Houston king tides 2026–27
The highest tides NOAA predicts for Houston over the next 12 months, one per spring tide, at Buffalo Bayou, Houston Ship Channel. The biggest is 2.2 ft on Tue, Oct 27, 2026 at 11:38 PM, about 0.7 ft above a typical high tide.
Next big tide: Sun, Oct 18, 2026 at 6:17 AM, 2.2 ft.
Highest tides
| Date | Time | Height | Above a typical high | Moon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, Oct 18, 2026 | 6:17 AM | 2.2 ft | 0.7 ft | |
| Tue, Oct 27, 2026 | 11:38 PM | 2.2 ft | 0.7 ft | 2 days after the full moon |
| Mon, Nov 2, 2026 | 6:04 AM | 2.0 ft | 0.6 ft | |
| Tue, Apr 27, 2027 | 5:43 PM | 2.0 ft | 0.6 ft | |
| Mon, May 10, 2027 | 5:15 PM | 2.2 ft | 0.7 ft | |
| Mon, May 24, 2027 | 3:56 PM | 2.1 ft | 0.6 ft | |
| Sat, Jun 5, 2027 | 11:52 AM | 2.1 ft | 0.6 ft | 1 day after the new moon |
| Sat, Sep 25, 2027 | 8:19 AM | 2.1 ft | 0.6 ft | |
| Fri, Oct 8, 2027 | 6:59 AM | 2.1 ft | 0.6 ft | |
| Fri, Oct 15, 2027 | 10:46 PM | 2.0 ft | 0.5 ft | 1 day after the full moon |
These are astronomical predictions. An onshore wind, heavy rain or a storm can push water a foot or more higher, and that is when king tides flood low roads, docks and marsh-front yards. Check the forecast the week before.
Lowest tides
The same spring tides drain the water lowest. Good days for shelling, walking sandbars and exploring the flats; mind the time and the incoming tide.
| Date | Time | Height | Below a typical low | Moon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Dec 24, 2026 | 2:47 PM | −1.2 ft | 1.4 ft | 1 day after the full moon |
| Thu, Jan 7, 2027 | 2:52 PM | −0.9 ft | 1.1 ft | on the new moon |
| Thu, Jan 21, 2027 | 1:55 PM | −1.4 ft | 1.6 ft | 1 day before the full moon |
| Thu, Feb 4, 2027 | 2:04 PM | −1.0 ft | 1.2 ft | 2 days before the new moon |
| Thu, Feb 18, 2027 | 12:53 PM | −1.1 ft | 1.3 ft | 2 days before the full moon |
| Sun, Jul 4, 2027 | 3:19 AM | −0.8 ft | 1.0 ft | on the new moon |
What is a king tide?
“King tide” is the everyday name for the highest tides of the year. They come with the new or full moon (spring tides) when the moon is also at its closest to Earth, and they are strongest in the months when the sun lines up too. They are entirely predictable, which is why the dates above are known a year ahead.
King tides in nearby towns
- Galveston · 47 mi
- Freeport · 56 mi
- Port Arthur · 86 mi
- Sabine Pass · 89 mi
- Port O'Connor · 110 mi
From NOAA tide predictions for Buffalo Bayou, Houston Ship Channel. Heights are feet above mean lower low water (MLLW). Not for navigation.