Height4.3 ft (1.3 m)Period8 sDirection—Temp.60.4 °F / 15.8 °CWind—
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California buoy cluster
San Francisco Bay Area surf conditions and buoy data surf report and buoy data
San Francisco Bay Area has a distinct mix of northwest, west and south-swell exposure. This page limits comparisons to a useful coastal window instead of mixing the full California coastline. Start with the nearest recent reference, then check wind, tide and official marine information for the specific beach.
How to read this coverage
This page brings together surf, swell and wave conditions for San Francisco Bay Area surf conditions and buoy data surf report and buoy data. SwellOracle separates real instrument observations from marine model points so you can understand what you are seeing before making a decision. Current coverage includes 3 recent observations and 0 model points; availability can vary by source and update time.
- Check the timestamp and source before comparing readings.
- Combine height, period and direction with your coastline orientation.
- Use models as context, not as an automatic substitute for a real buoy.
Read exposure before height
Start with a recent physical buoy, then compare period and direction with the orientation of the coast.
Headlands, islands and curved bays create shadow zones; a strong offshore reading does not guarantee the same size at every beach.
Available coverage
3 recent observations
0 model points
0 reference stations
Latest regional observation:
Height5.2 ft (1.6 m)Period8 sDirectionNNWTemp.58.3 °F / 14.6 °CWind—
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Height6.1 ft (1.9 m)Period17 sDirectionNWTemp.59.9 °F / 15.5 °CWind—
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History is enabled gradually when reusable, correctly identified observations are available. Models and references without a stored series keep their own page, but do not show historical charts.
Regional buoy and conditions table
Compare every station included in this hub by timestamp, source, height, period and direction. Physical stations and models are labelled separately.
| Reference | Source | Updated | Height | Period | Direction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HALF MOON BAY - 24NM SSW of San Francisco, CAPhysical station | NOAA/NDBC | 2026-08-24T17:00:00 UTC | 4.3 ft (1.3 m) | 8 s | — | 60.4 °F / 15.8 °C |
| Point Reyes, CA (029)Physical station | NOAA/NDBC | 2026-08-24T16:56:00 UTC | 5.2 ft (1.6 m) | 8 s | NNW | 58.3 °F / 14.6 °C |
| SAN FRANCISCO - 18NM West of San Francisco, CAPhysical station | NOAA/NDBC | 2026-08-24T17:10:00 UTC | 6.1 ft (1.9 m) | 17 s | NW | 59.9 °F / 15.5 °C |
No numeric difference is calculated when either source has no reading.
Buoy and history FAQs
What buoy information is available for San Francisco Bay Area surf conditions and buoy data surf report and buoy data?
The published catalog includes 3 physical or reference stations and 0 model points for this region. Each source identifies its provider, location, data type and history status so observations are not mixed with estimates.
Why do some buoys have no historical charts?
Charts appear only when SwellOracle has a stored series of reusable, correctly identified observations. A station can keep its information page even when there is not yet a sufficient series for a chart.
What is the difference between a physical buoy and a marine model?
A physical buoy or station represents instrument measurements. A marine model estimates conditions at a grid point. Use observations as local confirmation and models as spatial context rather than treating them as equivalent sources.
How should swell height, period and direction be interpreted?
Read all three variables together: height describes the size of the signal, period helps explain its energy and direction shows where it comes from. Coastline shape, depth and local exposure can change what reaches the beach.
Keep tracking your buoys without missing a reading
Open the map, save your favorite buoys and get more context when you decide when to check conditions.
Practical takeaway
Use San Francisco Bay Area buoys as observed confirmation and models only as clearly labelled regional context.