Recent earthquakes near San Diego
San Diego sits in a comparatively less active corner of California, crossed by the Rose Canyon Fault, a strike-slip fault related to the San Andreas system that runs through the metropolitan area. Major faults to the east, including the San Jacinto and San Andreas, could also shake the city. Its earthquake rate is lower than Los Angeles or San Francisco, but not negligible. In the past 24 hours, San Diego has recorded 5 earthquakes, the largest an M3.4 (26 km ESE of Avalon, CA).
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Recent earthquakes
| Magnitude | Time (UTC) | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| M2.6 | Sep 12, 11:32 UTC | 19 km | 4 km ESE of Inglewood, CA |
| M3.4 | Sep 12, 11:13 UTC | 11 km | 26 km ESE of Avalon, CA |
| M3.0 | Sep 12, 11:11 UTC | 14 km | 25 km ESE of Avalon, CA |
| M2.6 | Sep 12, 11:03 UTC | 10 km | 27 km ESE of Avalon, CA |
| M2.7 | Sep 12, 07:34 UTC | 19 km | 5 km E of Lennox, CA |
| M2.5 | Sep 12, 05:46 UTC | 5 km | 6 km SSW of Ojai, CA |
| M2.6 | Sep 11, 10:19 UTC | 8 km | 6 km W of Edwards Air Force Base, CA |
| M2.7 | Sep 8, 21:15 UTC | 2 km | 39 km NE of Big Bear City, CA |
| M2.8 | Sep 8, 12:45 UTC | 7 km | 16 km WSW of Johannesburg, CA |
| M3.1 | Sep 6, 07:13 UTC | 16 km | 4 km SSE of Compton, CA |
Notable recent activity
An M3.4 earthquake struck 26 km ESE of Avalon, CA at 11:13 UTC on Sep 12 at a depth of 11 km.
An M3.1 earthquake struck 4 km SSE of Compton, CA at 07:13 UTC on Sep 6 at a depth of 16 km.
An M3.0 earthquake struck 25 km ESE of Avalon, CA at 11:11 UTC on Sep 12 at a depth of 14 km.
Frequently asked questions
Does San Diego get earthquakes?
San Diego experiences fewer and generally smaller earthquakes than Los Angeles or San Francisco, but it is not immune. The Rose Canyon Fault runs directly through the city, and larger faults to the east can shake the region.
Is the Rose Canyon Fault dangerous?
The Rose Canyon Fault is capable of a magnitude 6.5 to 7 earthquake and passes through downtown San Diego. It moves less frequently than California's fastest faults, but a rupture close to the city would cause significant damage.
Has San Diego had a major earthquake?
San Diego has not experienced a large, damaging earthquake in its modern history, which contributes to lower public awareness. Geologic studies show the Rose Canyon Fault has produced significant earthquakes in the past and remains active.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.