Rockingham County, NH · Atlantic Ocean
Hampton Beach
160 Ocean Blvd, Hampton, NH 03842
New Hampshire's flagship beach — a 1-mile sand strand backed by Ocean Boulevard, arcades, fried dough, free summer concerts at the Seashell Stage, and a Friday-night fireworks tradition. The summer-vacation New England beach in concentrated form. Hampton State Beach is the official designation; locals just say "Hampton."
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
NWS alert active
Safety
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued july 18 at 2:57pm edt until july 19 at 8:00am edt by nws gray me
Best for walking today
Small Craft Advisory issued July 18 at 2:57PM EDT until July 19 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Gray ME
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Southwest winds 20 to 30 kt and seas 6 to 9 ft. * WHERE...Coastal Waters from Stonington, ME to Port Clyde, ME out 25 NM, Coastal Waters from Port Clyde, ME to Cape Elizabeth, ME out 25 NM and Coastal Waters from Cape Elizabeth, ME to Merrimack River, MA out 25 NM. * WHEN...Until 8 AM EDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Water
Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference
No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (ANZ154)
The GYX 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.
- NHZ014 Coastal Rockingham — Portsmouth and Hampton n/a
- MEZ023 Coastal York — Old Orchard, Fortunes Rock, Wells, Ogunquit, n/a
- MEZ024 Coastal Cumberland — Scarborough, Higgins, and Crescent n/a
- MEZ025 Sagadahoc — Reid State Park and Popham n/a
- MEZ026 Lincoln — Pemaquid n/a
- MEZ027 Knox — Birch Point n/a
- MEZ028 Coastal Waldo — Moose Point State Park n/a
Sun & Moon
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:38 AM | High | 10.4 ft |
| 8:50 AM | Low | -0.6 ft |
| 3:14 PM | High | 9.7 ft |
| 9:12 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:32 AM | High | 9.8 ft |
| 9:41 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 4:05 PM | High | 9.6 ft |
| 10:10 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:26 AM | High | 9.2 ft |
| 10:32 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 4:56 PM | High | 9.4 ft |
| 11:08 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:22 AM | High | 8.6 ft |
| 11:24 AM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 5:47 PM | High | 9.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:06 AM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 6:19 AM | High | 8.1 ft |
| 12:17 PM | Low | 1.4 ft |
| 6:40 PM | High | 9.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:05 AM | Low | 1.1 ft |
| 7:18 AM | High | 7.8 ft |
| 1:12 PM | Low | 1.7 ft |
| 7:34 PM | High | 8.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:04 AM | Low | 1.1 ft |
| 8:18 AM | High | 7.6 ft |
| 2:07 PM | Low | 1.9 ft |
| 8:28 PM | High | 8.9 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8419317, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
What to Bring Today
Nothing unusual - conditions are unremarkable today.
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Paid municipal lots and metered street parking along Ocean Blvd. Fills early on weekends.
Dogs
Dogs allowed on Hampton Beach only before 8 AM and after 6 PM, Memorial Day – Labor Day, leashed. Permitted any time, leashed, Labor Day – Memorial Day. NH State Beach properties (the state park section) prohibit pets entirely May 1 – Sep 30.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
160 Ocean Blvd, Hampton, NH 03842
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Hampton Beach today?
Hampton 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 Hampton Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs allowed on Hampton Beach only before 8 AM and after 6 PM, Memorial Day – Labor Day, leashed. Permitted any time, leashed, Labor Day – Memorial Day. NH State Beach properties (the state park section) prohibit pets entirely May 1 – Sep 30.
Is there an entry fee at Hampton Beach?
Entry to Hampton Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Hampton Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Hampton Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Hampton Beach?
Amenities at Hampton Beach include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, arcades, restaurants, shops, boardwalk, concert stage.
When is the water warmest at Hampton 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 Hampton Beach located?
Hampton Beach is in Rockingham County, NH, at 160 Ocean Blvd, Hampton, NH 03842.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS