65°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
19%
31
Middlesex County, CT · Atlantic Ocean
Hammonasset Beach State Park
1288 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443
Connecticut's largest shoreline state park — 2 miles of Long Island Sound beach in Madison. Calmer sound water (not open Atlantic), nature center, camping, and bike paths through coastal forest. The default CT beach day from anywhere along the I-95 corridor.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
NWS alert active · 59°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
A slight chance of rain showers before 4pm. Mostly sunny. High near 65, with temperatures falling to around 60 in the afternoon. West wind around 9 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tonight
A chance of rain showers between 10pm and 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Northwest wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Weather
- 65°F air — cool but workable
Water
- 59°F water — cold — wetsuit or stay dry
- 4.9ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued november 7 at 3:19am est until november 8 at 6:00pm est by nws upton ny
31 /100
skip
2 Swim
53 Sunbathe
67 Walk
70 Photo
Best for photography today
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued November 7 at 3:19AM EST until November 8 at 6:00PM EST by NWS Upton NY
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...West winds 10 to 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and seas 2 to 4 feet expected. * WHERE...Long Island Sound, New York Harbor, Peconic and Gardiners Bays, and South Shore Bays from Jones Inlet through Shinnecock Bay. * WHEN...From noon today to 6 PM EST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
65°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
9 mph
W
Rain
19%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
38 Good
PM2.5 (fine particles) · New Haven
UV Peak
3 Moderate
Peaks 12 PM · burn in ~67m
Burn-free before 11 AM & after 01 PM
Tomorrow
61°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
59°F
Cold
Next High Tide
9:51 PM
6.3 ft · in 3.3h
Wave Height
4.9 ft
5s · WNW swell
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:28 AM
Sunset
4:39 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:11 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 9:23 AM | High | 7.1 ft |
| 3:47 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 9:51 PM | High | 6.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:54 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 10:05 AM | High | 7.1 ft |
| 4:29 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 10:34 PM | High | 6.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:35 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 10:45 AM | High | 7.0 ft |
| 5:09 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 11:15 PM | High | 6.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:15 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 11:24 AM | High | 6.9 ft |
| 5:49 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 11:56 PM | High | 6.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:54 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 12:04 PM | High | 6.7 ft |
| 6:28 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:38 AM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 6:35 AM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 12:46 PM | High | 6.5 ft |
| 7:10 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:21 AM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 7:18 AM | Low | 1.1 ft |
| 1:29 PM | High | 6.2 ft |
| 7:53 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8465705, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
61°
Sunny
5%
49
59°
Mostly Sunny
9%
48
60°
Mostly Sunny
0%
53
59°
Mostly Sunny
1%
53
55°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Light Rain
23%
42
51°
Chance Light Rain
39%
21
What to Bring Today
- critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 59°F — dangerously cold
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Large lots; entry fee in season.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on the swimming beach Apr 1 – Sept 30; leashed permitted Sept 30 – Apr 1. Leashed allowed in picnic areas year-round; campground allows pets after Columbus Day until May 1. Max 7-ft leash.
Entry Fee
Free with CT plates via Passport to the Parks. Out-of-state vehicles $15–$22 in season; $7 after 4 PM.
Address
1288 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Hammonasset Beach State Park today?
Hammonasset Beach State Park 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 Hammonasset Beach State Park dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on the swimming beach Apr 1 – Sept 30; leashed permitted Sept 30 – Apr 1. Leashed allowed in picnic areas year-round; campground allows pets after Columbus Day until May 1. Max 7-ft leash.
Is there an entry fee at Hammonasset Beach State Park?
Entry to Hammonasset Beach State Park is free.
Are there lifeguards at Hammonasset Beach State Park?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Hammonasset Beach State Park during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Hammonasset Beach State Park?
Amenities at Hammonasset Beach State Park include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, snack bar, campground, nature center, bike paths.
When is the water warmest at Hammonasset Beach State Park?
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 Hammonasset Beach State Park located?
Hammonasset Beach State Park is in Middlesex County, CT, at 1288 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS