81°
Smoke
47%
49
Essex County, MA · Atlantic Ocean
Crane Beach
290 Argilla Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938
Four miles of barrier-island sand on Ipswich Bay, managed by the Trustees of Reservations. Wide, gradual slope, fine white sand, and a 1,200-acre dune-and-pine-forest reservation behind it with hiking trails to the Castle Hill estate. Greenhead flies in late July are the price of admission.
Today's Conditions
Decent day for photography.
NWS alert active · 47% rain · 81°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Smoke and a chance of rain showers before 5pm, then smoke and a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. High near 81, with temperatures falling to around 75 in the afternoon. South wind around 18 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tonight
Smoke and a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then patchy smoke and a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11pm and midnight, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between midnight and 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southwest wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Weather
- 81°F air — ideal beach weather
- 47% rain — rain likely at some point
- 18 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything
Water
- 68°F water — swimmable, refreshing
Safety
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued july 18 at 12:41pm edt until july 19 at 12:00pm edt by nws boston/norton ma
35 /100
ok
24 Swim
38 Sunbathe
51 Walk
64 Photo
Best for photography today
Water level 0.8 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.
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued July 18 at 12:41PM EDT until July 19 at 12:00PM EDT by NWS Boston/Norton MA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and seas 3 to 5 feet. * WHERE...Coastal waters east of Ipswich Bay and the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and Massachusetts Bay and Ipswich Bay. * WHEN...Until noon EDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
81°F
Light Rain and Fog/Mist
Wind
18 mph
S
Rain
47%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
5 Moderate
Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~40m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 03 PM
Tomorrow
81°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
68°F
Refreshing
Next Low Tide
9:18 PM
0.3 ft · in 17m
Wave Height
2.0 ft
ESE swell
Barometer
29.80 inHg
1009 hPa
Water Quality
Above threshold
548 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 9mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:20 AM
Sunset
8:17 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:40 AM | High | 11.0 ft |
| 8:57 AM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 3:15 PM | High | 10.3 ft |
| 9:18 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:33 AM | High | 10.4 ft |
| 9:46 AM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 4:06 PM | High | 10.2 ft |
| 10:13 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:27 AM | High | 9.8 ft |
| 10:37 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 4:57 PM | High | 10.0 ft |
| 11:10 PM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:23 AM | High | 9.2 ft |
| 11:28 AM | Low | 1.1 ft |
| 5:48 PM | High | 9.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:07 AM | Low | 1.1 ft |
| 6:21 AM | High | 8.7 ft |
| 12:20 PM | Low | 1.6 ft |
| 6:41 PM | High | 9.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:05 AM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| 7:19 AM | High | 8.3 ft |
| 1:13 PM | Low | 2.0 ft |
| 7:34 PM | High | 9.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:03 AM | Low | 1.4 ft |
| 8:18 AM | High | 8.1 ft |
| 2:07 PM | Low | 2.2 ft |
| 8:28 PM | High | 9.4 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8443970, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
81°
Sunny
0%
80
81°
Sunny
0%
83
80°
Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
31%
67
79°
Rain Showers
86%
34
77°
Chance Rain Showers
31%
66
76°
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
18%
77
What to Bring Today
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 18 mph wind
- recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 68°F
- optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 47% rain chance
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Trustees lot at the entrance. Reservations strongly recommended summer weekends — book online.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited April 1 – September 30. Otherwise leashed access.
Entry Fee
$35/car weekday, $40/car weekend (peak season); $5 walk-in/bicycle; discounted after 4 PM. Free for Trustees members. Off-season access restricted to main beach; dogs prohibited in dunes, trails, and Steep Hill Beach year-round.
Address
290 Argilla Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Crane Beach today?
Crane 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 Crane Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited April 1 – September 30. Otherwise leashed access.
Is there an entry fee at Crane Beach?
$35/car weekday, $40/car weekend (peak season); $5 walk-in/bicycle; discounted after 4 PM. Free for Trustees members. Off-season access restricted to main beach; dogs prohibited in dunes, trails, and Steep Hill Beach year-round.
Are there lifeguards at Crane Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Crane Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Crane Beach?
Amenities at Crane Beach include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, snack bar, picnic area, hiking trails.
When is the water warmest at Crane 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 Crane Beach located?
Crane Beach is in Essex County, MA, at 290 Argilla Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS