65°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
23%
54
New London County, CT · Atlantic Ocean
Rocky Neck State Park
244 West Main Street, Niantic, CT 06357
A half-mile crescent of sand on Long Island Sound with a striking 1930s WPA-era stone pavilion overlooking it. The 160-site campground in the woods behind the beach makes it one of CT's best multi-day coastal trips.
Today's Conditions
Decent day for photography.
Cool but workable
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
A slight chance of rain showers. Mostly sunny. High near 65, with temperatures falling to around 60 in the afternoon. West wind around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tonight
A chance of rain showers before 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. West wind 12 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Weather
- 65°F air — cool but workable
- 23% rain — pop-up showers possible
Water
- 4.3ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
54 /100
ok
46 Sunbathe
63 Walk
63 Fish
68 Photo
Best for photography today
Water level 0.9 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
65°F
Cloudy
Wind
13 mph
W
Rain
23%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
17 Good
PM2.5 (fine particles) · New London-Groton
UV Peak
3 Moderate
Peaks 12 PM · burn in ~67m
Burn-free before 11 AM & after 01 PM
Tomorrow
61°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
—
Next High Tide
7:53 PM
2.4 ft · in 1.3h
Wave Height
4.3 ft
7s · SSE swell
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:27 AM
Sunset
4:37 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:31 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 7:30 AM | High | 3.3 ft |
| 2:19 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 7:53 PM | High | 2.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:14 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 8:11 AM | High | 3.3 ft |
| 3:02 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 8:36 PM | High | 2.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:55 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 8:51 AM | High | 3.3 ft |
| 3:42 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:18 PM | High | 2.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:34 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 9:32 AM | High | 3.2 ft |
| 4:21 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 10:02 PM | High | 2.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:13 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 10:14 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 5:02 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 10:48 PM | High | 2.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:53 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 11:00 AM | High | 2.9 ft |
| 5:46 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 11:37 PM | High | 2.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:39 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 11:50 AM | High | 2.8 ft |
| 6:33 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8461490, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
61°
Sunny
5%
52
58°
Mostly Sunny
14%
51
59°
Mostly Sunny
0%
60
59°
Sunny
1%
62
55°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Light Rain
22%
49
51°
Chance Light Rain
39%
24
What to Bring Today
Nothing unusual - conditions are unremarkable today.
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
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Minor
4:30 AM - 5:30 AM
Major
9:10 AM - 11:10 AM
Minor
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Free for CT-registered vehicles. Out-of-state day pass required (rate varies by season).
Dogs
Leashed dogs allowed on trails and picnic areas north of the train tracks; not allowed on the beach or in buildings.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
244 West Main Street, Niantic, CT 06357
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Rocky Neck State Park today?
Rocky Neck State Park 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 Rocky Neck State Park dog-friendly?
Leashed dogs allowed on trails and picnic areas north of the train tracks; not allowed on the beach or in buildings.
Is there an entry fee at Rocky Neck State Park?
Entry to Rocky Neck State Park is free.
Are there lifeguards at Rocky Neck State Park?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Rocky Neck State Park during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Rocky Neck State Park?
Amenities at Rocky Neck State Park include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, snack bar, campground, picnic area, fishing.
When is the water warmest at Rocky Neck State Park?
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 Rocky Neck State Park located?
Rocky Neck State Park is in New London County, CT, at 244 West Main Street, Niantic, CT 06357.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS