Washington king tides 2026–27
The highest tides NOAA predicts for Washington over the next 12 months, one per spring tide, at WASHINGTON, Washington Channel, D.C.. The biggest is 3.7 ft on Thu, Sep 30, 2027 at 8:59 PM, about 0.8 ft above a typical high tide.
Next big tide: Tue, Oct 27, 2026 at 9:27 PM, 3.6 ft.
Highest tides
| Date | Time | Height | Above a typical high | Moon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Oct 27, 2026 | 9:27 PM | 3.6 ft | 0.7 ft | 2 days after the full moon |
| Wed, Apr 21, 2027 | 9:01 AM | 3.5 ft | 0.6 ft | 1 day after the full moon |
| Sat, May 8, 2027 | 9:50 AM | 3.6 ft | 0.7 ft | 2 days after the new moon |
| Wed, May 19, 2027 | 7:53 AM | 3.5 ft | 0.7 ft | 1 day before the full moon |
| Sat, Jun 5, 2027 | 8:45 AM | 3.6 ft | 0.8 ft | 1 day after the new moon |
| Sun, Jul 4, 2027 | 8:29 AM | 3.6 ft | 0.7 ft | on the new moon |
| Mon, Aug 2, 2027 | 8:17 AM | 3.5 ft | 0.7 ft | on the new moon |
| Thu, Sep 2, 2027 | 10:09 PM | 3.6 ft | 0.7 ft | 2 days after the new moon |
| Mon, Sep 20, 2027 | 11:35 PM | 3.5 ft | 0.6 ft | |
| Thu, Sep 30, 2027 | 8:59 PM | 3.7 ft | 0.8 ft | 1 day after the new 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Dec 26, 2026 | 4:28 PM | −0.4 ft | 0.7 ft | 3 days after the full moon |
| Thu, Jan 7, 2027 | 2:26 AM | −0.3 ft | 0.6 ft | 1 day before the new moon |
| Thu, Jan 14, 2027 | 6:24 AM | −0.3 ft | 0.6 ft | |
| Sun, Jan 24, 2027 | 4:16 PM | −0.7 ft | 1.0 ft | 2 days after the full moon |
| Sun, Feb 7, 2027 | 3:08 AM | −0.3 ft | 0.6 ft | 1 day after the new moon |
| Sun, Feb 21, 2027 | 3:07 PM | −0.6 ft | 0.9 ft | 1 day after the full 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
- Annapolis · 30 mi
- Chesapeake Beach · 31 mi
- Baltimore · 36 mi
- St. Michaels · 44 mi
- Colonial Beach · 44 mi
- Chestertown · 56 mi
From NOAA tide predictions for WASHINGTON, Washington Channel, D.C.. Heights are feet above mean lower low water (MLLW). Not for navigation.