77°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
21%
37
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
Great day for sunbathing.
Thunderstorms · 77°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. Southeast wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 9pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9pm and 10pm, then patchy fog. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Southwest wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Weather
- 77°F air — ideal beach weather
- 21% rain — pop-up showers possible
Water
- 63°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
37 /100
ok
19 Swim
70 Sunbathe
36 Walk
33 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
77°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
8 mph
SE
Rain
21%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
7 High
High 12 PM–02 PM · burn in ~29m
Burn-free before 11 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
74°F
Patchy Fog then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Water
Water Temp
63°F
Cold
Next High Tide
9:53 PM
9.8 ft · in 1.9h
Wave Height
1.3 ft
ESE swell
Barometer
30.02 inHg
1017 hPa
Water Quality
Above threshold
548 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 8mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:06 AM
Sunset
8:25 PM
Moon · 89%
Waxing Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:34 AM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 9:47 AM | High | 8.4 ft |
| 3:34 PM | Low | 1.9 ft |
| 9:53 PM | High | 9.8 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
74°
Patchy Fog then Slight Chance Rain Showers
16%
69
75°
Mostly Sunny
7%
77
79°
Mostly Sunny
1%
77
79°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
15%
77
83°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
28%
37
84°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
16%
44
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 7 — high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 63°F
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
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Crane Beach.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Crane Beach from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
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