NWS Issues High Surf Advisory for San Luis Obispo County

The National Weather Service (NWS) Los Angeles/Oxnard office has issued a high surf advisory for San Luis Obispo County that will be in effect from 3 a.m. Tuesday, December 2, through 3 a.m. Thursday, December 4, 2025.

The NWS warns of dangerous ocean conditions with large breaking waves between 8 and 12 feet, along with rip currents. In addition, minor tidal overflow is possible between 4 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, which may push seawater further inland than usual along the shoreline.

The advisory urges swimmers, surfers, and small boat operators to use extreme caution. Strong rip currents can quickly pull people away from shore, putting even experienced ocean users at risk. 

People visiting the shoreline are advised to stay near staffed lifeguard towers when possible and to avoid rocks and jetties, which become especially hazardous during high surf.

Large waves can knock people off their footing, sweep them into the water, or capsize small vessels near the coast, the advisory stated.

According to NWS safety guidance, swimming becomes extremely dangerous when strong currents are present, even for skilled swimmers. People are urged to stay alert for overwash, monitor surf conditions, and be prepared to move away from the shoreline if conditions worsen.

What are High Surf conditions?

The NWS explains that high surf develops from powerful storm systems, tropical or non-tropical, that generate strong winds and turbulence far offshore.

When these winds push water directly toward the coast, wave heights increase, and conditions become more hazardous for beachgoers and coastal areas.

What are Rip Currents?

Rip currents are fast-moving streams of water that flow from the shore out toward deeper areas from the beach, through the surf zone, and beyond the waves break. These currents can form at any beach where waves are breaking, as per NWS.

According to the NWS safety guidelines, if someone is caught in a rip current, they should stay calm and, instead of trying to swim against the current, move sideways. In case they cannot escape the current, gently treading water can protect them until they can swim again. 

Alongside the advisory, the week’s general weather in San Luis Obispo County remains calm and pleasant, with no rain expected and daytime highs in the mid-60s. Morning fog or low clouds are likely, particularly on Monday and Wednesday. 

Overnight temperatures will dip into the low to mid-40s, and some inland areas may fall into the upper 30s by mid-week. Aside from the cool nights and early-morning cloudiness, daytime highs will generally stay in the mid-60s with nighttime lows in the 40s.