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Photo: Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur by Bittertabitha (CC BY-SA 4.0) License

Pfeiffer Beach

Public beach · Big Sur, California

Cool water — ease in carefully

Use caution

Cool water — ease in carefully: water temperature is 66°F, cool enough to cause cold-water shock on a sudden entry.

  • Water temp 66°F (19°C)

Live data from NOAA buoy 46239 (17.9 mi away), as of Oct 20, 6:30 AM UTC.

Why, sources & official advisories
  • Water temperature is 66°F, cool enough to cause cold-water shock on a sudden entry. — NOAA buoy 46239, as of Oct 20, 6:30 AM UTC
  • No official beach advisory posted (California Water Boards — FHAB Reports checked).

Official advisories

Checked against California Water Boards — FHAB Reports — no advisory posted.

Get an email when it’s warm enough

It’s 66°F at Pfeiffer Beach now. We check the water daily and email you once when it reaches your temperature.

Cool todayPublic restroomWheelchair accessible parking lot

Part of Los Padres National Forest, this beach is open for day use, with available paid parking.

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Weather at Pfeiffer Beach

60°F, Overcast · H 61° / L 57° · 25% chance of rain
H: 61° L: 57°
Overcast
Overcast
60°
|
Feels like 58°
Precipitation
25%
Humidity
67%
Wind
4 mph
UV Index
0
12 AM
Overcast
60°
3 AM
Overcast
60°
6 AM
Overcast
59°
9 AM
Overcast
59°
12 PM
Overcast
58°
3 PM
Overcast
58°
6 PM
Overcast
60°
9 PM
Patchy rain nearby
61°

Frequently asked questions

Where is Pfeiffer Beach?
Pfeiffer Beach is a public beach in Big Sur, California.
What is the water temperature at Pfeiffer Beach?
As of October 20, 2026, the water temperature at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, California is 66°F (19°C), measured by NOAA buoy 46239, 17.9 miles away.
Can you swim at Pfeiffer Beach?
Cool water — ease in carefully: water temperature is 66°F, cool enough to cause cold-water shock on a sudden entry. Checked October 20, 2026.
How is Pfeiffer Beach rated?
Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, California has an average visitor rating of 4.6 out of 5, based on 1151 reviews.

Location & Contact

Big Sur, CA 93920

Big Sur, California 93920

🏖️ Best times & visiting tips
  • ›Arrive early for best parking and beach spot selection
  • ›Check for lifeguard schedules and swim only in designated areas
  • ›Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life
  • ›Watch for beach flags indicating water conditions

Features & amenities

Highlights

⭐ Picnics

Accessibility

♿ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Amenities

🚻 Public restroom

Family & Children

👶 Good for kids
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