Mendocino - Fire Sky - California Coast

This forecast tracks the spectacular sunset conditions that ignite California's coastline with dramatic color. We combine cloud coverage patterns, marine layer behavior, and atmospheric clarity to predict when Pacific sunsets will produce intense fire-sky displays.

California's coast offers fire-sky conditions when Pacific weather patterns align perfectly—usually involving clearing after storms, or when the marine layer breaks up at sunset. The dramatic topography of locations like Big Sur means sunsets can be enhanced by coastal mountains and dramatic cliff profiles.

What makes the California coast special for fire-sky photography:

• Pacific sunset drama - Unobstructed western exposure means direct sunset over ocean
• Marine layer burn-off - When fog clears at golden hour, moisture in air scatters light intensely
• Big Sur cliffs - Dramatic coastal mountains silhouetted against blazing Pacific sunsets
• Point Reyes exposure - Windswept peninsula catches full force of Pacific sunset color

Big Sur offers California's most dramatic fire-sky opportunities—when conditions align, the combination of towering coastal cliffs, crashing waves, and burning Pacific sunset creates legendary images. McWay Falls dropping onto the beach under fire-sky conditions is particularly spectacular. Point Reyes lighthouse perched on its windswept cliff becomes a dramatic silhouette when Pacific sunsets ignite. The marine layer plays a crucial role—when morning fog burns off completely but leaves moisture in the air, that moisture scatters sunset light into intense colors. Malibu's sea stacks and southern exposure can produce dramatic winter sunsets. The key is timing post-frontal clearing or marine layer dynamics. Our forecast tracks these patterns to identify when Pacific sunsets will be most dramatic. Winter storms followed by clearing provide the most intense conditions—atmospheric particulates from storm systems enhance color scattering.