73°
Sunny
0%
83
Barnstable County, MA · Atlantic Ocean
Lighthouse Beach
Main Street at Bridge Street, Chatham, MA 02633
The dramatic, ever-shifting beach below Chatham Light, where breaks in the offshore barrier let the Atlantic roll right in. Stunning to walk and photograph, with seals usually visible offshore — but rip currents and sandbars make it a swim-at-your-own-risk beach.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
74°F water · 73°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Sunny, with a high near 73. Northeast wind around 8 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Weather
- 73°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 74°F water — swimmable, refreshing
82 /100
great
81 Swim
80 Sunbathe
85 Walk
81 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.6 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.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
73°F
Clear
Wind
8 mph
NE
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
75°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
74°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
4:52 PM
0.2 ft · in 1.6h
Barometer
30.13 inHg
1020 hPa
Water Quality
Clean
20 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:15 AM
Sunset
8:14 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:08 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 10:38 AM | High | 4.5 ft |
| 4:52 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 10:51 PM | High | 6.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:07 AM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 11:37 AM | High | 4.7 ft |
| 5:55 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 11:49 PM | High | 6.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 7:03 AM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 12:32 PM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 6:54 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:44 AM | High | 6.5 ft |
| 7:56 AM | Low | -0.6 ft |
| 1:26 PM | High | 5.1 ft |
| 7:52 PM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:39 AM | High | 6.4 ft |
| 8:47 AM | Low | -0.6 ft |
| 2:19 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 8:48 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:33 AM | High | 6.2 ft |
| 9:35 AM | Low | -0.6 ft |
| 3:13 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 9:43 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:29 AM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 10:22 AM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 4:07 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 10:38 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8447435, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
75°
Sunny
0%
81
81°
Sunny
1%
77
85°
Sunny
6%
78
83°
Sunny
4%
84
82°
Mostly Sunny
8%
84
81°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
21%
75
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 74°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Limited 30-minute spots at the overlook; broader access via Eldredge lot (365 Main St) with shuttle, or street parking with a Chatham permit.
Dogs
Seasonal pet ban on town beaches May 1 – September 15. Leashed otherwise.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Main Street at Bridge Street, Chatham, MA 02633
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Lighthouse Beach today?
Lighthouse 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. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Lighthouse Beach dog-friendly?
Seasonal pet ban on town beaches May 1 – September 15. Leashed otherwise.
Is there an entry fee at Lighthouse Beach?
Entry to Lighthouse Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Lighthouse Beach?
No lifeguards are stationed at Lighthouse Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Lighthouse Beach?
Amenities at Lighthouse Beach include restrooms.
When is the water warmest at Lighthouse 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 Lighthouse Beach located?
Lighthouse Beach is in Barnstable County, MA, at Main Street at Bridge Street, Chatham, MA 02633.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS