Mostly Cloudy
Essex County, MA · Atlantic Ocean
Salisbury Beach State Reservation
1 Beach Road, Salisbury, MA 01952
Massachusetts' northernmost state beach: nearly four miles of sand at the mouth of the Merrimack River with one of the largest oceanfront state campgrounds in New England.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for photography.
NWS alert active · 74°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Southeast wind around 8 mph.
Tonight
A chance of rain showers between 7pm and 11pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11pm and 2am, then patchy fog and showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind 8 to 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Weather
- 74°F air — ideal beach weather
- Cloud cover — overcast reduces uv exposure but the vibe too
Safety
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued september 9 at 2:18pm edt until september 10 at 8:00pm edt by nws gray me
Best for photography 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.
Small Craft Advisory issued September 9 at 2:18PM EDT until September 10 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Gray ME
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and seas 4 to 7 ft expected. * WHERE...Coastal Waters from Stonington, ME to Port Clyde, ME out 25 NM, Coastal Waters from Port Clyde, ME to Cape Elizabeth, ME out 25 NM and Coastal Waters from Cape Elizabeth, ME to Merrimack River, MA out 25 NM. * WHEN...From 8 PM this evening to 8 PM EDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:06 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 10:22 AM | High | 9.7 ft |
| 4:21 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:38 PM | High | 10.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:58 AM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 11:12 AM | High | 10.2 ft |
| 5:15 PM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 11:31 PM | High | 10.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:45 AM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 11:59 AM | High | 10.5 ft |
| 6:05 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:20 AM | High | 10.8 ft |
| 6:30 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 12:44 PM | High | 10.6 ft |
| 6:53 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:07 AM | High | 10.5 ft |
| 7:14 AM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 1:26 PM | High | 10.6 ft |
| 7:39 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:53 AM | High | 10.1 ft |
| 7:56 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 2:08 PM | High | 10.4 ft |
| 8:24 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:38 AM | High | 9.6 ft |
| 8:39 AM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 2:51 PM | High | 10.2 ft |
| 9:10 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8443970, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Sunny
Chance Rain Showers
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
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.
Beach Info
Parking
Vehicle entry fee Memorial Day weekend – Labor Day. Confirm current rate at the gate.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on the beach during the open season; leashed dogs allowed in the campground and on trails in the off-season.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
1 Beach Road, Salisbury, MA 01952
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Salisbury Beach State Reservation today?
Salisbury Beach State Reservation 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 Salisbury Beach State Reservation dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on the beach during the open season; leashed dogs allowed in the campground and on trails in the off-season.
Is there an entry fee at Salisbury Beach State Reservation?
Entry to Salisbury Beach State Reservation is free.
Are there lifeguards at Salisbury Beach State Reservation?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Salisbury Beach State Reservation during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Salisbury Beach State Reservation?
Amenities at Salisbury Beach State Reservation include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, campground, picnic area, fishing.
When is the water warmest at Salisbury Beach State Reservation?
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 Salisbury Beach State Reservation located?
Salisbury Beach State Reservation is in Essex County, MA, at 1 Beach Road, Salisbury, MA 01952.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS