Federal Way tides today
- Tide now 8.4 ft ↑ rising · high 6:08 pm (11.6 ft)
- Best time to fish 5:10–7:10 pm average day · 6/10
- Wind · air 8 mph · 51 °F from the SW, gusts 17 · light drizzle
- Sun 7:47 am–5:58 pm 10 h 11 min of daylight
- Moon 91% · 7:19 pm waning gibbous · rises at 7:19 pm
- Pressure 29.96 inHg steady · steady tomorrow
- Coefficient 88 average coefficient · spring tides Oct 26–28
- Major solunar period 2:24–4:24 pm today's activity: high
Today in Federal Way there are high tides at 7:48 am (12.2 ft) and 6:08 pm (11.6 ft) and low tides at 12:39 am and 1:12 pm. Tide coefficient 88. Right now the tide is rising toward the high tide at 6:08 pm. The sun rises at 7:47 am and sets at 5:58 pm: 10 h 11 min of daylight. The moon is 91% illuminated (waning gibbous) and rises at 7:19 pm. Major solunar periods run from 1:52 am to 3:52 am and from 2:24 pm to 4:24 pm. The next spring tides arrive from October 26 to 28. There's a gentle breeze from the southwest (8 mph). Light drizzle, 51 °F.
Fishing in Federal Way today
Best time to fish
Solunar activity today: high- High tide at 7:48 am, coefficient 88
- Sunrise at 7:47 am
- Steady pressure (29.91 inHg) and light offshore wind (6 mph)
- Waning gibbous: a bit more activity than at the quarters
- Highest tide coefficient today: 88 (average tides)
Your day at a glance
The best window, 7:20 am to 8:30 am, combines the 7:48 am high tide and sunrise. Also good from 5:10 pm to 7:10 pm, with the 6:08 pm high tide, moonrise and sunset. Also good from 12:00 am to 1:40 am, with the 12:39 am low tide and falling pressure.
Species with the most records nearby: coho salmon, Chinook salmon, market squid and lingcod. October is one of the months when these are seen most: Chinook salmon. What you can catch
Tides in Federal Way
Today's high and low tides
- ▼ Low tide 12:39 am -2.7 ft
- ▲ High tide 7:48 am 12.2 ft · coef. 88
- ▼ Low tide 1:12 pm 7.2 ft
- ▲ Next high tide 6:08 pm 11.6 ft · coef. 87
↑ Rising The tide is rising. 3 h 12 min to high tide at 6:08 pm.
Tide coefficient 88 for the 7:48 am high tide and 87 for the 6:08 pm high tide. Average coefficient. The water rises and falls 15.0 ft between the highest high and the lowest low: a large range for this place. 70 is an average tide here; 90 and above means spring tides; below 45, neap tides. What is the tide coefficient?
2026 extremes: the highest tide of the year is on January 5 (13.4 ft) and the lowest, on June 15 (-4.3 ft).
Mixed: two high and two low tides a day, but of quite different heights.
Heights above mean lower low water (MLLW), the zero of US nautical charts. Astronomical prediction: wind and air pressure can raise or lower the water by a few inches, and more in a storm. Not for navigation. MLLW
Tide coefficient and range in October
The biggest tides of the month came from October 26 to 28 (coefficient 90, 15.0 ft range). The smallest, from October 18 to 19 (coefficient 40, 9.8 ft).
Tide and solunar table · this week
| Day | Sun | Tide 1 | Tide 2 | Tide 3 | Tide 4 | Coef. | Moon | Major periods | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today, Wed 28 | 7:47 am · 5:58 pm | Low tide 12:39 am · -2.7 ft | High tide 7:48 am · 12.2 ft | Low tide 1:12 pm · 7.2 ft | High tide 6:08 pm · 11.6 ft | Coef. 88 | 91% | Major periods 1:52 am · 2:24 pm | High |
| Thu 29 | 7:49 am · 5:57 pm | Low tide 1:24 am · -2.9 ft | High tide 8:44 am · 12.2 ft | Low tide 2:07 pm · 7.7 ft | High tide 6:51 pm · 11.2 ft | Coef. 83 | 83% | Major periods 2:56 am · 3:29 pm | High |
| Fri 30 | 7:50 am · 5:55 pm | Low tide 2:13 am · -2.6 ft | High tide 9:46 am · 12.0 ft | Low tide 3:12 pm · 8.0 ft | High tide 7:43 pm · 10.5 ft | Coef. 75 | 73% | Major periods 4:01 am · 4:32 pm | Medium |
| Sat 31 | 7:51 am · 5:54 pm | Low tide 3:07 am · -1.9 ft | High tide 10:52 am · 11.8 ft | Low tide 4:33 pm · 7.9 ft | High tide 8:49 pm · 9.7 ft | Coef. 67 | 62% | Major periods 5:03 am · 5:32 pm | Medium |
| Sun 1 | 6:53 am · 4:52 pm | Low tide 3:07 am · -0.8 ft | High tide 10:59 am · 11.7 ft | Low tide 5:09 pm · 7.1 ft | High tide 9:15 pm · 8.9 ft | Coef. 60 | Last quarter | Major periods 5:00 am · 5:27 pm | Medium |
| Mon 2 | 6:54 am · 4:50 pm | Low tide 4:12 am · 0.3 ft | High tide 11:59 am · 11.7 ft | Low tide 6:29 pm · 5.9 ft | High tide 10:56 pm · 8.4 ft | Coef. 59 | 39% | Major periods 5:52 am · 6:17 pm | Medium |
| Tue 3 | 6:56 am · 4:49 pm | Low tide 5:21 am · 1.5 ft | High tide 12:48 pm · 11.8 ft | Low tide 7:26 pm · 4.3 ft | — | Coef. 62 | 29% | Major periods 6:40 am · 7:03 pm | Medium |
▲ high tide · ▼ low tide · heights above MLLW. Major periods: start time; they last 2 hours. Activity: based on the moon phase and the solunar periods.
Where this tide comes from
Federal Way has no station of its own, so we use the tide at Des Moines (NOAA), 5.4 mi away. On the open coast the difference is usually a few minutes and inches; inside estuaries, rivers and enclosed bays it can be much larger. It is a NOAA subordinate station: its times and heights come from the Seattle reference station with the official corrections.
Station data attribution: Slackwater database (https://github.com/openwatersio/slackwater-database)
The sea at Federal Way
Sea state
The wave model doesn't reach Federal Way: it's on inland water (an estuary, sound or sheltered bay) or far from the open sea. Wind is still available right here.
Wind on the coast and offshore
The model doesn't separate offshore wind here: it's the same as on the coast.
Cross-shore wind. The coast faces northwest and the wind blows along the shore: drift and current run parallel to the beach.
Forecast from Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0) with models from ECMWF, NOAA, Météo-France, DWD, Copernicus Marine and CAMS. Updated at 2:55 pm (local time).
Nearest marine station
This is a real measurement of the sea, not a forecast. Data from stations TCMW1 and TCNW1, NOAA National Data Buoy Center (public domain).
Weather in Federal Way
Now in Federal Way
- Low / high
- 43 / 52 °F
- Rain
- 0.13 in · 92%
- Clouds
- 50%
- Humidity
- 78%
- Dew pointDew point
- 45 °F
- Visibility
- 12 mi
- UV indexUV
- 1 · low
- Air qualityAir
- Good · 35
- Saharan dust
- No
Pressure and fishing
- ↗ RisingRising Anglers say fish bite less for a while
- → SteadySteady · now Anglers expect normal activity
- ↘ FallingFalling Anglers say fish feed more before the change
Steady now (−0.02 inHg in 3 hours). It barely changes over the next 48 hours. Steady pressure: anglers expect normal activity. Fast changes, either way, tend to affect fishing.
Today, hour by hourHour by hour
Bars: mean wind. Dashed line: gusts. Arrows point where the wind blows to.
| Time | 12:00 am | 3:00 am | 6:00 am | 9:00 am | 12:00 pm | 3:00 pm | 6:00 pm | 9:00 pm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sky | Light rain | Drizzle | Light drizzle | Light drizzle | Light drizzle | Light drizzle | Light drizzle | Mainly clear |
| Temperature | 48° | 48° | 47° | 47° | 51° | 51° | 48° | 45° |
| Wind (mph) | 9 S | 13 SSW | 9 SSW | 9 S | 8 SSW | 8 SW | 4 S | 9 SSW |
| Gusts | 26 | 33 | 20 | 19 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 24 |
| Rain | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in |
- 3:00 pm 51° 8 SW
- 6:00 pm 48° 4 S
- 9:00 pm 45° 9 SSW
- 12:00 am 44° 6 SSW
- 3:00 am 43° 5 S
- 6:00 am 43° 2 ESE
- 9:00 am 42° 3 SSE
- 12:00 pm 50° 2 S
Next 14 daysComing days
| Day | Sky | Low / high | Max wind | High tides |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today · 28 | 43 / 52 °F | 13 mph SSW | 7:48 am · 6:08 pm | |
| Thu 29 | 42 / 54 °F | 7 mph S | 8:44 am · 6:51 pm | |
| Fri 30 | 39 / 53 °F | 2 mph ESE | 9:46 am · 7:43 pm | |
| Sat 31 | 38 / 55 °F | 3 mph NE | 10:52 am · 8:49 pm | |
| Sun 1 | 39 / 55 °F | 2 mph SE | 10:59 am · 9:15 pm | |
| Mon 2 | 40 / 56 °F | 3 mph ENE | 11:59 am · 10:56 pm | |
| Tue 3 | 42 / 57 °F | 3 mph NE | 12:48 pm | |
| Wed 4 | 41 / 57 °F | 3 mph NE | 12:37 am · 1:27 pm | |
| Thu 5 | 43 / 56 °F | 2 mph S | 2:02 am · 1:59 pm | |
| Fri 6 | 44 / 56 °F | 3 mph SSE | 3:12 am · 2:27 pm | |
| Sat 7 | 45 / 56 °F | 3 mph S | 4:10 am · 2:53 pm | |
| Sun 8 | 45 / 60 °F | 4 mph SE | 5:00 am · 3:18 pm | |
| Mon 9 | 41 / 53 °F | 6 mph E | 5:45 am · 3:45 pm | |
| Tue 10 | 47 / 61 °F | 3 mph SSW | 6:25 am · 4:15 pm |
- Thu 29 Light rain 42° / 54° 7 mph
- Fri 30 Heavy drizzle 39° / 53° 2 mph
- Sat 31 Overcast 38° / 55° 3 mph
- Sun 1 Overcast 39° / 55° 2 mph
- Mon 2 Overcast 40° / 56° 3 mph
- Tue 3 Overcast 42° / 57° 3 mph
- Wed 4 Overcast 41° / 57° 3 mph
Each day comes from the best model covering this spot: regional ones first (HRRR and NBM in the U.S., AROME, ICON-EU), then ECMWF; day 16, NOAA GFS. Waves: Météo-France up to day 10, then ECMWF WAM, coarser and further offshore. High tides: our own tide calculation.
- The models Partly agree · medium confidence: unsure about rain today. See the models →
- Outlook Next few weeks, compared with normal: a bit warmer and normal rain. See the outlook →
- Normal Today, cooler than normal for late October (−4.4 °F; normal high: 56 °F). Climate by month →
Forecast from Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0) with models from ECMWF, NOAA, Météo-France, DWD, Copernicus Marine and CAMS. Updated at 2:55 pm (local time).
The sun in Federal Way
Sunrise and sunset
- First light 6:39 am
- Full dark 7:06 pm
- Civil dawn 7:15 am
- Civil dusk 6:30 pm
- Solar noon 12:53 pm (29° high)
- Daylight 10 h 11 min (−3 min)
- Evening golden hour 5:15 pm
- Full dark 7:06 pm
Golden hour and the day-night map
Today the sun is 92,351,569 mi away and looks 32′ 11″ across.
The moon in Federal Way
Moon phase and position
Today the moon is 226,426 mi away and looks 32′ 47″ across.
Solunar periods
Today's activity: high- 1:52–3:52 am Major · the moon passes overhead · high activity
- 2:24–4:24 pm Major · the moon passes underfoot · high activity
- 10:56–11:56 am Minor · moonset · medium activity
- 6:49–7:49 pm Minor · moonrise · medium activity
According to solunar theory, fish feed more when the moon passes overhead or underfoot (major periods, about 2 h) and when it rises or sets (minor periods, 1 h). It works best around new and full moon.
Upcoming moon phases
2026 moon calendar →- Last quarter Sun, Nov 1 · 12:29 pmNov 1 in 4 days
- New moon Sun, Nov 8 · 11:03 pmNov 8 in 11 days
- First quarter Tue, Nov 17 · 3:48 amNov 17 in 20 days
- Full moon Tue, Nov 24 · 6:54 amNov 24 in 27 days
Perigee on October 28, 226,426 mi away, coinciding with the spring tides from October 26 to 28: they will be stronger than usual.
Where to fish in Federal Way
Piers, ramps and tackle shops nearby
Map: OpenFreeMap · © OpenMapTiles · © OpenStreetMap contributors
- Fishing pier 8.2 mi
- Pier 25 5.2 mi
- F 5.3 mi
- Pier 24 5.3 mi
- Steel Lake Boat Launch 0.6 mi
- Boat ramp 1.3 mi
- Boat ramp 1.5 mi
- Boat ramp 1.9 mi
- Boat ramp 2.4 mi
- Des Moines Yacht Club 5.2 mi
- Des Moines Marina 5.4 mi
- Fuel Dock 5.5 mi
Within 9.3 mi. A spot may be missing or closed. Open the map on OpenStreetMap · Missing one? Add it to OpenStreetMap
Spots: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) and Overture Maps.
Water depth
Deepens quicklyThe bottom deepens quickly: 33 ft of water 1,000 ft from shore. It reaches 164 ft at 0.5 mi.
From the shoreline (1.7 mi from Federal Way) out to sea, heading northwest.
How far from shore
- 16 ft deep750 ft
- 33 ft deep1,000 ft
- 66 ft deep0.3 mi
- 164 ft deep0.5 mi
For fishing, swimming and diving
- Shore fishing. 33 ft of water just 1,000 ft from shore: a good cast reaches deep water. Current and surf hit harder here.
- Swimming. The water gets deeper little by little, but a few dozen yards out you can no longer stand.
- Diving. Shore diving works here: 33 ft at 1,000 ft and 66 ft at 0.3 mi from shore.
Inside bays, estuaries and harbors the bottom changes a lot from spot to spot (channels and shoals): use this only as a rough guide.
Source: NOAA U.S. Coastal Relief Model (public domain), cells of about 300 ft; depth below mean sea level. For reference only: not for navigation or anchoring.
Nearest lighthouse
Point Robinson Light 5.4 mi northwest
- Light
- 2 white flashes every 12 s · Fl(2) W 12s
- Range
- 10 nautical miles (12 mi)
- Light height
- 39 ft above sea level
- Tower height
- 36 ft
- Built
- 1887
Data from Wikidata. For reference only: not for navigation. Wikipedia · Wikidata · Sources and licenses
Tides near Federal WayTides nearby
- Fife Heights4.6 mi
- Dash Point5.3 mi
- Des Moines5.5 mi
- Browns Point6.2 mi
- Dockton7.8 mi
- Tacoma7.8 mi
- Normandy Park8.0 mi
- Portage8.3 mi
- Ruston9.3 mi
- Burien10 mi
Federal Way at a glance
- Town or city of about 95,171 people. Coordinates: 47.322° N, 122.313° W.
- It is 20 mi south of Seattle, the main place in Washington. The sun rises 1 min earlier and sets 1 min later than in Seattle.
- The nearest tide station, Des Moines, is 5.4 mi to the north.
- Its coast faces northwest.
- Beaches and harbors nearby: Lower Turning Basin (4.6 mi), Upper Turning Basin (4.7 mi), Hylebos Waterway (4.8 mi).
Questions about Federal WayQuestions
What time is high tide today in Federal Way?
Today in Federal Way there are high tides at 7:48 am (12.2 ft) and 6:08 pm (11.6 ft) and low tides at 12:39 am and 1:12 pm. Tide coefficient 88.
What time is sunset today in Federal Way?
At 5:58 pm. There is light until the end of civil twilight, at 6:30 pm.
What time is sunrise tomorrow in Federal Way?
At 7:49 am. First light comes at 6:41 am.
What phase is the moon today?
Waning gibbous, 91% illuminated. New moon on Sun, Nov 8 · 11:03 pm.
When are the next spring tides?
From October 26 to 28, together with the lunar perigee: they will be stronger than usual.
What are today's solunar periods?
Major 1:52–3:52 am, Minor 10:56–11:56 am, Major 2:24–4:24 pm, Minor 6:49–7:49 pm. Today's activity is high.
What's the weather like today in Federal Way?
Light rain, from 43 °F to 52 °F, with a gentle breeze from the southwest (8 mph) and a 92% chance of rain.
When is the best time to visit Federal Way?
The best time to visit Federal Way is from July to August: highs of 77 °F, about 4 rainy days a month and 8 hours of sunshine a day.
Can I use this data for navigation?
No. These are predictions for fishing and leisure; for navigation, use the official publications.
Where this data comes from
Tide: NOAA station Des Moines (public domain), via Slackwater database. Sun and moon: our own calculation with astronomy-engine. Places: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Coastline: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).