73°
Partly Sunny
1%
81
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
Great day for a beach walk.
73°F water · 73°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Partly sunny, with a high near 73. South wind around 13 mph.
Tonight
A slight chance of rain showers after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southwest wind 13 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Weather
- 73°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 73°F water — swimmable, refreshing
81 /100
great
82 Swim
77 Sunbathe
84 Walk
79 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
73°F
Clear
Wind
13 mph
S
Rain
1%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
5 Moderate
Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~40m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 04 PM
Tomorrow
74°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
73°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
11:29 PM
6.0 ft · in 4.2h
Wave Height
2.3 ft
3s · SSW swell
Barometer
30.19 inHg
Falling 1.4 hPa / 3h · buoy 44020
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:13 AM
Sunset
7:00 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:31 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 11:09 AM | High | 5.1 ft |
| 5:36 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 11:29 PM | High | 6.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:22 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 12:00 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
| 6:32 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:20 AM | High | 6.0 ft |
| 7:08 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 12:47 PM | High | 5.6 ft |
| 7:24 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:09 AM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 7:52 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 1:31 PM | High | 5.8 ft |
| 8:14 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:56 AM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 8:34 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 2:15 PM | High | 5.8 ft |
| 9:03 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:44 AM | High | 5.4 ft |
| 9:15 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 2:58 PM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 9:50 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:32 AM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 9:54 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 3:42 PM | High | 5.5 ft |
| 10:37 PM | Low | -0.0 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8447435, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
74°
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
15%
70
69°
Mostly Sunny
0%
78
68°
Sunny
0%
78
73°
Chance Rain Showers
47%
57
72°
Mostly Sunny
10%
80
72°
Sunny
0%
80
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 73°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