January 2026 high tide flooding predictions

High Tide Flooding Outlook – January 2026 © US Harbors

The start of 2026 brings what are anticipated to be some of the highest tides of the year along the West Coast and the Hawaiian Islands, where many harbors are predicted to exceed the high tide flooding threshold and minor tidal flooding along the coast may occur, particularly in low lying areas.

These areas are likely to see increased levels of tidal flooding and coastal erosion should storms occur during high tide. The rest of the country is not expected to see significant tidal flooding this month, but real-time weather conditions, including wind direction and storm surge, could increase the potential for high tide flooding.

All areas can expect higher tides on and around the dates of the full moon and new moon (known as spring tides). A full moon will occur on January 3rd, and a new moon will occur on January 18th. Higher than normal high tides, and lower than normal low tides, occur around the perigean spring tide, when the Moon is full and closest to Earth.

Make sure to print out the tide chart for your part of the coast so that you can keep track of the water levels in your favorite harbors.

View flooding predictions here.