MontereyWharf 2

Wharf 2 Municipal Wharf II

Monterey, Monterey Bay, California

Wharf 2 · Right now

Good

Waves at this site, 13 s swell:

  • Great under ~1.8 ft
  • Good to ~3 ft
  • Fair to ~4.2 ft
  • Rough to ~6 ft
  • Severe above ~6 ft
As of 4:00 PMConsistent through tonight

Sheltered from most west swell. Local wind chop on the surface.

Directions
High confidence

High confidence: Based on a live buoy reading 30 min ago.

Updated 24 min ago

Buoy reading: 4:00 PM (54 min ago) at buoy 46236. Measured offshore waves; the current rating starts from it.

Forecast issued: Wed, Oct 14, 1:26 PM PDT. NWS wind and air forecast for this spot; later hours also use the wave model run named under Advanced.

Page data: refreshed every 30 minutes; last refresh Wed, Oct 14, 4:30 PM PDT.

Right now

As of 4:00 PM
Waves
0.5ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
3ft
WNW · 13 sec
Wind
10kt
Cross-shore
Tide
3.6ft
Falling · 0.8 ft above predicted
Water 63°F harbor Air 63°F
All readings
  • Swells: 3 ft, 13 s WNW · 3 ft, 7 s WNW · Wind 10 kt cross-shore
  • Next low tide 8:15 PM (0.3 ft)
  • Next high tide 3:37 AM (3.6 ft)
  • Water temperature from the Monterey harbor tide station (NOAA 9413450); wind (including half the gust) and air from the NWS forecast for this hour.
Forecast limitations

The rating covers surge and entry conditions only.

  • Visibility Plankton, runoff and water stirred up for days after big seas aren't in the rating. A "Vis likely poor" note only warns when a known cause is present; it never promises clear water.
  • Depth On long-period days, surge on deeper reefs is stronger than at the entry.
  • On the day Sets, kelp and currents vary; look at the water before you go in.
  • Further out Accuracy drops the further out you look; days 6 and 7 are a rough guide.
  • This site Few dive reports to check its rating against yet.

Plan your dive

Today · Select a time

Day GoodAfter dark Good
Why Good?

About 0.9 ft of local wind chop makes the surface swim rough.

Swells: 3 ft, 13 s WNW · 3 ft, 7 s WNW · Wind 10 kt cross-shore

Rated by the most challenging conditions in the rest of today's daytime, to 8 PM. After dark (8 PM to midnight) is shown as conditions, not as a dive window.

High confidence: Based on a live buoy reading from the last hour.

This window has passed.

This window has passed.

Sheltered from most west swell. Local wind chop on the surface.

Waves
0.5ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
3ft
WNW · 13 sec
Wind
10kt
Cross-shore
Tide
2.7ft
 

Roughest around 4:30 PM

High confidence

High confidence: Based on a live buoy reading 54 min ago.

Sunset 6:33 PMDark by 6:59 PMWaxing crescent, about 16% lit

Sheltered from most northwest swell. Forecasts this far out often clear up too fast.

Waves
0.5ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
2.5ft
WNW · 13 sec
Wind
5kt
Light
Tide
0.3ft
 

Low tide 8:15 PM (0.3 ft) · Roughest around 8 PM

High confidence

High confidence: This is a forecast about 4 hours ahead; recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

Reduced visibility after dark; access rules still apply.

Sunset 6:33 PMDark by 6:59 PMWaxing crescent, about 16% lit

Thu, Oct 15 · Select a time

Day GoodAfter dark Good
Why Good?

About 0.7 ft of local wind chop makes the surface swim rough.

Swells: 2 ft, 12 s WNW · 2 ft, 14 s SSW · 2 ft, 6 s WNW · Wind 9 kt cross-shore

Rated by the most challenging conditions from 7 AM to 8 PM. After dark (8 PM to midnight) is shown as conditions, not as a dive window.

Medium confidence because this forecast is about 22 hours ahead, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

Sheltered from most northwest swell. A light 9 kt onshore breeze on the surface.

Waves
0.5ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
2.3ft
WNW · 12 sec
Wind
9kt
Onshore
Tide
4.6ft
 

Roughest around 11 AM

Medium confidence

Medium confidence because this forecast is about 19 hours ahead, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

Sheltered from most northwest swell. Local wind chop on the surface.

Waves
0.5ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
2.3ft
WNW · 12 sec
Wind
9kt
Cross-shore
Tide
5ft
 

High tide 1:10 PM (5.1 ft) · Roughest around 2 PM

Medium confidence

Medium confidence because this forecast is about 22 hours ahead, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

Sheltered from most northwest swell. Some surge possible along the wharf.

Waves
0.5ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
2.3ft
WNW · 12 sec
Wind
8kt
Cross-shore
Tide
2.9ft
 

Roughest around 5 PM

Low confidence

Low confidence because the wave model is in its first week of calibration here; this forecast is about 25 hours ahead, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well. Capped at Good because confidence is Low.

Sunset 6:31 PMDark by 6:57 PMWaxing crescent, about 24% lit

Sheltered from most northwest swell. Some surge possible along the wharf.

Waves
0.5ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
2.3ft
WNW · 12 sec
Wind
6kt
Cross-onshore
Tide
0.6ft
 

Low tide 9:11 PM (0.4 ft) · Roughest around 8 PM

Low confidence

Low confidence because the wave model is in its first week of calibration here; this forecast is about 28 hours ahead, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well. Capped at Good because confidence is Low.

Reduced visibility after dark; access rules still apply.

Sunset 6:31 PMDark by 6:57 PMWaxing crescent, about 24% lit

Fri, Oct 16 · Select a time

Day GoodAfter dark Good
Why Good?

About 1 ft of local wind chop makes the surface swim rough.

Swells: 3 ft, 12 s WNW · 2 ft, 14 s SSW · Wind 10 kt cross-shore

Rated by the most challenging conditions from 7 AM to 8 PM. After dark (8 PM to midnight) is shown as conditions, not as a dive window.

Low confidence because the wave model is in its first week of calibration here; this forecast is about 40 hours ahead, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

Sheltered from most northwest swell. Local wind chop on the surface.

Waves
0.4ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
2.6ft
WNW · 12 sec
Wind
10kt
Cross-shore
Tide
3.5ft
 

Low tide 7:37 AM (3.5 ft) · Roughest around 8 AM

Low confidence

Low confidence because the wave model is in its first week of calibration here; this forecast is about 40 hours ahead, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

Sheltered from most northwest swell. Some surge possible along the wharf.

Waves
0.4ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
2.4ft
WNW · 12 sec
Wind
6kt
Light
Tide
4.5ft
 

High tide 1:58 PM (4.8 ft) · Roughest around 12 PM

Low confidence

Low confidence because the wave model is in its first week of calibration here; this forecast is about 44 hours ahead, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well. Capped at Good because confidence is Low.

Sheltered from most northwest swell. Some surge possible along the wharf.

Waves
0.4ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
2.4ft
WNW · 12 sec
Wind
8kt
Cross-shore
Tide
4.2ft
 

Roughest around 4 PM

Low confidence

Low confidence because the wave model is in its first week of calibration here; this forecast is about 48 hours ahead, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well. Capped at Good because confidence is Low.

Sunset 6:30 PMDark by 6:56 PMFirst quarter, about 34% lit

Sheltered from most south swell. Some surge possible along the wharf.

Waves
0.4ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
1.9ft
SSW · 14 sec
Wind
5kt
Light
Tide
1.3ft
 

Low tide 10:14 PM (0.6 ft) · Roughest around 8 PM

Low confidence

Low confidence because it is about 52 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well. Capped at Good because confidence is Low.

Reduced visibility after dark; access rules still apply.

Sunset 6:30 PMDark by 6:56 PMFirst quarter, about 34% lit

Sat, Oct 17 · Select a time

Day GoodAfter dark Good
Why Good?

A short-period northwest swell is mostly sheltered here, so expect some surge along the wharf.

Swells: 3 ft, 7 s WNW · 2 ft, 12 s WNW · 2 ft, 17 s SSW · Wind 10 kt cross-shore

Rated by the most challenging conditions from 7 AM to 8 PM. After dark (8 PM to midnight) is shown as conditions, not as a dive window.

Low confidence because it is about 75 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

Sheltered from most northwest swell. Some surge possible along the wharf.

Waves
0.5ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
2ft
WNW · 12 sec
Wind
5kt
Light
Tide
3.8ft
 

Low tide 9:03 AM (3.6 ft) · Roughest around 11 AM

Low confidence

Low confidence because it is about 67 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well. Capped at Good because confidence is Low.

Sheltered from most northwest swell. Local wind chop on the surface.

Waves
0.6ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
2ft
WNW · 12 sec
Wind
11kt
Cross-shore
Tide
4.4ft
 

High tide 3:04 PM (4.5 ft) · Roughest around 2 PM

Low confidence

Low confidence because it is about 70 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

Sheltered from most northwest swell. Some surge possible along the wharf.

Waves
0.8ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
3.2ft
WNW · 7 sec
Wind
10kt
Cross-shore
Tide
2.7ft
 

Roughest around 7 PM

Low confidence

Low confidence because it is about 75 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

Sunset 6:29 PMDark by 6:55 PMFirst quarter, about 44% lit

Sheltered from most northwest swell. Some surge possible along the wharf.

Waves
0.9ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
3.4ft
WNW · 7 sec
Wind
8kt
Cross-shore
Tide
0.8ft
 

Low tide 11:18 PM (0.6 ft) · Roughest around 10 PM

Low confidence

Low confidence because it is about 78 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

Reduced visibility after dark; access rules still apply.

Sunset 6:29 PMDark by 6:55 PMFirst quarter, about 44% lit

Sun, Oct 18 · Select a time

Day FairAfter dark Fair
Why Fair?

A northwest swell is mostly sheltered here, so expect noticeable surge along the wharf.

Swells: 6 ft, 12 s WNW · 2 ft, 16 s SSW · 1 ft, 12 s SSW · Wind 16 kt cross-shore

Rated by the most challenging conditions from 7 AM to 8 PM. After dark (8 PM to midnight) is shown as conditions, not as a dive window.

Low confidence because it is about 94 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

Sheltered from most west swell. Some surge possible along the wharf.

Waves
1ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
3.9ft
WNW · 12 sec
Wind
9kt
Cross-shore
Tide
3.5ft
 

High tide 7:17 AM (3.8 ft) · Low tide 11:05 AM (3.5 ft) · Roughest around 11 AM

Low confidence

Low confidence because it is about 91 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

Sheltered from most northwest swell. Noticeable surge along the wharf.

Waves
1ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
6.1ft
WNW · 12 sec
Wind
16kt
Cross-shore
Tide
4ft
 

Roughest around 2 PM

Low confidence

Low confidence because it is about 94 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

Sheltered from most west swell. Noticeable surge along the wharf.

Waves
1.1ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
4.1ft
WNW · 12 sec
Wind
16kt
Cross-shore
Tide
4.3ft
 

High tide 4:24 PM (4.4 ft) · Roughest around 5 PM

Low confidence

Low confidence because it is about 97 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

Sunset 6:27 PMDark by 6:53 PMFirst quarter, about 55% lit

Sheltered from most northwest swell. Noticeable surge along the wharf.

Waves
1.1ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
6ft
WNW · 12 sec
Wind
16kt
Cross-shore
Tide
2ft
 

Roughest around 9 PM

Low confidence

Low confidence because it is about 101 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

Reduced visibility after dark; access rules still apply.

Sunset 6:27 PMDark by 6:53 PMFirst quarter, about 55% lit

Mon, Oct 19 · Select a time

Day FairAfter dark Fair
Why Fair?

22 kt cross-shore wind makes the surface rough and tiring to swim.

Swells: 6 ft, 12 s WNW · 2 ft, 14 s SSW · 1 ft, 17 s S · Wind 22 kt cross-shore

Rated by the most challenging conditions from 7 AM to 8 PM. After dark (8 PM to midnight) is shown as conditions, not as a dive window.

Low confidence because it is about 121 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

Sheltered from most northwest swell. Several factors near their limits at once.

Waves
0.8ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
5.2ft
WNW · 12 sec
Wind
14kt
Cross-onshore
Tide
3.9ft
 

High tide 7:44 AM (4 ft) · Roughest around 7 AM

Low confidence

Low confidence because it is about 111 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

21 kt cross-shore wind roughs up the surface. Sheltered from most northwest swell.

Waves
0.8ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
5.2ft
WNW · 12 sec
Wind
21kt
Cross-shore
Tide
3.4ft
 

Low tide 12:28 PM (3.2 ft) · Roughest around 2 PM

Low confidence

Low confidence because it is about 118 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

22 kt cross-shore wind roughs up the surface. Sheltered from most northwest swell.

Waves
0.9ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
6.1ft
WNW · 12 sec
Wind
22kt
Cross-shore
Tide
4.3ft
 

High tide 5:41 PM (4.3 ft) · Roughest around 5 PM

Low confidence

Low confidence because it is about 121 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

Sunset 6:26 PMDark by 6:52 PMFirst quarter, about 65% lit

24 kt cross-shore wind roughs up the surface. Sheltered from most northwest swell.

Waves
1ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
4.9ft
WNW · 12 sec
Wind
24kt
Cross-shore
Tide
2.7ft
 

Roughest around 9 PM

Low confidence

Low confidence because it is about 125 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

Reduced visibility after dark; access rules still apply.

Sunset 6:26 PMDark by 6:52 PMFirst quarter, about 65% lit

Tue, Oct 20 · Select a time

Day FairAfter dark Fair

No wind forecast yet for part of this day; those hours cover swell and tide only.

Why Fair?

A northwest swell is mostly sheltered here, so expect noticeable surge along the wharf.

Swells: 7 ft, 13 s WNW · 2 ft, 15 s SSW

Rated by the most challenging conditions from 7 AM to 8 PM. After dark (8 PM to midnight) is shown as conditions, not as a dive window.

Low confidence because it is about 147 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

16 kt onshore wind chops up the entry. Sheltered from most northwest swell.

Waves
0.6ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
2.3ft
NW · 14 sec
Wind
16kt
Onshore
Tide
4.1ft
 

High tide 8:05 AM (4.2 ft) · Roughest around 9 AM

Low confidence

Low confidence because it is about 137 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

Sheltered from most northwest swell. Some surge possible along the wharf.

Waves
0.8ft
Estimate
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
4.6ft
WNW · 14 sec
Wind
–
 
Tide
2.8ft
 

Low tide 1:23 PM (2.7 ft) · Roughest around 2 PM

Low confidence

Low confidence because it is about 142 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

Sheltered from most northwest swell. Noticeable surge along the wharf.

Waves
1ft
Estimate
Beyond the CDIP MOP forecast: the offshore wave forecast scaled the way MOP scales it at this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
6.6ft
WNW · 13 sec
Wind
–
 
Tide
4.3ft
 

High tide 6:47 PM (4.3 ft) · Roughest around 7 PM

Low confidence

Low confidence because it is about 147 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

Sunset 6:25 PMDark by 6:51 PMWaxing gibbous, about 75% lit

Sheltered from most northwest swell. Noticeable surge along the wharf.

Waves
1.1ft
Estimate
Beyond the CDIP MOP forecast: the offshore wave forecast scaled the way MOP scales it at this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Swell
6.7ft
WNW · 12 sec
Wind
–
 
Tide
2.6ft
 

Roughest around 10 PM

Low confidence

Low confidence because it is about 150 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.

Reduced visibility after dark; access rules still apply.

Sunset 6:25 PMDark by 6:51 PMWaxing gibbous, about 75% lit

Hourly outlook 7 days · tap any hourhold and drag the chart

Today
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon
Tue
TodayThuFriSatSunMonTue012ftNow0.60.50.40.91.11.11.1overnightovernightovernightovernightovernightovernightTodayThuFriSatSunMonTue012ftNow0.60.50.40.91.11.11.1overnightovernightovernightovernightovernightovernightTodayThuFriSatSunMonTue02550ktNow10101011182420overnightovernightovernightovernightovernightovernightTodayThuFriSatSunMonTue02550ktNow10101011182420overnightovernightovernightovernightovernightovernightTodayThuFriSatSunMonTue036ftNow8:15 PM1:10 PM9:11 PM7:37 AM1:58 PM10:14 PM9:03 AM3:04 PM11:18 PM7:17 AM11:05 AM4:24 PM7:44 AM12:28 PM5:41 PM8:05 AM1:23 PMovernightovernightTodayThuFriSatSunMonTue036ftNow12:33 PM8:15 PM1:10 PM9:11 PM7:37 AM1:58 PM10:14 PM9:03 AM3:04 PM11:18 PM7:17 AM11:05 AM4:24 PM7:44 AM12:28 PM5:41 PM8:05 AM1:23 PMovernightovernight

After darkOvernight

Tap any hour for details.

Entry & parking

Shore entry
Map preview of Wharf 2 with the entry and parking marked
Map preview with entry and parking markers. Imagery: USGS/USDA NAIP, public domain.

Entry: From the sand on the east side of Wharf II at the foot of Figueroa Street. Follow the concrete wall and the fender pilings on the outside of the wharf, and turn back before the dogleg bend.

Parking: The paid Wharf II lot on and beside the wharf (pay stations, card accepted). Restrooms below the Harbormaster's office.

Access: City of Monterey; the Harbormaster controls diving here. No permit, but follow the site rules. A topside spotter helps warn people fishing.

Site rules

  • Stay outside the pilings: never go under the wharf.
  • Turn back before the dogleg bend in the wharf.
  • Stay out of the harbor on the west side of the wharf.
  • Call the Harbormaster before you go in and when you are out: (831) 646-3950 (8 AM to 5 PM; after hours (831) 594-7760).

Entry hazards

Fishing line (carry a cutting tool), boats near the wharf and people fishing overhead. Diving inside the harbor or under the wharf is not allowed.

Live cams & observations

Recent offshore observations · Buoy 46236

Wave height
4.3ft
Period
13s
Water
64°F
Wave height, last 12 h

Live cams

Randall Spangler's conditions guide · Monterey County Dive Reports

About this dive site

The diving

About 10 to 30 ft on sand, with anemone-covered pilings and the concrete wall.

Conditions & exposure

No swell reaches this beach directly: the Monterey Peninsula and the harbor breakwater block the west and northwest, so only swell that wraps a long way around gets in. It is mainly exposed to north wind chop across the bay.

Hazards & considerations

Easy, shallow and the most sheltered entry in Monterey; good for new divers who watch for boats and fishing line.

Advanced forecast & data

This site's forecast combines offshore wave data, predicted ocean conditions, and Wharf 2's exposure to incoming swell.

Show the data and method

Buoy 46236, Monterey Canyon Outer: last 48 hours

Wave height4.3 ft
34.56Mon 5:00 PMWed 4:00 PM
Swell period (SwP)13.3 s
1013.517Mon 5:00 PMWed 4:00 PM
Swell directionWNW
NSNMon 5:00 PMWed 4:00 PM
Water temperature64 °F
6263.565Mon 5:00 PMWed 4:00 PM
Wind here, next 48 h (forecast)8 kt
57.510Wed 5:00 PMFri 4:00 PM
Tide, next 48 h (predicted)4.2 ft
036Wed 5:00 PMFri 4:00 PM

Swell trains now (buoy 46236 spectrum, 3:00 PM): 3 ft at 14 s from 284° (WNW) · wind waves 3 ft at 7 s. The rating still uses the buoy's single swell and wind-wave split; the full spectrum is being compared against it.

Forecast vs. buoy 46236

The raw GFS-Wave forecast is running about 0.7 ft low at buoy 46236 today (last 24 hours). The SurgeCast forecast corrects for it.

Wave height

0246810ftMonTueWedThuFriNowForecast0246810ftMonTueWedThuFriNowForecast

Peak period

48121620sMonTueWedThuFri48121620sMonTueWedThuFri

Buoy (measured)SurgeCast forecast (corrected)GFS-Wave (raw)Last 3 days and next 2

For comparison, the NWS marine grid ran 0.1 ft low over the same 24 hours. Low means the forecast was smaller than what the buoy measured; high means bigger.

Download the forecast-vs-buoy data (CSV) · NOAA's own spot-check (a handful of NOAA forecasts against this buoy; heights in meters; posted Tue, Oct 13)

Forecast check: The wave model is scaled by 1.12 at the Monterey Canyon Outer buoy (a starting estimate until 7 days of readings are logged). After that, over the last 36 hours the forecast has matched the Monterey Canyon Outer buoy well (69 readings compared).

Validation: Validation in progress: 69 forecast-and-buoy pairs so far since Tue, Oct 13. Accuracy numbers appear here once there are 100 pairs over at least 3 days.

Buoy split now: swell 3 ft at 13.3 s from the WNW, 14% reaches this site; wind waves 3 ft at 6.7 s from the WNW, 9% reaches this site.

View official NOAA forecast chart
NWPS forecast vs buoy 46236NOAA posted Tue, Oct 13, 3:52 AM PDT
NWPS forecast vs buoy 46236

Red dots: the buoy. Blue: the latest NWPS forecast; black and light blue: earlier runs. Green: the global GFS-Wave model. Times are UTC (subtract 7 hours for Pacific daylight time). View the full forecast at NOAA

Forecast models

Waves from the NOAA GFS-Wave (WAVEWATCH III) model, run 18Z Wed, Oct 14 at buoy 46236, corrected against what that buoy has measured (systematic factor 1.12, seeded until 7 days of data are logged). The rating uses each hour's waves, wind and tide. Wind and air temperature come from the NWS forecast for the water off Wharf 2, issued Wed, Oct 14, 1:26 PM PDT.

NWS marine forecast: Monterey Bay

Tonight: W wind around 5 kt, veering to NE late this evening and early morning, then becoming NE 5 to 10 kt late. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: NW 3 ft at 8 seconds and SW 2 ft at 15 seconds.

Thu: NE wind 5 to 10 kt, backing to NW in the afternoon. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 7 seconds and SW 2 ft at 15 seconds.

Thu Night: NE wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: NW 2 ft at 7 seconds and SW 2 ft at 15 seconds.

Fri: NE wind 5 to 10 kt, becoming NW in the afternoon. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 2 ft at 11 seconds.

Issued Wed, Oct 14, 2:38 PM PDT

View official NOAA swell-systems chart
Swell systems at buoy 46236NOAA posted Tue, Oct 13, 12:00 AM PDT
Swell systems at buoy 46236

Each color is one swell system; arrow length shows its size. A band at 15 s and up means long-period swell and surge. Times are UTC. View the full forecast at NOAA

Rating logic

Surge
The rating turns each swell into a "surge index" in feet: the height that reaches this site, weighted up for longer periods because long swell moves the water harder near the bottom. Here the index moves from Great to Good at 0.8, Fair at 1.2, Rough at 1.6 and Severe at 2.2 ft. Right now it is 0.5 ft.
Direction
No swell reaches this beach directly: the Monterey Peninsula and the harbor breakwater block the west and northwest, so only swell that wraps a long way around gets in. It is mainly exposed to north wind chop across the bay.
Wind
Onshore wind here blows from the NNE. Onshore wind over about 10 kt chops up entries and surface swims; a strong offshore wind (over 15 kt) pushes surface swimmers out. Gusts count for half.
Tide
Heights at the Monterey tide station, in feet above mean lower low water. The entry is easiest between -0.5 and 6.5 ft; tide only nudges the rating.
Trend and confidence
The trend compares the last 9 hours at the buoy with the next 12 hours of forecast; a building long-period swell can push a borderline day one step worse. Confidence is High for a fresh buoy reading or a forecast for the next 12 hours, and drops with lead time, a backup buoy, or a forecast that has been missing the buoy.
Limits
A model, not a guarantee. Back-tested on 137 dated diver reports, it matched the reported level 72% of the time and was within one level 96% of the time (tuned on those same reports, so expect a little less). Always look before you go in.

Sources

Buoy 46236 history last 24 hours · offshore, not shore measurements

Wave height4.3 ft
34.56Tue 5:00 PMWed 4:00 PM
Swell period (SwP)13.3 s
121416Tue 5:00 PMWed 4:00 PM
TimeWave heightPeriodDirectionWater
4:00 PM 54 min ago4.3 ft13 sWNW64°F
3:30 PM 1 h ago4.3 ft14 sW64°F
3:00 PM 2 h ago4.3 ft13 sWNW64°F
2:30 PM 2 h ago4.3 ft14 sW64°F
2:00 PM 3 h ago4.6 ft13 sW63°F
1:30 PM 3 h ago3.9 ft13 sWNW63°F
1:00 PM 4 h ago3.9 ft14 sW63°F
12:30 PM 4 h ago4.3 ft13 sW63°F
12:00 PM 5 h ago4.3 ft14 sW63°F
11:30 AM 5 h ago4.3 ft13 sW63°F
11:00 AM 6 h ago4.3 ft14 sW63°F
10:30 AM 6 h ago4.3 ft14 sW63°F
10:00 AM 7 h ago4.3 ft14 sW62°F
9:30 AM 7 h ago4.3 ft13 sW62°F
9:00 AM 8 h ago4.3 ft13 sW62°F
8:30 AM 8 h ago3.9 ft13 sWNW62°F
8:00 AM 9 h ago4.3 ft13 sW62°F
7:30 AM 9 h ago4.3 ft13 sW62°F
7:00 AM 10 h ago4.3 ft13 sW62°F
6:30 AM 10 h ago4.3 ft13 sWNW62°F
6:00 AM 11 h ago4.3 ft13 sWNW62°F
5:30 AM 11 h ago4.3 ft14 sW62°F
5:00 AM 12 h ago3.9 ft13 sWNW62°F
4:30 AM 12 h ago3.9 ft13 sW62°F
4:00 AM 13 h ago4.3 ft13 sWNW62°F
3:30 AM 13 h ago4.3 ft14 sW62°F
3:00 AM 14 h ago4.3 ft14 sW62°F
2:30 AM 14 h ago3.9 ft13 sW62°F
2:00 AM 15 h ago3.9 ft14 sW63°F
1:30 AM 15 h ago3.9 ft14 sW63°F
1:00 AM 16 h ago3.9 ft14 sW63°F
12:30 AM 16 h ago3.9 ft14 sW63°F
12:00 AM 17 h ago3.9 ft14 sW63°F
11:30 PM 17 h ago3.9 ft14 sW63°F
11:00 PM 18 h ago3.9 ft14 sW63°F
10:30 PM 18 h ago4.3 ft14 sW63°F
10:00 PM 19 h ago4.3 ft14 sWNW63°F
9:30 PM 19 h ago4.9 ft14 sW63°F
9:00 PM 20 h ago5.2 ft14 sW63°F
8:30 PM 20 h ago5.2 ft14 sW63°F
8:00 PM 21 h ago5.6 ft14 sW63°F
7:30 PM 21 h ago5.2 ft15 sW63°F
7:00 PM 22 h ago5.6 ft14 sW64°F
6:30 PM 22 h ago5.2 ft14 sW64°F
6:00 PM 23 h ago4.9 ft15 sW64°F
5:30 PM 23 h ago4.9 ft14 sW64°F
5:00 PM 24 h ago4.6 ft15 sW63°F