readings. This tool does not account for all hazards. Use your own judgment. When in doubt, stay out.