The City of Miami King Tides schedule for 2026 lists predictable, higher-than-normal seasonal high tides that cause sunny-day street flooding in low-lying coastal areas.
2026 King Tide Dates
* September 10–13: Early-season tidal flooding
* September 26–30: Elevated water levels and current active window
* October 7–13: Peak predicted tides (highest around October 10)
* October 24–30: Peak predicted tides (highest around October 26–27)
The equinox and spring tides are connected because during the equinoxes, the Sun aligns with the Earth's equator, combining its gravitational force with that of the Moon and producing the most intense King tides of the year.
What is a King tide?
• Definition: It is when the sea level rises and falls significantly.
• Cause: It occurs twice a month (at the new moon and full moon), when the Earth, Moon, and Sun align.
• Effect: The gravitational forces combine, making high tide (high water) very high and low tide (low water) very low.
What happens at the equinox?
• Definition: It is the time of year when day and night are almost the same length (around March 20 and September 22-23).
• Solar alignment: The Sun is directly opposite the plane of the Earth's equator.
• Solar alignment: The Sun is positioned directly in front of the plane of the Earth's equator. • Maximum attraction: In this position, the Sun's gravitational pull on Earth's water reaches its strongest point.
The conjunction: Equinoctial tides
• If the equinox coincides with a new or full moon, the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon is perfect.
• This causes equinoctial spring tides.
• The water rises higher than normal, and the low tide exposes very large areas of beach, although it can sometimes cause minor coastal flooding.