The larger- and lower-than-usual tides will begin Wednesday, Dec 3 and linger through the weekend for their final 2025 showing.

This week will bring the final 2025 showing of the “king” tides to La Jolla, beginning Wednesday, Dec 3, cresting Dec 4 and 5 and disappearing after Sunday, Dec 7; the California Coastal Commission is asking for the public’s help in capturing the drama.

Below, the highest and lowest predicted tides for each day:

Wednesday, Dec 3: Highest tide at 7.3 feet at 6:58 am; lowest tide at 2:11 pm at -1.3 feet.

Thursday, Dec 4: Highest tide at 7.6 feet at 7:40 am; lowest tide at 2:58 pm at -1.7 feet.

Friday, Dec 5: Highest tide at 7.6 feet at 8:24 am; lowest tide at 3:46 pm at -1.7 feet.

Saturday, Dec 6: Highest tide at 7.4 feet at 9:10 am; lowest tide at 4:37 pm at -1.5 feet.

Sunday, Dec 7: Highest tide at 7 feet at 9:59 am; lowest tide at 5:28 pm at -1.2 feet.

King tides are also known as “perigean spring tides,” caused by the gravitational pull between the Earth, moon and sun, with high tides measuring well above average and some leading to coastal flooding, though in La Jolla this is rare.

More probable are an increase in dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion.

The California Coastal Commission is seeking photographs of the highest king tides this week to help the commission record changes to local shorelines. Click here for more information.

Low tides during king tides means more opportunities to view the La Jolla tide pools and other coastal points normally underwater.

The king tides will return in just a few weeks for the first of the 2026 king tides on Jan 2 and 3.