Partly Sunny
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
Ideal for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 80°F air · 74°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Partly sunny. High near 80, with temperatures falling to around 77 in the afternoon. South wind around 13 mph.
Tonight
A slight chance of rain showers after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind 13 to 17 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Weather
- 80°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 74°F water — swimmable, refreshing
Safety
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued september 9 at 2:06pm edt until september 10 at 8:00am edt by nws upton ny
Best for walking today
Small Craft Advisory issued September 9 at 2:06PM EDT until September 10 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Upton NY
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Southwest winds 10 to 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and seas 1 to 3 feet expected. * WHERE...Long Island Sound, New York Harbor, Peconic and Gardiners Bays, and South Shore Bays from Jones Inlet through Shinnecock Bay. * WHEN...Until 8 AM EDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Water
Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference
No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (ANZ331)
The OKX office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.
- NYZ075 Kings (Brooklyn) — Coney Island Beach and Manhattan Beach Low in the AM, becoming high late
- NYZ178 Southern Queens — Jacob Riis Park and Rockaway Beach Low in the AM, becoming high late
- NYZ179 Southern Nassau — Atlantic Beach, Long Beach, Lido Beach, Low in the AM, becoming high late
- NYZ080 Southwestern Suffolk — Gilgo State Park and Robert Moses State Park Low in the AM, becoming high late
- NYZ081 Southeastern Suffolk — Smith Point, Cupsogue Beach, Low in the AM, becoming high late
Sun & Moon
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:12 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 10:20 AM | High | 6.8 ft |
| 4:31 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 10:42 PM | High | 7.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:01 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 11:10 AM | High | 7.1 ft |
| 5:22 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 11:31 PM | High | 7.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:46 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 11:56 AM | High | 7.3 ft |
| 6:10 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:18 AM | High | 7.0 ft |
| 6:29 AM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 12:39 PM | High | 7.4 ft |
| 6:56 PM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:03 AM | High | 6.8 ft |
| 7:11 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 1:22 PM | High | 7.3 ft |
| 7:41 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:48 AM | High | 6.5 ft |
| 7:53 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 2:05 PM | High | 7.1 ft |
| 8:27 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:34 AM | High | 6.2 ft |
| 8:36 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 2:50 PM | High | 6.8 ft |
| 9:13 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8465705, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Chance Rain Showers
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 6 — high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 13 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 74°F
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