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

Decent day for photography.

63°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

A slight chance of rain after 4pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 63. Northwest wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

A chance of rain before 5am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. West wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Weather

63°F air — chilly for a beach day

Water

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

46 /100

35 Swim

48 Sunbathe

65 Walk

63 Fish

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

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

63°F

Cloudy

Wind

9 mph

Rain

19%

This Afternoon

Air Quality

23 Good

Ozone · Coastal

UV Peak

2 Low

Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~100m

Burn-free before 10 AM & after 12 PM

Tomorrow

60°F

Sunny

Water

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

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

6:24 AM

Sunset

4:34 PM

Moon · 5%

Waning Crescent

Spring tides — bigger range

Tides

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

Time	Type	Height
6:44 AM	High	4.3 ft
12:36 PM	Low	0.2 ft
7:04 PM	High	3.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
12:11 AM	Low	0.1 ft
7:24 AM	High	4.3 ft
1:10 PM	Low	0.2 ft
7:44 PM	High	3.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
12:48 AM	Low	0.1 ft
8:04 AM	High	4.1 ft
1:47 PM	Low	0.2 ft
8:24 PM	High	3.3 ft

Time	Type	Height
1:28 AM	Low	0.2 ft
8:43 AM	High	3.9 ft
2:25 PM	Low	0.3 ft
9:04 PM	High	3.2 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:09 AM	Low	0.3 ft
9:22 AM	High	3.6 ft
3:03 PM	Low	0.4 ft
9:45 PM	High	3.0 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:51 AM	Low	0.4 ft
10:02 AM	High	3.4 ft
3:42 PM	Low	0.5 ft
10:29 PM	High	2.8 ft

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

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Nov 7

63°

Slight Chance Light Rain

19%

Sun Nov 8

60°

Sunny

Mon Nov 9

58°

Slight Chance Light Rain then Mostly Sunny

15%

Tue Nov 10

58°

Mostly Sunny

Wed Nov 11

59°

Sunny

Thu Nov 12

55°

Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Light Rain

22%

Fri Nov 13

50°

Light Rain Likely

57%

What to Bring Today

recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 60°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

8:50 PM - 10:50 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

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.