Puget Sound Water Temperature, Tides & Buoy Report
Region: Washington
Puget Sound is a deep fjord estuary extending 100 miles south from the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with hundreds of miles of shoreline and depths reaching over 900 feet in the main basin. Its cold, clear, oxygenated water and complex network of channels, narrows, and passes create one of the most varied marine environments on the West Coast.
NOAA Stations Near Puget Sound
- NEW DUNGENESS - 17 NM NE of Port Angeles, WA (46088)
- Neah Bay - 6 NM North of Cape Flattery, WA (Traffic Separation Lighted Buoy) (46087)
- CAPE ELIZABETH - 45NM NW of Aberdeen, WA (46041)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What conditions does Big Buoy track near Puget Sound?
- Big Buoy tracks real-time water temperature, wave height, swell period, wind speed and direction, and atmospheric pressure from NOAA stations across the region, including New Dungeness (Strait of Juan de Fuca), Neah Bay (Pacific entrance), and Cape Elizabeth (offshore Washington coast). You also get 7-day tide forecasts, solunar tables, and extended weather outlooks covering the Sound from the Strait to South Sound.
- What is the tidal range in Puget Sound?
- Tidal range in Puget Sound can exceed 14 feet at the south end — among the largest on the West Coast. Strong current rips in places like Tacoma Narrows and Rich Passage create standing waves and whirlpools that are dangerous for small boats. Knowing the slack tide window is essential for safe passage through the narrows.
- What conditions should I check before heading out on Puget Sound?
- Tidal current timing at the narrows is the most critical variable — Tacoma Narrows and Rich Passage produce dangerous standing waves and whirlpools at peak flow, and are only safely navigated near slack tide. If heading into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, check wind direction: westerly winds opposing the tidal current build steep, short-period seas. Water temperature stays cold year-round (45–55°F) but varies by depth. Big Buoy shows real-time conditions from NOAA stations across the region, including the Strait entrance and offshore, plus detailed tide forecasts for timing your transit through the narrows.
- What NOAA stations does Big Buoy track near Puget Sound?
- Big Buoy tracks 882 NOAA buoys and 3,400+ tide stations nationwide, with many in the Puget Sound area — including NEW DUNGENESS - 17 NM NE of Port Angeles, WA (46088), Neah Bay - 6 NM North of Cape Flattery, WA (Traffic Separation Lighted Buoy) (46087), CAPE ELIZABETH - 45NM NW of Aberdeen, WA (46041). Each station reports water temperature, wave height, wind speed and direction, and more — updated every 10 minutes. Open the map to see all stations near Puget Sound.
- What marine conditions are available for Puget Sound?
- Big Buoy shows real-time water temperature, wave height, swell period, wind speed and direction, 7-day tide tables with exact high and low times, and daily solunar peak windows for Puget Sound.
- Is Big Buoy free to use for Puget Sound marine conditions?
- Yes. Real-time buoy data, tides, and solunar for Puget Sound are completely free with no account required. Big Buoy Pro adds the Wind Tab, the Depth Chart, satellite overlays (sea surface temp, chlorophyll, currents), 16-day forecasts, and forecast model switching.