San Diego, CA · coastal · best for intermediates
La Jolla Cove
Sea caves, sea lions, and the leopard sharks of La Jolla Shores. One of the best ocean kayaking day trips in the country when the swell cooperates.
Weather comparison · not a safety rating
Favorable weather
Weather score out of 100
Weather only. Swell, surf, tidal currents, water temperature and local closures are not assessed.
Weather observation: Tue, 29 Sep 2026 05:45:00 GMT.
Page checked: Tue, 29 Sep 2026 06:00:16 GMT. Readings older than one hour are not used for the current score.
Plan this trip
Launch access & local options
The kayak launch is at La Jolla Shores near the end of Avenida de la Playa. La Jolla Cove is a nearby destination; do not treat this page's map pin as a launch instruction.
- Check surf and swell with local lifeguards or your guide. This site's weather score does not include either.
- A guided trip is an option if you need equipment or help with the surf launch. Confirm the meeting point, restrictions and cancellation policy when booking; cave entry depends on conditions.
Need a kayak or a guide?
Guided La Jolla kayaking trips. Review current availability and participant requirements with the operator.
View Everyday California options ↗Direct operator link. We do not earn a booking commission from this link. Availability and terms are set by the operator.
Sources reviewed 2026-09-23
Source review is not an on-site inspection. Check current notices before travelling.
Wind
2 mph
gusting to 2 mph
Air temp
64°F
0% chance of rain
Tides today
- Low4:05 AM · 1.1 ft
- High10:20 AM · 6.0 ft
- Low5:02 PM · 0.1 ft
- High11:11 PM · 4.2 ft
Weather outlook
Thursday · 94
Mon
90
78°
Tue
91
78°
Wed
88
77°
Thu
94
85°
Best
Fri
94
88°
Sat
85
95°
Sun
59
105°
Compares forecast wind, air temperature and rain. Does not assess river flow, swell, currents, water temperature or launch access. All times are local to this location.
Wind, next 12 hours
mph| Hour | Wind (mph) | Gusts (mph) |
|---|---|---|
| 10p | 0 | 3 |
| 11p | 3 | 4 |
| 12a | 2 | 4 |
| 1a | 3 | 3 |
| 2a | 1 | 3 |
| 3a | 4 | 6 |
| 4a | 5 | 6 |
| 5a | 5 | 7 |
| 6a | 2 | 4 |
| 7a | 3 | 5 |
| 8a | 2 | 3 |
| 9a | 2 | 5 |
Why this score
- Wind — 2 mph — light wind at the forecast location±0
Launch notes
Surf launch from La Jolla Shores boat launch zone. Check swell as well as wind — timing the sets matters more than either.
Do your own homework
We show you live conditions. For local knowledge — where to put in, what the hazards are, whether it's worth the drive — here's where paddlers actually talk about this water. We don't vet these sources; check the dates and judge for yourself.
- Paddler discussion on Reddit
Trip reports and local warnings, straight from the source
- Search American Whitewater
Rapid classifications and gauge-linked run descriptions
- Satellite view and access roads
Check parking, put-ins, and what the banks actually look like
- Video from this water
The fastest way to see the character of a run before you drive
- NOAA tide station 9410230
Full tide tables, currents, and water levels