58°
Patchy Fog
26%
19
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
Skip the beach today.
NWS alert active · 58°F air · 55°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Patchy fog before 3pm, then patchy fog and a slight chance of rain between 3pm and 4pm, then a chance of rain and patchy fog between 4pm and 5pm, then patchy fog and a slight chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 58. North wind around 12 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tonight
Patchy fog and a slight chance of rain before 10pm, then rain and patchy fog. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Northwest wind 7 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Weather
- 58°F air — chilly for a beach day
- 26% rain — pop-up showers possible
- Fog — low visibility — good for moody photos, less for swimming
Water
- 55°F water — cold — wetsuit or stay dry
Safety
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued november 7 at 1:10pm est until november 8 at 1:00pm est by nws boston/norton ma
19 /100
skip
0 Swim
23 Sunbathe
50 Walk
83 Photo
Best for photography today
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued November 7 at 1:10PM EST until November 8 at 1:00PM EST by NWS Boston/Norton MA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Northwest winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and seas around 3 feet expected. * WHERE...Massachusetts Bay and Ipswich Bay. * WHEN...From 7 AM to 1 PM EST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
58°F
Fog/Mist
Wind
12 mph
N
Rain
26%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
19 Good
Ozone · Essex
UV Peak
1 Low
Peaks 02 PM · burn in ~200m
Burn-free before 01 PM & after 03 PM
Tomorrow
58°F
Chance Light Rain then Partly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
55°F
Cold
Next High Tide
10:00 PM
9.6 ft · in 3.5h
Wave Height
3.3 ft
4s · NNE swell
Barometer
29.67 inHg
1005 hPa · buoy 44013
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:24 AM
Sunset
4:29 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:13 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 9:29 AM | High | 10.4 ft |
| 3:46 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 10:00 PM | High | 9.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:57 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 10:10 AM | High | 10.5 ft |
| 4:30 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 10:44 PM | High | 9.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:38 AM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 10:49 AM | High | 10.5 ft |
| 5:12 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 11:26 PM | High | 9.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:18 AM | Low | 1.1 ft |
| 11:28 AM | High | 10.4 ft |
| 5:53 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:07 AM | High | 9.1 ft |
| 5:58 AM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| 12:07 PM | High | 10.2 ft |
| 6:34 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:48 AM | High | 8.8 ft |
| 6:39 AM | Low | 1.5 ft |
| 12:48 PM | High | 10.0 ft |
| 7:15 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:30 AM | High | 8.6 ft |
| 7:20 AM | Low | 1.8 ft |
| 1:30 PM | High | 9.7 ft |
| 7:57 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8443970, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
58°
Chance Light Rain then Partly Sunny
31%
25
56°
Chance Light Rain
33%
26
56°
Mostly Sunny
3%
46
57°
Sunny
3%
47
51°
Mostly Sunny
14%
40
49°
Light Rain Likely
56%
5
What to Bring Today
- critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 55°F — dangerously cold
- recommended Layers / windbreaker Only 58°F outside
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