76°
Sunny
0%
83
Essex County, MA · Atlantic Ocean
Good Harbor Beach
Thatcher Rd, Gloucester, MA 01930
A half-mile of sand in East Gloucester with Salt Island just offshore — at low tide a sandbar appears and you can walk out. Open-ocean swell, livelier surf than Wingaersheek, and a postcard view of the island. The Gloucester locals' favorite.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
76°F air · 69°F water
Full NWS forecast for Today
Sunny, with a high near 76. East wind around 7 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 61. South wind around 6 mph.
Weather
- 76°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 69°F water — swimmable, refreshing
83 /100
great
81 Swim
83 Sunbathe
87 Walk
82 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
76°F
Clear
Wind
7 mph
E
Rain
0%
Today
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
83°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
69°F
Refreshing
Next Low Tide
3:46 PM
0.6 ft · in 33m
Wave Height
1.6 ft
3s · NNE swell
Barometer
30.18 inHg
1022 hPa
Water Quality
Clean
10 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:15 AM
Sunset
8:20 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:37 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 9:46 AM | High | 9.3 ft |
| 3:46 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 10:00 PM | High | 11.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:35 AM | Low | -0.7 ft |
| 10:45 AM | High | 9.5 ft |
| 4:43 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:57 PM | High | 11.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:31 AM | Low | -1.0 ft |
| 11:43 AM | High | 9.8 ft |
| 5:40 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 11:54 PM | High | 11.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:24 AM | Low | -1.2 ft |
| 12:39 PM | High | 10.1 ft |
| 6:35 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:50 AM | High | 11.7 ft |
| 7:17 AM | Low | -1.1 ft |
| 1:33 PM | High | 10.2 ft |
| 7:30 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:46 AM | High | 11.4 ft |
| 8:07 AM | Low | -0.9 ft |
| 2:25 PM | High | 10.3 ft |
| 8:24 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:40 AM | High | 11.0 ft |
| 8:57 AM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 3:15 PM | High | 10.3 ft |
| 9:18 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8443970, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
83°
Sunny
2%
79
91°
Sunny
1%
73
93°
Mostly Sunny
6%
71
87°
Sunny
3%
81
86°
Mostly Sunny
8%
81
83°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
24%
70
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
City lot — 2026 rates: $30 weekday / $35 weekend (8 AM–5 PM); $20/$25 partial after 3 PM. Reservations required Memorial Day–Labor Day via Blinkay; cash no longer accepted.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited May 1 – September 30. October 1 – March 31: leashed permitted, with unleashed dogs allowed only on EVEN-numbered days at Good Harbor. Salt Island accessible at low tide.
Entry Fee
Per-vehicle parking + $5 walk-in pedestrian fee for non-residents in season.
Address
Thatcher Rd, Gloucester, MA 01930
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Good Harbor Beach today?
Good Harbor 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 Good Harbor Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited May 1 – September 30. October 1 – March 31: leashed permitted, with unleashed dogs allowed only on EVEN-numbered days at Good Harbor. Salt Island accessible at low tide.
Is there an entry fee at Good Harbor Beach?
Per-vehicle parking + $5 walk-in pedestrian fee for non-residents in season.
Are there lifeguards at Good Harbor Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Good Harbor Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Good Harbor Beach?
Amenities at Good Harbor Beach include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, snack bar.
When is the water warmest at Good Harbor 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 Good Harbor Beach located?
Good Harbor Beach is in Essex County, MA, at Thatcher Rd, Gloucester, MA 01930.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS