Malibu Beach or Santa Monica Beach today?

Malibu, California · Santa Monica, California — 26 km apart

Updated 4:03 AM PDT

93Malibu Beach vs 96Santa Monica Beach

Too close to call today. Malibu Beach scores 93 and Santa Monica Beach scores 96, 26 km apart. Pick on what you plan to do rather than the overall number.

Which one, for what

ActivityMalibu BeachSanta Monica BeachBetter
Swimming 87 84 tie
Families with kids 83 81 tie
Walking & shelling 91 85 Malibu Beach
Surfing 82 82 tie

Conditions side by side

NowMalibu BeachSanta Monica Beach
Water temperature73°F74°F
Wave height3.5 ft2.6 ft
Air temperature75°F72°F
Wind4 mph3 mph
UV index00
Next tideLow 4:13 AMLow 4:13 AM
Water qualityNot monitored30–96, varies along the beach

Both readings taken at the same moment, from the same sources, so the comparison is like for like.

Frequently asked questions

Should I go to Malibu Beach or Santa Monica Beach today?

They score within a few points of each other (93 and 96), so pick on what you plan to do rather than the overall number.

How far apart are Malibu Beach and Santa Monica Beach?

About 26 km in a straight line. Far enough apart that conditions can genuinely differ between them.