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 no earthquakes above the reporting threshold.
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Recent earthquakes
| Magnitude | Time (UTC) | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| M2.5 | Jul 28, 22:15 UTC | 10 km | 44 km WSW of Carlsbad, CA |
| M2.5 | Jul 27, 23:49 UTC | 10 km | 7 km N of Beaumont, CA |
| M3.0 | Jul 25, 01:27 UTC | 5 km | 10 km SW of Niland, CA |
| M2.9 | Jul 25, 01:16 UTC | 21 km | 34 km NE of Ensenada, B.C., MX |
| M3.2 | Jul 23, 16:24 UTC | 15 km | 7 km S of Brawley, CA |
| M2.7 | Jul 23, 09:03 UTC | 11 km | 8 km S of Brawley, CA |
| M2.8 | Jul 23, 08:55 UTC | 16 km | 8 km S of Brawley, CA |
| M3.2 | Jul 23, 08:49 UTC | 16 km | 8 km NNE of Imperial, CA |
| M3.6 | Jul 23, 07:31 UTC | 9 km | 7 km S of Brawley, CA |
| M3.1 | Jul 23, 07:31 UTC | 10 km | 7 km S of Brawley, CA |
| M3.0 | Jul 23, 07:14 UTC | 10 km | 8 km S of Brawley, CA |
Notable recent activity
An M3.6 earthquake struck 7 km S of Brawley, CA at 07:31 UTC on Jul 23 at a depth of 9 km.
An M3.2 earthquake struck 8 km NNE of Imperial, CA at 08:49 UTC on Jul 23 at a depth of 16 km.
An M3.2 earthquake struck 7 km S of Brawley, CA at 16:24 UTC on Jul 23 at a depth of 15 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.