89°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
60%
20
Galveston County, TX · Gulf of Mexico
Pirates Beach
Pirates Beach Dr at FM 3005, Galveston, TX 77554
A wide, low-key beach fronting the Pirates Beach and Pirates Beach West neighborhoods on Galveston's west end, between 12 Mile and 13 Mile Roads. Far less crowded than the Seawall; primarily used by rental-home guests and locals.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · 60% rain · 86°F water
Full NWS forecast for Today
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10am, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 10am and 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Heat index values as high as 102. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 82. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Weather
- 89°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- 60% rain — rain likely at some point
Water
- 86°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- UV 12 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
12 /100
skip
9 Swim
30 Sunbathe
3 Walk
9 Fish
24 Photo
Best for sunbathing 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.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
89°F
Clear
Wind
5 to 10 mph
S
Rain
60%
Today
UV Peak
12 Extreme
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~17m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
88°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
86°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
8:30 PM
-0.9 ft · in 5.2h
Wave Height
2.3 ft
SE swell
Barometer
30.11 inHg
1020 hPa
Water Quality
Clean
10 cfu/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 6mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
7:28 AM
Sunset
9:21 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:51 AM | High | 2.1 ft |
| 8:30 PM | Low | -0.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:35 AM | High | 2.1 ft |
| 9:26 PM | Low | -0.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:14 AM | High | 2.0 ft |
| 10:25 PM | Low | -0.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:51 AM | High | 1.9 ft |
| 12:35 PM | Low | 1.5 ft |
| 3:17 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 11:21 PM | Low | -0.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 7:28 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 12:58 PM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| 4:43 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:13 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 8:01 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 1:37 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 6:05 PM | High | 1.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:02 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 8:30 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 2:28 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 7:53 PM | High | 1.2 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8771341, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
88°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
56%
26
87°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
68%
20
88°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
39%
33
89°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
20%
43
90°
Mostly Sunny
7%
78
90°
Mostly Sunny
3%
79
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 12 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 86°F
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 60% chance of rain
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 89°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Major
11:10 PM - 1:10 AM
Minor
4:50 AM - 5:50 AM
Major
11:50 AM - 1:50 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Limited street parking near posted public access points; no dedicated public lot. Some adjoining stretches are members-only — watch for signage.
Dogs
Dogs allowed on leash year-round (Galveston Island west-end ordinance).
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Pirates Beach Dr at FM 3005, Galveston, TX 77554
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Pirates Beach today?
Pirates 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 Pirates Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs allowed on leash year-round (Galveston Island west-end ordinance).
Is there an entry fee at Pirates Beach?
Entry to Pirates Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Pirates Beach?
No lifeguards are stationed at Pirates Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Pirates Beach?
Amenities at Pirates Beach include public access points.
When is the water warmest at Pirates Beach?
The Gulf of Mexico is bathwater-warm by mid-summer — 84-88°F is typical from July through September on the FL Gulf, TX coast, and AL/MS coast. Swimming comfortable from April through October on most of the Gulf.
Where is Pirates Beach located?
Pirates Beach is in Galveston County, TX, at Pirates Beach Dr at FM 3005, Galveston, TX 77554.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS