Atlantic County, NJ · Atlantic Ocean
Margate City
Atlantic Ave & Jerome Ave, Margate City, NJ 08402
Lucy the Elephant's hometown — the oldest surviving roadside animal attraction in America, a 65-foot elephant-shaped building you can tour, plus a quiet residential beach and no boardwalk (rare for this stretch). Strictly no dogs, heavy fines.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 75°F water
Water
- 75°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- NWS alert active — coastal flood advisory issued july 12 at 4:25am edt until july 12 at 11:00pm edt by nws mount holly nj
Best for walking today
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.
Coastal Flood Advisory issued July 12 at 4:25AM EDT until July 12 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Up to one foot of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE...Cumberland, Atlantic, Cape May, Atlantic Coastal Cape May and Coastal Atlantic. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 11 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...At this level, flooding begins on the most vulnerable roads in coastal and bayside communities, and along inland tidal waterways. Some partial or full road closures are possible.
Atmosphere
Water
Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference
No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (ANZ452)
The PHI 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.
- NJZ014 Eastern Monmouth — Sandy Hook Moderate
- NJZ026 Coastal Ocean — Long Beach Island Moderate
- NJZ025 Coastal Atlantic — Atlantic City Moderate
- NJZ024 Atlantic Coastal Cape May — Ocean City Moderate
- DEZ004 Delaware Beaches — Rehoboth Beach Moderate
Sun & Moon
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:12 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 6:03 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 11:56 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 6:29 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:11 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 7:04 AM | High | 3.9 ft |
| 12:56 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 7:27 PM | High | 5.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:05 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 8:02 AM | High | 4.1 ft |
| 1:53 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 8:22 PM | High | 5.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:54 AM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 8:56 AM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 2:47 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 9:13 PM | High | 5.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:42 AM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 9:47 AM | High | 4.4 ft |
| 3:39 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 10:02 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:30 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 10:38 AM | High | 4.4 ft |
| 4:33 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 10:51 PM | High | 5.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:18 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 11:30 AM | High | 4.4 ft |
| 5:29 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 11:41 PM | High | 4.6 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8534720, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 75°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Metered street parking.
Dogs
No dogs on the beach at all. Memorial Day – Labor Day fines up to $1,000.
Entry Fee
Pre-season $10 (thru May 31), season $20 after Jun 1
Address
Atlantic Ave & Jerome Ave, Margate City, NJ 08402
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Margate City today?
Margate City 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 Margate City dog-friendly?
No dogs on the beach at all. Memorial Day – Labor Day fines up to $1,000.
Is there an entry fee at Margate City?
Pre-season $10 (thru May 31), season $20 after Jun 1
Are there lifeguards at Margate City?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Margate City during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Margate City?
Amenities at Margate City include lifeguards, Lucy the Elephant, restrooms, residential beach.
When is the water warmest at Margate City?
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 Margate City located?
Margate City is in Atlantic County, NJ, at Atlantic Ave & Jerome Ave, Margate City, NJ 08402.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS