77°
Partly Sunny
4%
67
Washington County, RI · Atlantic Ocean
Misquamicut State Beach
257 Atlantic Ave, Westerly, RI 02891
Rhode Island's flagship state beach in Westerly — a wide barrier-beach strand on the open Atlantic. The Westerly barrier-beach system stretches several miles; Misquamicut State Beach proper is a smaller pavilioned portion. Backing strip of amusements, mini-golf, and arcade culture. The default South County family beach.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 77°F air · 73°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Partly sunny, with a high near 77. South wind around 13 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind 13 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.
Weather
- 77°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 73°F water — swimmable, refreshing
Safety
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued september 9 at 2:58pm edt until september 10 at 8:00pm edt by nws boston/norton ma
67 /100
good
53 Swim
80 Sunbathe
85 Walk
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.7 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.
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued September 9 at 2:58PM EDT until September 10 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Boston/Norton MA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and seas 4 to 6 feet expected. * WHERE...Rhode Island Sound and Block Island Sound. * WHEN...From 8 PM this evening to 8 PM EDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
77°F
Cloudy
Wind
13 mph
S
Rain
4%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
6 High
High 12 PM–01 PM · burn in ~33m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 04 PM
Tomorrow
81°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
73°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
7:20 PM
4.4 ft · in 3m
Wave Height
2.3 ft
3s · SSW swell
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:21 AM
Sunset
7:07 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:52 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 6:52 AM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 12:37 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 7:20 PM | High | 4.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:27 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 7:42 AM | High | 4.5 ft |
| 1:27 PM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 8:06 PM | High | 4.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:59 AM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 8:29 AM | High | 4.6 ft |
| 2:14 PM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 8:51 PM | High | 4.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:30 AM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 9:14 AM | High | 4.6 ft |
| 2:58 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 9:34 PM | High | 4.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:01 AM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 9:58 AM | High | 4.5 ft |
| 3:38 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 10:17 PM | High | 3.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:34 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 10:42 AM | High | 4.3 ft |
| 4:16 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 11:01 PM | High | 3.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:09 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 11:27 AM | High | 4.0 ft |
| 4:54 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 11:47 PM | High | 3.2 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8452660, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
81°
Mostly Sunny
14%
75
74°
Sunny
1%
83
72°
Mostly Sunny
0%
82
73°
Chance Rain Showers
54%
53
76°
Mostly Sunny
4%
84
73°
Mostly Sunny
3%
82
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 73°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Large state lot — paid daily. Cabanas and pavilions for rent.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on the state beach April 1 – September 30. Leashed permitted October 1 – March 31.
Entry Fee
2026 daily parking: RI residents $10 weekday / $15 weekend; non-residents $20 weekday / $30 weekend.
Address
257 Atlantic Ave, Westerly, RI 02891
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Misquamicut State Beach today?
Misquamicut State 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. 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 Misquamicut State Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on the state beach April 1 – September 30. Leashed permitted October 1 – March 31.
Is there an entry fee at Misquamicut State Beach?
2026 daily parking: RI residents $10 weekday / $15 weekend; non-residents $20 weekday / $30 weekend.
Are there lifeguards at Misquamicut State Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Misquamicut State Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Misquamicut State Beach?
Amenities at Misquamicut State Beach include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, snack bar, pavilion, cabana rentals.
When is the water warmest at Misquamicut State 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 Misquamicut State Beach located?
Misquamicut State Beach is in Washington County, RI, at 257 Atlantic Ave, Westerly, RI 02891.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS