Washington County, RI · Atlantic Ocean

Scarborough State Beach

Rhode Island's flagship ocean beach: wide sand, dependable surf, an observation tower, and a long boardwalk between the North and South lots. Big, busy, and well-run, with strong currents that justify the heavy lifeguard staffing.

Eats & Drinks 5

Today's Conditions

Great day for a beach walk.

NWS alert active · 73°F water · 75°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Partly sunny, with a high near 75. South wind around 13 mph.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind 12 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph.

Weather

75°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

79 Sunbathe

84 Walk

43 Fish

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.

NOAA station 8452660 · Observed 1.53 ft · Predicted 0.82 ft

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

NWS · In effect through Sep 10, 8:00 PM

Full NWS statement

* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and waves 2 to 4 feet expected. * WHERE...Narragansett Bay. * WHEN...From 8 PM this evening to 8 PM EDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

75°F

Clear

Wind

13 mph

Rain

This Afternoon

UV Peak

6 High

High 12 PM–02 PM · burn in ~33m

Burn-free before 10 AM & after 03 PM

Tomorrow

78°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

6:20 AM

Sunset

7:06 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

Today Sep 9

75°

Partly Sunny

Thu Sep 10

78°

Mostly Sunny

14%

Fri Sep 11

73°

Mostly Sunny

Sat Sep 12

71°

Mostly Sunny

Sun Sep 13

72°

Chance Rain Showers

54%

Mon Sep 14

75°

Mostly Sunny

Tue Sep 15

72°

Mostly Sunny

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).

Best Fishing Times Today

Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.

Major

10:20 PM - 12:20 AM

Minor

4:10 AM - 5:10 AM

Major

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Minor

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Beach Info

Parking

Weekday $6 RI / $12 non-resident; weekend $7 RI / $14 non-resident. Season passes $30 / $60.

Dogs

Pets prohibited on RI state beaches April 1 – September 30.

Entry Fee

$12 non-resident weekday / $14 weekend parking

Address

870 Ocean Road, Narragansett, RI 02882

Amenities

lifeguardsrestroomsshowerssnack barboardwalkfishing

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at Scarborough State Beach today?

Scarborough 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 Scarborough State Beach dog-friendly?

Pets prohibited on RI state beaches April 1 – September 30.

Is there an entry fee at Scarborough State Beach?

$12 non-resident weekday / $14 weekend parking

Are there lifeguards at Scarborough State Beach?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Scarborough 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 Scarborough State Beach?

Amenities at Scarborough State Beach include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, snack bar, boardwalk, fishing.

When is the water warmest at Scarborough 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 Scarborough State Beach located?

Scarborough State Beach is in Washington County, RI, at 870 Ocean Road, Narragansett, RI 02882.