75°
Mostly Cloudy
5%
74
Essex County, MA · Atlantic Ocean
Crane Beach
290 Argilla Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938
Four miles of barrier-island sand on Ipswich Bay, managed by the Trustees of Reservations. Wide, gradual slope, fine white sand, and a 1,200-acre dune-and-pine-forest reservation behind it with hiking trails to the Castle Hill estate. Greenhead flies in late July are the price of admission.
Today's Conditions
Great day for photography.
NWS alert active · 75°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. South wind 8 to 12 mph.
Tonight
A chance of rain showers between 8pm and 2am, then patchy fog and showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Weather
- 75°F air — ideal beach weather
- Cloud cover — overcast reduces uv exposure but the vibe too
Safety
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued september 9 at 2:58pm edt until september 10 at 8:00pm edt by nws boston/norton ma
74 /100
great
69 Sunbathe
79 Walk
84 Photo
Best for photography today
Water level 0.5 ft above predicted
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued September 9 at 2:58PM EDT until September 10 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Boston/Norton MA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and seas 2 to 3 feet expected. * WHERE...Massachusetts Bay and Ipswich Bay. * WHEN...From 8 PM this evening to 8 PM EDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
75°F
Clear
Wind
8 to 12 mph
S
Rain
5%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
6 High
Peaks 12 PM · burn in ~33m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 03 PM
Tomorrow
84°F
Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
—
Next High Tide
10:38 PM
10.9 ft · in 3.4h
Wave Height
2.6 ft
4s · SE swell
Barometer
30.21 inHg
Falling 1.9 hPa / 3h · buoy 44013
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:16 AM
Sunset
7:04 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:06 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 10:22 AM | High | 9.7 ft |
| 4:21 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:38 PM | High | 10.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:58 AM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 11:12 AM | High | 10.2 ft |
| 5:15 PM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 11:31 PM | High | 10.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:45 AM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 11:59 AM | High | 10.5 ft |
| 6:05 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:20 AM | High | 10.8 ft |
| 6:30 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 12:44 PM | High | 10.6 ft |
| 6:53 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:07 AM | High | 10.5 ft |
| 7:14 AM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 1:26 PM | High | 10.6 ft |
| 7:39 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:53 AM | High | 10.1 ft |
| 7:56 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 2:08 PM | High | 10.4 ft |
| 8:24 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:38 AM | High | 9.6 ft |
| 8:39 AM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 2:51 PM | High | 10.2 ft |
| 9:10 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8443970, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
84°
Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
49%
51
74°
Sunny
0%
82
71°
Sunny
0%
79
75°
Chance Rain Showers
44%
55
75°
Mostly Sunny
4%
84
74°
Mostly Sunny
3%
80
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 6 — high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 8 to 12 mph wind
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Trustees lot at the entrance. Reservations strongly recommended summer weekends — book online.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited April 1 – September 30. Otherwise leashed access.
Entry Fee
$35/car weekday, $40/car weekend (peak season); $5 walk-in/bicycle; discounted after 4 PM. Free for Trustees members. Off-season access restricted to main beach; dogs prohibited in dunes, trails, and Steep Hill Beach year-round.
Address
290 Argilla Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Crane Beach today?
Crane Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Crane Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited April 1 – September 30. Otherwise leashed access.
Is there an entry fee at Crane Beach?
$35/car weekday, $40/car weekend (peak season); $5 walk-in/bicycle; discounted after 4 PM. Free for Trustees members. Off-season access restricted to main beach; dogs prohibited in dunes, trails, and Steep Hill Beach year-round.
Are there lifeguards at Crane Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Crane Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Crane Beach?
Amenities at Crane Beach include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, snack bar, picnic area, hiking trails.
When is the water warmest at Crane Beach?
Atlantic water temperatures peak in August. Northern beaches (ME, NH, MA) run cool — typically 60-68°F at the summer peak. Mid-Atlantic (NJ, DE, MD, VA) hits 74-76°F. The Carolinas and Florida Atlantic warm into the 80s and stay swimmable from May through October.
Where is Crane Beach located?
Crane Beach is in Essex County, MA, at 290 Argilla Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS