Ponce Area Beaches: rip current risk and surf forecast
Rip current risk today: Low. Life-threatening rip currents are not expected, but they can still form near groins, jetties, reefs and piers. Swim near a lifeguard.
Surf around 2 feet. Buoy 41121, 39 mi out, measured 86 °F water and 2.0 ft waves. Sunset 6:24 PM.
- Rip current risk
- LowToday
- Surf
- Around 2 feetForecast
- Water
- 86 °FBuoy 41121
- Sunset
- 6:24 PMAST
Rip current risk on the map
Today’s rip current risk in every surf zone the National Weather Service forecasts for over Ponce Area Beaches. Open it for the live map, where it pans and zooms.
Open the live map with rip current risk
Map layer from NOAA National Weather Service surf zone forecasts. Boundaries from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet.
Alerts in force1
Beach hazards statements, high surf advisories, rip current statements and every other National Weather Service product in force for zone PRZ007.
Heat Advisoryuntil 3:00 PM
Heat Advisory issued September 20 at 10:16AM AST until September 20 at 3:00PM AST by NWS San Juan PR
* WHAT...This level of heat affects most individuals sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. * WHERE...Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. * WHEN...Until 3 PM AST this afternoon. * IMPACTS...High temperatures or elevated heat indices can worsen symptoms in people with chronic conditions. They can also increase the risk of heat-related illness among individuals sensitive to heat with inadequate cooling or hydration. These risks are highest across coastal areas, lowlands, interior valleys, and urban zones.
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Today and tomorrow
From the National Weather Service beach forecast, issued 358 AM AST, 9/20/2026.
Today Today
Low rip current risk
- Rip current risk
- Low
- Surf
- Around 2 feet
- Weather
- Mostly sunny. Isolated showers
- Wind
- Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph
Tomorrow Monday
Low rip current risk
- Rip current risk
- Low
- Surf
- Around 2 feet
- Weather
- Sunny until 12 PM, then partly sunny. Isolated showers and thunderstorms
- Wind
- Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph
The surf zone forecast, period by period
Ponce and Vicinity PR. Issued 3:58 AM AST on Sun, Sep 20 by the National Weather Service in San Juan PR.
Today
- Rip Current Risk
- Low
- Surf Height
- Around 2 feet
- Weather
- Mostly sunny. Isolated showers
- Winds
- Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph
Monday
- Rip Current Risk
- Low
- Surf Height
- Around 2 feet
- Weather
- Sunny until 12 PM, then partly sunny. Isolated showers and thunderstorms
- Winds
- Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph
Tuesday
Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Isolated showers and thunderstorms. East winds around 10 mph.
Wednesday
Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Scattered showers. East winds around 5 mph.
Thursday
Surf height around 2 feet. Mostly sunny. Scattered showers with isolated thunderstorms. East winds around 10 mph.
The office's notes on this forecast
Rip Current Risk Category * Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however, life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins, jetties, reefs, and piers. * Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the surf zone. * High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf zone.
The product as issued
FZCA52 TJSJ 200758
SRFSJU
Surf Zone Forecast for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
National Weather Service San Juan PR
358 AM AST Sun Sep 20 2026
PRZ001-202200-
San Juan and Vicinity PR-
Including the beaches of Carolina, San Juan and Toa Baja
358 AM AST Sun Sep 20 2026
.TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Surf Height.................Around 3 feet.
Weather.....................Mostly sunny until 12 PM, then mostly
cloudy. Scattered showers with isolated
thunderstorms.
Winds.......................Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.
.MONDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Surf Height.................Around 3 feet.
Weather.....................Mostly sunny until 12 PM, then mostly
cloudy. Scattered showers with isolated
thunderstorms.
Winds.......................Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.
.TUESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Partly sunny. Numerous showers
with isolated thunderstorms. East winds around 10 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Scattered
showers. Southeast winds around 5 mph.
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 5 feet. Partly sunny. Scattered
showers with isolated thunderstorms. Southeast winds around 10 mph.
&&
Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.
$$
PRZ002-202200-
Northeast PR-
Including the beaches of Rio Grande, Luquillo, Fajardo and Humacao
358 AM AST Sun Sep 20 2026
.TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Surf Height.................Around 3 feet.
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy until 9 AM, then partly
sunny. Scattered showers with isolated
thunderstorms.
Winds.......................Southeast winds around 10 mph.
.MONDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Surf Height.................Around 3 feet.
Weather.....................Partly sunny. Scattered showers with
isolated thunderstorms.
Winds.......................Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.
.TUESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly cloudy. Scattered
showers with isolated thunderstorms. East winds around 10 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Partly sunny. Scattered
showers. East winds around 10 mph.
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 5 feet. Partly sunny. Scattered
showers with isolated thunderstorms. Southeast winds around 10 mph.
&&
Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.
$$
PRZ005-202200-
North Central PR-
Including the beaches of Arecibo, Manati, Vega Baja,
Vega Alta and Dorado
358 AM AST Sun Sep 20 2026
.TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Surf Height.................Around 3 feet.
Weather.....................Sunny until 12 PM, then partly sunny
until 3 PM, then cloudy. Numerous
showers with isolated thunderstorms.
Winds.......................East winds 5 to 10 mph.
.MONDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Surf Height.................Around 3 feet.
Weather.....................Sunny until 12 PM, then cloudy. Showers
with isolated thunderstorms.
Winds.......................East winds 5 to 10 mph.
.TUESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Scattered
showers with isolated thunderstorms. East winds around 10 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Isolated
showers. Southeast winds around 10 mph.
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 5 feet. Partly sunny. Scattered
showers with isolated thunderstorms. East winds around 10 mph.
&&
Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.
$$
PRZ008-202200-
Northwest PR-
Including the beaches of Aguadilla, Camuy, Isabela and Quebradillas
358 AM AST Sun Sep 20 2026
.TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Surf Height.................Around 3 feet.
Weather.....................Sunny until 12 PM, then cloudy. Showers
with isolated thunderstorms.
Winds.......................East winds around 5 mph.
.MONDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Surf Height.................Around 3 feet.
Weather.....................Sunny until 12 PM, then cloudy. Showers
with isolated thunderstorms.
Winds.......................East winds around 5 mph.
.TUESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Scattered
showers with isolated thunderstorms. East winds around 5 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Isolated
showers. East winds around 10 mph.
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 5 feet. Partly sunny. Numerous
showers with isolated thunderstorms. East winds around 5 mph.
&&
Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.
$$
PRZ010-202200-
Mayaguez and Vicinity PR-
Including the beaches of Aguada, Anasco and Rincon
358 AM AST Sun Sep 20 2026
.TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet.
Weather.....................Sunny until 12 PM, then mostly cloudy.
Showers with isolated thunderstorms.
Winds.......................East winds around 5 mph.
.MONDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet.
Weather.....................Sunny until 12 PM, then cloudy. Showers
with isolated thunderstorms.
Winds.......................East winds around 5 mph.
.TUESDAY...Surf height around 2 feet. Partly sunny. Showers with
isolated thunderstorms. East winds around 5 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 2 feet. Mostly sunny. Scattered
showers with isolated thunderstorms. East winds around 5 mph.
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Numerous
showers with isolated thunderstorms. East winds around 5 mph.
&&
Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.
$$
PRZ011-202200-
Southwest PR-
Including the beaches of Cabo Rojo, Guanica and Lajas
358 AM AST Sun Sep 20 2026
.TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet.
Weather.....................Mostly sunny. Isolated showers.
Winds.......................Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph.
.MONDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet.
Weather.....................Sunny until 12 PM, then partly sunny.
Scattered showers.
Winds.......................Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph.
.TUESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Partly sunny. Numerous showers
with isolated thunderstorms. Southeast winds around 10 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Isolated
showers. East winds around 5 mph.
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 2 feet. Mostly sunny. Isolated
showers. East winds around 10 mph.
&&
Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.
$$
PRZ007-202200-
Ponce and Vicinity PR-
Including the beaches of Guayanilla and Ponce
358 AM AST Sun Sep 20 2026
.TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet.
Weather.....................Mostly sunny. Isolated showers.
Winds.......................Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.
.MONDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet.
Weather.....................Sunny until 12 PM, then partly sunny.
Isolated showers and thunderstorms.
Winds.......................Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.
.TUESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Isolated showers
and thunderstorms. East winds around 10 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Scattered
showers. East winds around 5 mph.
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 2 feet. Mostly sunny. Scattered
showers with isolated thunderstorms. East winds around 10 mph.
&&
Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.
$$
PRZ003-202200-
Southeast PR-
Including the beaches of Arroyo, Guayama, Maunabo,
Patillas and Yabucoa
358 AM AST Sun Sep 20 2026
.TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet.
Weather.....................Partly sunny. Scattered showers.
Winds.......................Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.
.MONDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet.
Weather.....................Mostly sunny. Scattered showers.
Winds.......................Southeast winds around 10 mph.
.TUESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Partly sunny. Scattered
showers. East winds around 10 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Scattered
showers. East winds around 5 mph.
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Partly sunny. Scattered
showers with isolated thunderstorms. East winds around 10 mph.
&&
Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.
$$
PRZ012-202200-
Culebra PR-
358 AM AST Sun Sep 20 2026
.TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Surf Height.................Around 3 feet.
Weather.....................Partly sunny. Scattered showers.
Winds.......................Southeast winds around 10 mph.
.MONDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Surf Height.................Around 3 feet.
Weather.....................Mostly sunny. Scattered showers.
Winds.......................Southeast winds around 10 mph.
.TUESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Partly sunny. Scattered
showers. East winds around 15 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Scattered
showers. East winds around 15 mph.
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 5 feet. Partly sunny. Scattered
showers with isolated thunderstorms. East winds around 15 mph.
&&
Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.
$$
PRZ013-202200-
Vieques PR-
358 AM AST Sun Sep 20 2026
.TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet.
Weather.....................Partly sunny. Scattered showers.
Winds.......................Southeast winds around 10 mph.
.MONDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet.
Weather.....................Partly sunny. Scattered showers.
Winds.......................Southeast winds around 10 mph.
.TUESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Partly sunny. Scattered
showers. East winds around 10 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Partly sunny. Scattered
showers. East winds around 15 mph.
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 4 feet. Partly sunny. Scattered
showers with isolated thunderstorms. East winds around 15 mph.
&&
Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.
$$
VIZ001-202200-
St Thomas, St John and adjacent islands VI-
358 AM AST Sun Sep 20 2026
.TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Surf Height.................Around 3 feet.
Weather.....................Partly sunny. Scattered showers with
isolated thunderstorms.
Winds.......................Southeast winds around 10 mph.
.MONDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet.
Weather.....................Mostly sunny. Scattered showers.
Winds.......................Southeast winds around 10 mph.
.TUESDAY...Surf height around 2 feet. Partly sunny. Scattered
showers. East winds around 15 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 2 feet. Mostly sunny. Scattered
showers. East winds around 15 mph.
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 4 feet. Partly sunny. Scattered
showers with isolated thunderstorms. East winds around 15 mph.
&&
Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.
$$
VIZ002-202200-
St Croix VI-
358 AM AST Sun Sep 20 2026
.TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet.
Weather.....................Mostly sunny. Scattered showers.
Winds.......................Southeast winds around 10 mph.
.MONDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet.
Weather.....................Mostly sunny. Scattered showers.
Winds.......................Southeast winds around 10 mph.
.TUESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Partly sunny. Scattered
showers. East winds around 15 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Scattered
showers. East winds around 10 mph.
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Partly sunny. Scattered
showers with isolated thunderstorms. East winds around 15 mph.
&&
Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.
$$The water now, measured
Buoy 41121, Arecibo, Puerto Rico (249), 39 mi away, reported 11:00 AM.
- Waves
- 2.0 ft at 8 seconds
- Water temperature
- 86 °F
- Air temperature
- 85 °F
From NOAA's National Data Buoy Center. Wave height is the significant height, the average of the highest third; the largest waves run half again as high. Offshore buoys read bigger than the surf at the beach.
Tides today
Playa de Ponce, 2.5 mi away. Feet above mean lower low water.
- Low tide6:04 AM0.1 ft
- High tide6:21 PM0.9 ft
Low tide often exposes the sandbars and channels that shape rip currents, and the risk can run higher for an hour or two either side of it. Full tide table for Playa de Ponce.
Sun and daylight
- Sunrise today
- 6:15 AM
- Sunset today
- 6:24 PM
- Sunrise tomorrow
- 6:15 AM
- Sunset tomorrow
- 6:23 PM
Times are Atlantic Standard Time. Lifeguards are off duty outside posted hours, and the rip current risk does not fall with the light.
Beaches in this forecast
- Guayanilla
- Ponce
As the National Weather Service lists them in its surf zone forecast.
What this means
The three levels the National Weather Service issues, and what to do at each.
| High | Life-threatening rip currents are likely. The surf zone is dangerous for swimmers of every level. Stay out of the water. |
|---|---|
| Moderate | Life-threatening rip currents are possible. Swim near a lifeguard, and follow the beach patrol and its flags. |
| Low | Life-threatening rip currents are not expected, but they can still form near groins, jetties, reefs and piers. Swim near a lifeguard. |
If a rip current carries you out
- Do not fight the current. It pulls you away from the beach, not under the water.
- Stay calm and keep your head above water. Float or tread water until the pull eases.
- Swim parallel to the beach, along the shore, until you are out of the current, then angle in toward the beach.
- If you cannot escape, face the shore, wave your arms and call for help.
- If someone else is caught, do not go in after them. Get a lifeguard, call 911, and throw them something that floats.
Thunderstorms and lightning
Thunderstorms build fast over water on a summer afternoon. Water and open sand leave you the tallest thing around. When thunder roars, go indoors: leave the water and the beach for a building or a hard-topped vehicle, and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back.
A rip current is a narrow stream of water flowing away from the beach, through the surf and past the breakers. It pulls swimmers out, not under. Rip current and lightning safety guidance from the National Weather Service.
Nearby
The stretches of shore the National Weather Service forecasts on either side of this one.
More for this place
Sources
Rip current risk, surf, water temperature and UV from the National Weather Service surf zone forecast and beach forecast, office SJU, issued 358 AM AST, 9/20/2026. Original at NWS. Waves and water temperature measured by NOAA's National Data Buoy Center. Tides from NOAA CO-OPS. Alerts from the National Weather Service for zone PRZ007.