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.

Eats & Drinks 5 Stay 5

Skip the beach today.

NWS alert active · 64°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

A slight chance of rain after 3pm. Mostly sunny. High near 64, with temperatures falling to around 58 in the afternoon. West wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight

A chance of rain before 5am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. West wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Weather

  • 64°F air — chilly for a beach day
  • 22% rain — pop-up showers possible

Water

  • 60°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
  • 4.3ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids

Safety

  • NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued november 7 at 1:10pm est until november 8 at 7:00pm est by nws boston/norton ma
skip
6 Swim
49 Sunbathe
64 Walk
69 Photo

Best for photography today

Water level 1.0 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.

NOAA station 8452660 · Observed 1.30 ft · Predicted 0.31 ft

Small Craft Small Craft Advisory

Small Craft Advisory issued November 7 at 1:10PM EST until November 8 at 7:00PM EST by NWS Boston/Norton MA

NWS · In effect through Nov 8, 7:00 PM

Full NWS statement

* WHAT...West winds 10 to 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and seas 4 to 6 feet expected. * WHERE...Rhode Island Sound and Block Island Sound. * WHEN...From 7 PM this evening to 7 PM EST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

Air Temp
64°F
Cloudy
Wind
8 mph
W
Rain
22%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
23 Good
Ozone · Coastal
UV Peak
3 Moderate
Peaks 12 PM · burn in ~67m
Burn-free before 11 AM & after 01 PM
Tomorrow
60°F
Sunny
Water Temp
60°F
Cold
Next Low Tide
11:38 PM
0.1 ft · in 5.1h
Wave Height
4.3 ft
7s · SSE swell
Sunrise
6:25 AM
Sunset
4:36 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Time Type Height
6:01 AM High 4.3 ft
12:03 PM Low 0.2 ft
6:21 PM High 3.6 ft
11:38 PM Low 0.1 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 8452660, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

Today Nov 7
64°

Slight Chance Light Rain

22%
31
Sun Nov 8
60°

Sunny

7%
51
Mon Nov 9
58°

Slight Chance Light Rain

17%
41
Tue Nov 10
59°

Mostly Sunny

0%
52
Wed Nov 11
59°

Sunny

1%
53
Thu Nov 12
55°

Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Light Rain

24%
41
Fri Nov 13
50°

Light Rain Likely

57%
8

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

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

lifeguardsrestroomsshowerssnack barpavilioncabana rentals
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.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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