South Florida’s annual “King Tides” are back from early September through December.

Seasonally, King Tides are the highest astronomical tides that line up with full and new moons.

“King Tide” is the popular name for perigean spring tides — the extra-high high tides that occur when full and new moons align with the Moon’s closest approach to Earth. On top of the astronomical setup, onshore wind and low pressure can add a few inches to a foot or more, turning high water into nuisance flooding on vulnerable blocks.

King Tides typically last around three hours and can push salt water onto streets, into low-lying yards and parking lots, and up through storm drains — even on sunny days.

During hide tide, some storm drains will overflow, and some seawalls and docks will be overtopped. Boaters can expect less clearance under fixed bridges. The National Weather Service advises motorists to not drive through flooded roadways. Drivers should also remember that persistent puddles around the times of high tide are almost certain to contain a mix of saltwater.

These tides are predictable, but their timing and peak heights vary by location. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says the region’s highest astronomical tides this fall cluster around several windows that last multiple days. In total, South Floridians can expect more than 30 days of King Tide flooding September through December 2025.

2025 Key Dates by County

Below are the most relevant windows for each county, with likely peak days near the listed moon phase.

Broward County (Fort Lauderdale & Hollywood)

Oct 5–12 — Full Moon (peak Oct 8)
Oct 18–24 — New Moon (peak Oct 21)
Nov 2–10 — Full Moon (peak Nov 6)
Dec 2–7 — Full Moon (peak Dec 4–5)

Miami-Dade County (Miami & Miami Beach)

Oct 5–12 — Full Moon (peak Oct 12)
Oct 19–23 — New Moon (peak Oct 22)
Nov 3–9 — Full Moon (peak Nov 5-7)
Dec 2–7 — Full Moon (peak Dec 4–5)

Monroe County (Florida Keys)

The dates listed below are county-wide windows, but the exact timing and highest tides vary by island chain:

Oct 5–13 (Full Moon) — highest predicted: Lower Keys Oct 9–10, Middle Keys Oct 11–12, Upper Keys Oct 7–9
Oct 20–24 (New Moon)
Nov 3–10 (Full Moon) — highest predicted: Lower Keys Nov 6–8, Middle Keys Nov 6–9, Upper Keys Nov 5–7

High Tide Schedule Oct. 6 – Oct. 9

Monday, Oct. 6 High Tides:

Broward — 8:05 AM (3.60 feet) and 8:21 PM (3.47 feet)
Miami — 8:54 AM (2.96 feet) and 9:09 PM (2.90 feet)
Upper Keys — 8:23 AM (3.35 feet) and 8:28 PM (3.23 feet)

Tuesday, Oct. 7 High Tides:

Broward — 8:54 AM (3.76 feet) and 9:06 PM (3.50 feet)
Miami — 9:43 AM (3.06 feet) and 9:54 PM (2.94 feet)
Upper Keys — 9:12 AM (3.48 feet) and 9:22 PM (3.28 feet)

Wednesday, Oct. 8 High Tides:

Broward — 9:43 AM (3.84 feet) and 9:54 PM (3.48 feet)
Miami — 10:32 AM (3.10 feet) and 10:40 PM (2.94 feet)
Upper Keys — 10:00 AM (3.53 feet) and 10:09 PM (3.27 feet)

Thursday, Oct. 9 High Tides:

Broward — 10:34 AM (3.82 feet) and 10:43 PM (3.40 feet)
Miami — 11:22 AM (3.06 feet) and 11:28 PM (2.88 feet)
Upper Keys — 10:50 AM (3.49 feet) and 10:57 PM (3.21 feet)

Practical tips for residents

Park on higher ground during listed windows
Avoid driving through salt water
Protect vehicles and landscaping from saltwater exposure
Move trash/recycling bins to higher spots.
Clear yard drains; keep an eye on tidal backflow from storm drains.
Report persistent flooding to your city/county resilience office; repeated saltwater exposure can damage roads, utilities and private property.

King Tides return to South Florida: When to expect them county-by-county