National Weather ServiceCaliforniaHigh Surf WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
High Surf Warnings in California
The National Weather Service issued 2 high surf warnings for California in 2025 and 4 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 2nd most of any state. 2026 through September: 0, 100% below the average of 3 for those months in 2008-2025. Coastal North Bay (including Point Reyes National Seashore) was covered most often (26 times since 2008).
How many high surf warnings does California get?
Every high surf warning that covered part of California. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2018 | 7 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2008 | 5 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does California get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in California?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal North Bay (including Point Reyes National Seashore) | 26 | 7 | February 13, 2025 |
| San Francisco | 26 | 7 | February 13, 2025 |
| Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast | 22 | 7 | February 13, 2025 |
| Northern Monterey Bay | 20 | 6 | February 13, 2025 |
| Mendocino Coast | 18 | 3 | December 23, 2024 |
| San Luis Obispo County Central Coast | 15 | 0 | October 25, 2021 |
| Santa Barbara County Central Coast | 15 | 0 | October 25, 2021 |
| San Francisco Peninsula Coast | 14 | 0 | October 25, 2021 |
| San Fransisco Peninsula Coast | 11 | 7 | February 13, 2025 |
| Coastal Del Norte | 10 | 3 | December 23, 2024 |
| Northern Humboldt Coast | 10 | 3 | December 23, 2024 |
| Southwestern Humboldt | 10 | 3 | December 23, 2024 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a high surf warning?
A high surf warning means very large breaking waves that can wash people off beaches and damage coastal property. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. The national record · Every warning type in California.