Overlooking Westport Marina from base of Observation Tower.

Visiting Westport, Washington, in the winter between November and February offers a unique and tranquil coastal experience, far removed from the summer crowds. The town’s serene atmosphere during these months provides the perfect backdrop for a variety of engaging activities—not to mention some of the most jaw dropping displays from Mother Nature.

Storm Watching

If you’re thinking fall and winter are off-season in Westport, then you’re definitely not a storm watcher. November through January are our peak King Tide season—when the sun, moon and earth align to cause water levels to rise and waves to crash dramatically against the rocky shores. It’s truly a sight to behold!

Come grab a spot at the top of the Observation Tower of the Westport Marina during High King Tides and watch the waves hit the break wall, sending seawater high into the air and sea spray far enough to give storm watchers a little taste of the power of Mother Nature.

Learn more about when to catch “peak” King Tide action here.

Westport’s Winter 2024/2025 King Tide Schedule

Nov 15 11:33AM +11.0

Nov 16 12:16PM +11.1

Nov 17 1:00PM +10.9

Dec 14 11:09AM +11.0

Dec 15 11:56AM +11.0

Dec 16 12:43PM +10.8

Jan 12 10:55AM +10.5

Jan 13 11:46AM +10.6

Jan 14 12:34PM +10.4

Girl picking up glass float on beach at sunset.

Post-storm Beachcombing and Glass Floats

If you’re an avid beachcomber, post-king tides are the perfect time to search for fascinating finds like unique shells, rare agates, gnarled driftwood, and, rarely, even glass fishing floats that have traveled all the way from Japan. King tides bring in debris and marine artifacts from the deeper ocean and faraway shores, giving beachcombers a chance to discover items not typically seen in the area. For those interested in sea life, tide pools are often more accessible and richly populated after king tides as well, revealing glimpses into the ecosystems that thrive along the Pacific coast. If you’re a pro beachcomber, you’ll want this insider tip as well: storms with Westerly and Southwesterly winds are the ones that often carry treasures from the furthest shores.

And speaking of furthest shores, every fall-spring, Westport launches over 1,000 authentic glass floats to give beachcombers the thrill of finding one of these treasures. Each one is an actual Japanese float recovered from Japan’s Tsunami cleanup. If you want to learn more about glass floats, visit the Westport South Beach Historical Society #GlassFloats page. Floats are set to be released between November 2024 and April 2025, so be on the lookout for a prized float!

Will you find an old message in a bottle? Antique pottery from a long-lost ship? You never know what you’ll find beachcombing in Westport.

Surfing: a year-round sport in Westport

Westport is always an awesome surfing destination, but fall and winter are surprisingly great times to come and catch a wave or two!

Throughout the fall and winter season, the Pacific offers much more consistent and powerful swells thanks to seasonal storms. Be there when the winds shift offshore, creating clean, perfectly shaped waves ideal for riding. Because the swells can often be bigger than other seasons, this time might be best for intermediate and advanced surfers to amp up the adrenaline.

Surfers will be particularly stoked to find quieter beaches and smaller lineups as the crowds diminish in the colder months for a more relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. You’ll have more space and time to enjoy the waves and commune with nature without the congestion. And while it’s colder than summer, fall and winter in Westport is milder compared to other surf destinations at the same latitude.

Look to Westport’s amazing local surf shops to provide wetsuits, gear, and sometimes even warm beverages post-surf. Westport’s surf community is welcoming, supportive and close-knit, so it’s a perfect spot if you’re new to the area and trying to navigate winter conditions.

Watching New Year’s Eve fireworks from the Observation Tower.

Holiday Events in Westport

Thanks to the US Coast Guard, Santa will be clearing his busy pre-holiday schedule and visiting Westport on December 7th! A Coast Guard boat will deliver him to Float 6 at 10:30 a.m., followed by a visit to the Maritime Museum, where he’ll be available for photos on the grounds until noon! Kids shouldn’t miss this chance to fill Kris Kringle in on their holiday wishes in person to ensure their toys don’t get lost in the shuffle.

On New Year’s Eve, visit the Westport Marina for a thrilling and beautiful way to start 2025—fireworks! Watch the night’s sky illuminate under an incredible display of fireworks at the edge of town near the marina.

Culinary Delights

Westport’s seafood scene thrives year-round, but some seafood is more seasonal than others.

December is typically the beginning of the season for Dungeness Crab, which is sweet and tender when fresh, making it one of the most sought-after delicacies during the colder months.

Lingcod fishing tends to be year-round, but winter can be a popular time to catch this firm, mild whitefish, perfect for grilling. Rockfish is similarly popular in many dishes like fish tacos and simple grilled filets.

And no Westport seafood spread would be complete without Razor Clams, with digging opportunities available now through December 31st. Please note that you can only dig on the days listed and anyone 15 or older will need a shellfish license to participate. Razor clams have a delicate flavor and are great for chowders, fritters or just sauteeing in lots and lots of butter and garlic.

Don’t want to catch anything yourself? Westport’s local eateries serve fresh catches all through the season, and visiting during these quieter months allows for a more intimate dining experience, with opportunities to savor all the subtle flavors of the Pacific Northwest without the hum of the summer rush.

If a cozy coastal getaway sounds good right now, check out our accommodations page to find the perfect spot to spend a lovely winter weekend away.