California Earthquakes
Track recent earthquakes in California. This page shows the latest seismic activity from the USGS feed, a map of where it happened, and the historical context that tells you whether today is unusual.
Current earthquakes in California (0)
California has recorded 195 earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 or greater in the past 90 days.
No active items in this snapshot
That is normal. Conditions can change, so check official local guidance when weather is developing.
No active items in this snapshot
That is normal. Conditions can change, so check official local guidance when weather is developing.
California map
Recent earthquake history
California has recorded 195 earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 or greater in the past 90 days.
Notable earthquakes in California (last 5 years)
| Magnitude | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| M6.2 | 7km N of Petrolia, CA | Dec 20, 2021 |
| M5.6 | 11 km N of Redwood Valley, CA | Jun 24, 2026 |
| M5.5 | Lake Almanor Earthquake | May 11, 2023 |
| M5.3 | 15km SE of Rio Dell, CA | Jan 1, 2023 |
| M5.2 | 5 km S of Julian, CA | Apr 14, 2025 |
| M5.2 | 24 km SW of Lamont, CA | Aug 7, 2024 |
Frequently asked questions
- How often does California have earthquakes?
- California recorded 195 earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 or greater in the past 90 days. Over the last 5 years it has averaged about 2.0 notable quakes (magnitude 5.0 or greater) per year.
- What was the largest recent earthquake in California?
- The largest earthquake in California in the last 5 years was a magnitude 6.2 near 7km N of Petrolia, CA.
- When was the last major earthquake in California?
- The most recent earthquake of magnitude 5.0 or greater in California was a magnitude 5.6 near 11 km N of Redwood Valley, CA.
- What magnitude earthquake can you feel?
- Most people begin to feel earthquakes around magnitude 3.0, though it depends on depth and distance. Shallow quakes close by feel stronger than deep or distant ones of the same size.
About earthquakes in California
Most earthquakes are too small to feel. The USGS reports millions of quakes a year worldwide, and the vast majority are below magnitude 2.5. A page showing no recent activity usually means no notable quakes, not that nothing is being measured.
Magnitude is a measure of the energy released at the source; shaking you actually feel also depends on depth and how far you are from the epicenter. A shallow magnitude 4 nearby can feel stronger than a deep magnitude 5 far away.
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