Today in San Luis Obispo County, conditions are mostly clear with temperatures reaching into the upper 60s and 70s Fahrenheit inland, while coastal areas remain cooler due to persistent marine influence. Winds are generally light and variable, becoming west to northwest around 5 to 10 knots during the afternoon. Patchy dense fog is possible in the morning hours near the coast before clearing to partly sunny skies. Humidity levels are moderate, and visibility is good overall except in localized fog patches.
Offshore marine conditions show seas averaging 3 feet with a mixed swell pattern. The primary wave energy comes from the west at 2 feet with an 8-second period, accompanied by a southerly swell at 2 feet with a 13-second period. This combination produces moderate surf suitable for most beach activities, with average wave heights holding steady around 3 feet through the day. Water temperatures remain typical for early August, and currents are generally mild.
Tide predictions for Port San Luis today show a high tide of 4.31 feet at 1:03 AM, followed by a low tide of 0.9 feet at 7:28 AM. The afternoon brings a second high tide of 4.82 feet at 2:09 PM, with an evening low tide of 1.83 feet at 8:30 PM. These moderate tidal ranges provide good conditions for tide pooling and coastal access during mid-morning and late evening hours.
Nearby NOAA buoy data indicates a dominant west-northwest swell direction with wave periods ranging from 7 to 13 seconds. Swell heights are consistent at 2 to 3 feet from multiple directions, creating a well-organized but manageable surf pattern. The longer-period southerly component adds some punch to incoming sets, particularly at south-facing breaks along the county coastline.
raw data from noaa, curated by surforecast pacificwaverider
References: National Weather Service Marine Forecast FZUS56 KSGX, NOAA Coastal Waters Forecast, Tide-Forecast.com Port San Luis data