Simple Tides / Guides / Seattle Tides
Seattle Tide Chart
Puget Sound has some of the biggest tidal swings on the West Coast — a mixed semidiurnal tide where the day’s two highs can differ dramatically, and the water moves with real force through the Sound’s narrows.
Upcoming tides in Seattle
Live NOAA predictions for station 9447130 (Seattle (Elliott Bay)).
| Day | Time | Tide | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
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Heights in feet above MLLW, station local time. See the full interactive tide map.
The pattern
Seattle commonly sees tidal ranges pushing past 10 feet on the bigger exchanges of the month, with the mixed pattern making one high tide tower over the other. The extremes arrive around full and new moons. Low tides — especially the year’s lowest “minus tides” in late spring and summer — expose vast stretches of beach.
Boating in the Sound
Elliott Bay boaters plan around the current more than the height: the Sound’s constrictions accelerate tidal flow, and an ebb against a northerly can make for a lumpy ride. Check the tide before threading the Ballard Locks or crossing to Bainbridge. Trailer boaters should note that some ramps go skinny at the lowest tides.
Fishing and foraging
Puget Sound salmon — Chinook and coho on their seasonal runs — respond to moving water, and many local anglers swear by the tide change. Minus tides are prime for beachcombing and clamming. For the broader region, see our Pacific Northwest tide guide.