Limantour Beach Weather
Beach • San Francisco Bay Area
Limantour Beach runs for more than four miles along Limantour Spit. The spit is a narrow ribbon of sand with Drakes Bay on one side and the Estero de Limantour, a tidal estuary rich in wildlife, on the other. The National Park Service manages it as part of Point Reyes National Seashore. It is the park's family beach on Drakes Bay, with picnic tables, small waves, and harbor seals at the spit's western tip. It is also the only Drakes Bay beach where leashed dogs are allowed on a stretch of sand.
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10-Day Forecast
Hour by hour
Hourly Forecast
Current Conditions
Comfort Breakdown
Limantour Beach weather today and through the year
It's 59°F at Limantour Beach right now (feels like 55°F), with 13 mph wind and a comfort score of 80. Today's forecast high at Limantour Beach is 60°F, close to the mid November normal of 60°F. No fog in the forecast for today at Limantour Beach. In November, 25% of morning hours here are foggy on average. The best window today is 2 PM to 5 PM, at about 51°F with a 5 mph wind (comfort 51).
September is the warmest month at Limantour Beach, with an average high of 68°F. January is the coldest, with an average low of 45°F. December is the wettest month (7.5 in.), out of about 35.6 in. a year. By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Limantour Beach are September, August, and October. The best hours are usually 2 PM to 5 PM in September, 3 PM to 6 PM in August, and 1 PM to 4 PM in October.
Limantour faces south across Drakes Bay, and the distant Point Reyes Headlands shield it from the northwest swell that hits the park's west-facing beaches. Its waves are usually smaller as a result. Unlike Drakes Beach, it has no tall cliffs at its back. The spit is low sand and dune with marsh behind it, which leaves the beach open to whatever wind is blowing across the estero.
Forecast updated November 15, 2026 at 4:00 AM PST. Climate figures come from NOAA 1991-2020 normals. Hourly patterns come from NOAA's HRRR hourly analysis from September 2014 to April 2026.
What to expect at Limantour Beach in the next few days
Active National Weather Service alerts
- High Surf Advisory until Tue 4:00 AM
Fog
No fog in the forecast for today at Limantour Beach. In November, 25% of morning hours here are foggy on average.
Best time to go
The best window today is 2 PM to 5 PM, at about 51°F with a 5 mph wind (comfort 51).
Best day this week
Of the next 7 days, Friday looks best for Limantour Beach, with a 60°F high and midday comfort near 78. Today looks weakest (42).
Rain
Next good chance of rain: today (86%, about 1.13 in.).
Ocean water
64°F at the Point Reyes (Pacific coast) NOAA station. NOAA data
Tides (Point Reyes)
- High 4.3 ft at 4:18 AM today
- Low 3.8 ft at 8:15 AM today
- High 4.8 ft at 1:31 PM today
- Low 0.5 ft at 9:24 PM today
Live weather map
Weather around Limantour Beach right now
Overcast and 59° at Limantour Beach right now.
About the live weather map for Limantour Beach
The map centers on Limantour Beach and stacks fog, satellite clouds, and precipitation radar on one view. Clouds come from the GOES-West satellite and rain from NOAA radar, and both show current conditions. Fog comes from our HRRR-based fog model, and the slider steps through its forecast for the next 12 hours.
Dots mark nearby places with their current temperature, colored by comfort score. Use the layer buttons to turn any layer off, or open the full map for every destination in the region.
Nearby Temperature Comparison
Conditions at nearby San Francisco Bay Area destinations
Tip: Bay Area temperatures can change by 20 to 30°F over a short distance because of microclimates.
Limantour Beach vs nearby places
Typical summer conditions compared with Limantour Beach, from the same NOAA HRRR hourly record. The list shows the closest places, then nearby places whose climate differs the most.
| Place | Distance | Summer afternoons | Morning fog | Afternoon wind | Compared with Limantour Beach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Point Reyes National Seashore | 1.3 mi | +8°F | 37% | 10 mph | about 8°F warmer on summer afternoons |
| Drakes Beach | 4.3 mi | +4°F | 41% | 12 mph | about 4°F warmer on summer afternoons |
| Point Reyes Station | 4.9 mi | +15°F | 19% | 11 mph | about 15°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (19% vs 44% of morning hours) |
| Novato | 17.8 mi | +24°F | 17% | 9 mph | about 24°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (17% vs 44% of morning hours) |
| Ross | 18.4 mi | +23°F | 17% | 7 mph | about 23°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (17% vs 44% of morning hours) |
| Kentfield | 18.4 mi | +23°F | 17% | 7 mph | about 23°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (17% vs 44% of morning hours) |
Places with a climate like Limantour Beach's
- Dillon Beach (16 mi away): nearly the same temperatures every month
- Bolinas (14 mi away): nearly the same temperatures every month
- Salmon Creek Beach (24 mi away): nearly the same temperatures every month
Climate Dashboard
Current conditions vs. NOAA normals and recent destination baseline
What the Limantour Beach climate comparisons mean
These cards compare recent conditions at Limantour Beach with the available local baseline. Temperature and year-to-date rainfall use long-term normals when available. Fog, sunshine, wind, and comfort use the matching recent or modeled baseline identified on each card.
Positive and negative differences describe how Limantour Beach departs from its own usual pattern. They should not be read as a direct comparison with another city or as a forecast beyond the period shown.
Limantour Beach weather by month
September is the warmest month at Limantour Beach, with an average high of 68°F. January is the coldest, with an average low of 45°F. December is the wettest month (7.5 in.), out of about 35.6 in. a year. Morning fog peaks in July, when fog or low cloud covers 51% of the hours from 6 to 10 AM. November has the clearest middays, with clouds covering about 24% of the sky from 11 AM to 3 PM.
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Limantour Beach are September, August, and October. The best hours are usually 2 PM to 5 PM in September, 3 PM to 6 PM in August, and 1 PM to 4 PM in October.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain | Rainy days | Morning fog | Midday cloud | Afternoon wind | Daylight | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 56°F | 45°F | 6.9 in | 11 | 30% | 36% | 9 mph | 9.8 h | 33 |
| Feb | 57°F | 46°F | 6.6 in | 11 | 18% | 28% | 11 mph | 10.7 h | 21 |
| Mar | 58°F | 46°F | 5.0 in | 9 | 24% | 31% | 11 mph | 11.9 h | 17 |
| Apr | 59°F | 47°F | 2.5 in | 7 | 23% | 32% | 12 mph | 13.2 h | 44 |
| May | 61°F | 49°F | 1.1 in | 4 | 29% | 38% | 12 mph | 14.2 h | 47 |
| Jun | 64°F | 50°F | 0.3 in | 2 | 37% | 37% | 12 mph | 14.8 h | 62 |
| Jul | 66°F | 52°F | 0.0 in | 1 | 51% | 49% | 10 mph | 14.5 h | 66 |
| Aug | 67°F | 53°F | 0.1 in | 1 | 44% | 46% | 9 mph | 13.6 h | 72 |
| Sep | 68°F | 53°F | 0.1 in | 2 | 41% | 36% | 10 mph | 12.3 h | 76 |
| Oct | 66°F | 52°F | 1.6 in | 5 | 31% | 29% | 9 mph | 11.1 h | 71 |
| Nov | 60°F | 48°F | 3.8 in | 8 | 25% | 24% | 9 mph | 10.0 h | 62 |
| Dec | 55°F | 46°F | 7.5 in | 12 | 29% | 37% | 9 mph | 9.5 h | 28 |
Morning fog is the share of hours from 6 to 10 AM with fog or low cloud. Midday cloud is the average from 11 AM to 3 PM, and afternoon wind is the average from 1 to 5 PM. The highlighted rows are the most comfortable months.
What makes Limantour Beach's weather different
When the fog burns off
3 PMwhen July fog usually thins (69% foggy at 5 AM)
Fog or low cloud covers Limantour Beach in 69% of 5 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It usually thins to a third of that by 3 PM, but 22% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. February mornings are the least foggy (18%).
When the wind picks up
noonwhen afternoon wind builds, February–October
From February through October, wind at Limantour Beach typically builds after noon. In May it peaks around 5 PM, averaging 13 mph with 34% of those hours windy, while mornings average 8 mph.
Microclimate
+15°FPoint Reyes Station, 4.9 mi away, on summer afternoons
Point Reyes Station, 4.9 miles away, runs about 15°F warmer than Limantour Beach on summer afternoons. It also has far less summer morning fog, 19% of morning hours compared with 44%.
Daylight
9.5–14.8 hof daylight, Dec to Jun
Days at Limantour Beach range from about 9.5 hours in December to 14.8 hours in June. In mid-June the sun sets around 8:36 PM, and in mid-December around 4:57 PM.
Seasons at Limantour Beach
- Warm seasonJul 27 – Oct 7 · highs 66°F+
The warm season lasts about 2.4 months, from Jul 27 to Oct 7, when the average high is 66°F or warmer. Highs peak around Sep 8 at about 68°F.
- Cool seasonNov 30 – Mar 4 · highs 58°F or lower
The cool season runs from Nov 30 to Mar 4, when the average high is 58°F or lower. The coldest nights come around Jan 8, with an average low near 45°F.
- Rainy seasonOct 26 – Apr 22 · 90% of the year's rain
The rainy season runs from Oct 26 to Apr 22, when a day has at least a 20% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 90% of the year's rain.
The dark line marks today. Season dates come from the smoothed daily NOAA 1991-2020 normals. Counting from Oct. 1, a typical year has its first inch of rain by Oct 19 and half of its annual total by Jan 22.
Days per year and extremes (Nov 1, 2024 to Oct 31, 2026)
This record runs from Nov 1, 2024 to Oct 31, 2026. Over this record, Limantour Beach averaged no days at 90°F or hotter and no freezing nights. It averaged 19 days a year with at least half an inch of rain and 15 afternoons with wind of 20 mph or more at 2 PM. About 167 mornings a year had 3 or more hours of fog or low cloud.
In the same record, the hottest day was Sep 9, 2026 (86°F) and the coldest night was Feb 11, 2025 (37°F). The wettest day was Nov 21, 2024 (3.04 in.), and the strongest 2 PM gust was 52 mph on Nov 20, 2024.
- 0days at 90°F or hotter
- 0nights at or below freezing
- 19days with ½ in. of rain or more
- 15afternoons with 20+ mph wind
- 167mornings with 3+ hours of fog or low cloud
- Hottest day86°FSep 9, 2026
- Coldest night37°FFeb 11, 2025
- Wettest day3.04 inNov 21, 2024
- Strongest 2 PM gust52 mphNov 20, 2024
What shapes Limantour Beach's weather
The drive to Limantour Beach shows how fast the weather changes on this coast. Limantour Road climbs out of Bear Valley, which is often sunny by midday in summer, and crosses the crest of Inverness Ridge. It then drops into the fog belt of the outer coast, where the Park Service says the beaches can be much cooler than the valley. On some summer days the fog lasts until evening, especially in July and August.
Limantour Spit is low sand, so winter storms matter more here than at beaches backed by cliffs. The strongest gusts come with southerly storms in late fall and winter, which drive surf straight up the open sand. Behind the spit, the Estero de Limantour fills and drains with each tide.
Tips for visiting Limantour Beach
Walk dogs southeast of the main lot
Leashed dogs (6-foot leash or shorter) are allowed for about 2 miles southeast of the main parking lot. Pets are prohibited west of the lot and on the spit.
Expect seasonal closures
Parts of the beach can close for western snowy plover nesting or harbor seal pupping. The park's current conditions page lists closures, so look before you drive out.
Wade only on calm days
Limantour is one of the park's relatively safe swimming beaches when no beach hazard or high-surf advisory is posted. No lifeguards are on duty.
Pack layers for the drive over
On summer days, expect the beach to be foggier and markedly cooler than Bear Valley, where the drive begins.
Leave room for the seals
Harbor seals often gather at the western end of the spit, where pets and fishing are prohibited.
Limantour Beach through the seasons
- Spring (March–May)
- Expect wind on most days. Watch for posted closures as western snowy plovers nest on the sand.
- Summer (June–August)
- Summer is fog season, and the beach can stay gray and cool all day in July and August even when Bear Valley clears by noon.
- Fall (September–November)
- Shorebirds feed in the estero's wetlands, and the outer coast has its clearest days of the year from late September into early November.
- Winter (December–February)
- Ducks gather on the estero, and southerly storms bring the year's strongest gusts and biggest surf to the open spit.
Activities and the weather that matters
- Beach walks with a dog: Calm, clear days are best on the open sand. The stretch where leashed dogs are allowed runs about 2 miles southeast of the main lot.
- Wading and swimming: Go only when the surf is small and no advisories are posted. Drakes Bay water typically runs 50°F to 60°F year-round, so a wetsuit helps.
- Birding the Estero de Limantour: Fall brings feeding shorebirds and winter brings ducks. Calm mornings make it easier to scan the water.
Official sources and current conditions
- NPS: Limantour Beach
- NPS: Point Reyes current conditions
- NOAA tide predictions: Point Reyes
- NOAA water temperature: Point Reyes
Numbers on this page come from NOAA data. The text draws on the official sources linked above.
Historical Climate Data
Long-term weather patterns and climate data
Data sources: Recent temperatures come from NOAA URMA and recent precipitation from NOAA Stage IV. Fog, cloud, wind, humidity, and sunshine come from NOAA HRRR, and long-term baselines from NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.
Climate Overview
Based on NOAA 30-year temperature/rain normals (1991-2020) with recent fog/sun baseline
🌟 Best Months to Visit
⚠️ Challenging Months
Monthly Breakdown
| Month | Comfort | High/Low | ☀️ Sun | 🌫️ Fog | 💧 Rain | Perfect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 2024 | 73 | 58.4° / 47.5° | 5.9h | 7d | 9.56" | 13 |
| December 2024 | 67 | 58.4° / 48.2° | 4.9h | 11d | 7.98" | 9 |
| January 2025 | 77 | 56.8° / 45.1° | 6.8h | 6d | 0.4" | 15 |
| February 2025 | 68 | 55.7° / 45.1° | 5.9h | 8d | 9.47" | 9 |
| March 2025 | 73 | 55.3° / 45.2° | 7.7h | 7d | 3.14" | 10 |
| April 2025 | 76 | 55.6° / 46° | 9.1h | 14d | 0.38" | 10 |
| May 2025 | 82 | 59.2° / 48° | 11.6h | 8d | 0.1" | 20 |
| June 2025 | 76 | 58.3° / 49.2° | 10.2h | 20d | 0" | 9 |
| July 2025 | 74 | 59.7° / 52.1° | 8.7h | 25d | 0" | 7 |
| August 2025 | 82 | 65.4° / 53.9° | 9.4h | 17d | 0" | 18 |
| September 2025 | 80 | 66.7° / 56.4° | 8.1h | 22d | 0.06" | 17 |
| October 2025 | 79 | 63.5° / 53.3° | 7h | 10d | 0.84" | 17 |
| November 2025 | 72 | 60° / 50.5° | 5.8h | 10d | 4.73" | 9 |
| December 2025 | 69 | 57.5° / 46.1° | 4.7h | 7d | 5.17" | 9 |
| January 2026 | 77 | 60.5° / 48.9° | 6.6h | 4d | 5.26" | 20 |
| February 2026 | 72 | 59.3° / 49.4° | 6.2h | 4d | 4.94" | 10 |
| March 2026 | 88 | 65.8° / 50.6° | 9.5h | 4d | 0.06" | 25 |
| April 2026 | 78 | 59.5° / 48.8° | 9.1h | 4d | 4.33" | 20 |
| May 2026 | 79 | 59.6° / 49.3° | 10h | 14d | 0.79" | 15 |
| June 2026 | 80 | 61.5° / 51.5° | 10.3h | 15d | 0.02" | 15 |
| July 2026 | 81 | 63.9° / 53° | 10.2h | 15d | 0" | 20 |
| August 2026 | 76 | 63.4° / 53.7° | 7.9h | 24d | 0" | 7 |
| September 2026 | 83 | 66.4° / 54.6° | 8.9h | 13d | 0.35" | 19 |
| October 2026 | 86 | 66.7° / 53.4° | 8h | 5d | 0.04" | 28 |
Climate Trends
Average Temperature by Month
About the Limantour Beach climate charts
The temperature chart compares average monthly highs and lows at Limantour Beach, showing both the seasonal cycle and the typical day-to-night range. The comfort chart summarizes how often the combined weather pattern is favorable rather than judging temperature alone.
Precipitation shows the total recorded or modeled rainfall for each month at Limantour Beach. Sunshine compares average bright-sky hours with the daylight available, while fog shows the average number of morning fog or low-cloud hours per day. Switch between the chart tabs to compare the same months across each measure.
Hourly Temperature, Fog, Wind, Cloud Cover, and Solar Radiation Patterns
Average local hour by month from 2014-09-30 to 2026-04-30
- Temperature: At Limantour Beach, the warmest typical hour is 4 PM in September (61°F). The coldest is 7 AM in February (51°F).
- Fog: Fog or low cloud covers Limantour Beach in 69% of 5 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It usually thins to a third of that by 3 PM, but 22% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. February mornings are the least foggy (18%).
- Wind: From February through October, wind at Limantour Beach typically builds after noon. In May it peaks around 5 PM, averaging 13 mph with 34% of those hours windy, while mornings average 8 mph.
- Cloud Cover: November middays are the clearest at Limantour Beach (24% average cloud cover), and July middays are the cloudiest (49%).
- Solar Radiation: The strongest typical sun at Limantour Beach comes at 1 PM in June, averaging 857 W/m².
How to read the hourly heatmaps for Limantour Beach
This heatmap shows how average temperature at Limantour Beach changes by hour and month. Read left to right for the seasons and top to bottom for the time of day. Warmer colors mark the usual afternoon peaks, and cooler colors show overnight and winter lows.
This heatmap shows when fog or low cloud is most likely at Limantour Beach. Darker cells mark the months and hours when fog has been most common. They help separate overnight or morning fog from cloud that tends to linger into the afternoon.
This heatmap shows the typical hourly wind pattern at Limantour Beach through the year. It makes recurring afternoon wind, calmer overnight periods, and seasonal changes easier to compare than a single daily wind value.
This heatmap shows average cloud cover at Limantour Beach for every month and hour. Use it to see whether cloudiness is mainly an overnight and morning pattern or commonly persists during the part of the day you plan to visit.
This heatmap shows the average solar radiation reaching Limantour Beach by month and hour. Brighter cells indicate the strongest typical sun, while muted cells can reflect nighttime, shorter winter days, cloud cover, smoke, or terrain shading.
Each cell combines one month with one local hour. Hover over or focus on a cell for its value and sample coverage. The red marker shows the current month and hour.
How recent months compared at Limantour Beach
- October 2026 recap: October 2026 at Limantour Beach averaged a high of 67°F, close to the 1991-2020 normal of 66°F. It brought 0.04 in. of rain, compared with a normal of 1.65 in.
- Rain year: The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 26.5 in. of rain to Limantour Beach, 74% of the 35.6 in. normal.
Location Details
Limantour Beach weather questions
Everything you need to know about weather and visiting Limantour Beach
What is the weather like at Limantour Beach today?
It's 59°F at Limantour Beach right now, with a comfort score of 80 (great). Today's forecast high at Limantour Beach is 60°F, close to the mid November normal of 60°F. The best window today is 2 PM to 5 PM, at about 51°F with a 5 mph wind (comfort 51).
What is the best month to visit Limantour Beach?
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Limantour Beach are September, August, and October. The best hours are usually 2 PM to 5 PM in September, 3 PM to 6 PM in August, and 1 PM to 4 PM in October. The warm season lasts about 2.4 months, from Jul 27 to Oct 7, when the average high is 66°F or warmer. Highs peak around Sep 8 at about 68°F.
What are the warmest and coldest months at Limantour Beach?
September is the warmest month at Limantour Beach, with an average high of 68°F. January is the coldest, with an average low of 45°F.
When does the fog burn off at Limantour Beach?
Fog or low cloud covers Limantour Beach in 69% of 5 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It usually thins to a third of that by 3 PM, but 22% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. February mornings are the least foggy (18%).
When is it windiest at Limantour Beach?
From February through October, wind at Limantour Beach typically builds after noon. In May it peaks around 5 PM, averaging 13 mph with 34% of those hours windy, while mornings average 8 mph.
How cold is the ocean at Limantour Beach?
The nearest NOAA water-temperature station, Point Reyes (Pacific coast), last read 64°F.
How much rain does Limantour Beach get?
December is the wettest month (7.5 in.), out of about 35.6 in. a year. The rainy season runs from Oct 26 to Apr 22, when a day has at least a 20% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 90% of the year's rain. The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 26.5 in. of rain to Limantour Beach, 74% of the 35.6 in. normal.
How does Limantour Beach weather compare with Point Reyes Station?
Point Reyes Station, 4.9 miles away, runs about 15°F warmer than Limantour Beach on summer afternoons. It also has far less summer morning fog, 19% of morning hours compared with 44%.
What kind of place is Limantour Beach?
Limantour Beach runs for more than four miles along Limantour Spit. The spit is a narrow ribbon of sand with Drakes Bay on one side and the Estero de Limantour, a tidal estuary rich in wildlife, on the other. The National Park Service manages it as part of Point Reyes National Seashore. It is the park's family beach on Drakes Bay, with picnic tables, small waves, and harbor seals at the spit's western tip. It is also the only Drakes Bay beach where leashed dogs are allowed on a stretch of sand.
What is Limantour Beach weather like in November?
November at Limantour Beach averages a high of 60°F and a low of 48°F, with 3.8 in. of rain over about 8 rainy days. About 25% of morning hours are foggy. Afternoon wind averages 9 mph.
More about Limantour Beach weather
Guides that explain the weather here and nearby
- Bioluminescence in Tomales Bay: When and How to See the GlowCovers nearby Point Reyes National Seashore
- Tide Pooling in the Bay Area: Best Low Tides for 2026-27Covers nearby Point Reyes National Seashore
- Point Reyes Weather: Fog, Wind, and Wild Coast ConditionsCovers nearby Point Reyes National Seashore
Data sources and methods
- Monthly temperatures and precipitation: NOAA 1991-2020 normals.
- Fog, cloud, wind, sun, and comfort by hour and month: NOAA's HRRR hourly analysis from September 2014 to April 2026.
- Daily records and recent months: NOAA URMA and HRRR analyses, plus NOAA Stage IV precipitation.
- Nearby comparisons and regional rankings use the same hourly HRRR summaries for every destination in the region.
- Alerts: National Weather Service. Tides and ocean temperature: NOAA CO-OPS, where shown.
- All statements on this page are computed from these datasets, apart from the “What shapes the weather” guide, which cites its sources inline.
- National Park Service, Limantour Beach (accessed 2026-10-27)
- National Park Service, Swimming at Point Reyes (updated Oct 10, 2024) (accessed 2026-10-27)
- National Park Service, Point Reyes Weather & Tides (accessed 2026-10-27)
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