80°
Chance Rain Showers
36%
65
Cameron County, TX · Gulf of Mexico
South Padre Island Beach
33174 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597
The southernmost beach town in Texas — 34 miles of barrier-island sand fronting clear Gulf water, a popular spring-break destination, but family-friendly outside that window. Sea Turtle Inc. rehab center is here, dolphin tours run from the harbor, and the SpaceX Boca Chica launch site is visible 5 miles south.
Today's Conditions
Great day for swimming.
80°F water · 80°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
A chance of rain showers before 4pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. East wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Tonight
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9pm and midnight, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between midnight and 4am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 4am and 5am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. East wind around 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Weather
- 80°F air — ideal beach weather
- 36% rain — pop-up showers possible
Water
- 80°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
65 /100
good
72 Swim
53 Sunbathe
62 Walk
66 Fish
71 Photo
Best for swimming 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
80°F
Cloudy
Wind
15 mph
E
Rain
36%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
29 Good
Ozone · Miami
UV Peak
6 High
High 12 PM–01 PM · burn in ~33m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 04 PM
Tomorrow
79°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Water
Water Temp
80°F
Swimming weather
Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference
No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (TXZ454)
The BRO office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.
- TXZ451 Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island — South Padre Island and Boca Chica n/a
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:42 AM
Sunset
5:43 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 7:10 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 3:51 PM | High | 2.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 7:38 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 4:52 PM | High | 2.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 8:08 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 5:52 PM | High | 2.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 8:40 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 6:58 PM | High | 2.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 9:17 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 8:12 PM | High | 1.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 9:57 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:18 PM | High | 1.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 10:42 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 10:10 PM | High | 1.9 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8779749, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
79°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
67%
10
78°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
58%
19
78°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
37%
37
77°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
40%
36
76°
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Cloudy
16%
67
75°
Sunny
3%
83
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 6 — high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 15 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 80°F
- optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 36% rain chance
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
9:40 PM - 11:40 PM
Minor
4:50 AM - 5:50 AM
Major
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Minor
4:10 PM - 5:10 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Cameron County parks (Andy Bowie, Isla Blanca) $10/day vehicle fee; drive-on beach access north of the city with permit.
Dogs
Dogs allowed leashed year-round on most of the beach (Isla Blanca near the jetty has restrictions).
Entry Fee
$10/day Cameron County Parks vehicle fee at Andy Bowie and Isla Blanca.
Address
33174 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at South Padre Island Beach today?
South Padre Island 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 South Padre Island Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs allowed leashed year-round on most of the beach (Isla Blanca near the jetty has restrictions).
Is there an entry fee at South Padre Island Beach?
$10/day Cameron County Parks vehicle fee at Andy Bowie and Isla Blanca.
Are there lifeguards at South Padre Island Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol South Padre Island Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at South Padre Island Beach?
Amenities at South Padre Island Beach include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, restaurants, sea turtle center, dolphin tours.
When is the water warmest at South Padre Island 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 South Padre Island Beach located?
South Padre Island Beach is in Cameron County, TX, at 33174 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS