93°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
69%
10
Baltimore County, MD · Chesapeake Bay
Cox's Point Park
550 Riverside Dr, Essex, MD 21221
A 20-acre Baltimore County park at the mouth of Back River in Essex, with small sandy shoreline, fishing pier, and pavilions. Back River water quality limits swimming appeal, but it's a solid spot for sunset views, crabbing, and a quick waterfront stroll.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
69% rain · Thunderstorms · NWS alert active
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy. High near 93, with temperatures falling to around 87 in the afternoon. Heat index values as high as 102. Southwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. West wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Weather
- 93°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- 69% rain — rain likely at some point
Water
- 84°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- Moderate nettle risk — 40% probability — expect some stings
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- NWS alert active — tornado watch issued july 18 at 4:33pm edt until july 18 at 9:00pm edt by nws baltimore md/washington dc
4 /100
skip
0 Swim
16 Sunbathe
0 Walk
0 Fish
19 Photo
Best for photography today
Weather alert in effect
Tornado Watch issued July 18 at 4:33PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Flood Watch issued July 18 at 11:43AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 7:50AM EDT until July 18 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Air Quality Alert issued July 17 at 4:40PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Atmosphere
Air Temp
93°F
Light Thunderstorms and Light Rain
Wind
10 mph
SW
Rain
69%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–02 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
88°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
84°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
11:17 PM
1.6 ft · in 2.3h
Sea Nettles
Moderate nettle risk
40% probability · Baltimore Harbor buoy
Water Quality
Clean
10 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:53 AM
Sunset
8:30 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:41 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 10:36 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 5:24 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 11:17 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:46 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 11:22 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 6:02 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:19 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 6:51 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 12:10 PM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 6:40 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:17 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 7:54 AM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 1:00 PM | High | 1.2 ft |
| 7:15 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:10 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 9:04 AM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 1:49 PM | High | 1.1 ft |
| 7:52 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:04 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 10:18 AM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 2:42 PM | High | 1.1 ft |
| 8:32 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:59 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 11:17 AM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 3:41 PM | High | 1.0 ft |
| 9:23 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8574857, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
88°
Mostly Sunny
3%
83
87°
Sunny
3%
84
90°
Showers And Thunderstorms
79%
10
87°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
60%
22
83°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
17%
77
85°
Sunny
6%
85
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 84°F
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 69% chance of rain
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 93°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
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.
Minor
10:20 PM - 11:20 PM
Major
3:40 AM - 5:40 AM
Minor
10:10 AM - 11:10 AM
Major
3:50 PM - 5:50 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Free lot.
Dogs
Dogs permitted on leash.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
550 Riverside Dr, Essex, MD 21221
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Cox's Point Park today?
Cox's Point 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. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Cox's Point Park dog-friendly?
Dogs permitted on leash.
Is there an entry fee at Cox's Point Park?
Entry to Cox's Point Park is free.
Are there lifeguards at Cox's Point Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Cox's Point Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Cox's Point Park?
Amenities at Cox's Point Park include fishing pier, pavilions, playground, restrooms, picnic area, boat ramp nearby.
When is the water warmest at Cox's Point Park?
The Chesapeake warms quickly — water temperatures peak in late July and August, typically 78-82°F. Swimming comfortable from mid-June through September.
Where is Cox's Point Park located?
Cox's Point Park is in Baltimore County, MD, at 550 Riverside Dr, Essex, MD 21221.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS