Patchy Smoke
Nassau County, NY · Atlantic Ocean
Jones Beach State Park
1 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh, NY 11793
The flagship Long Island ocean park: 6.5 miles of Atlantic beach across eight fields, a 2-mile boardwalk, and more than 6 million visitors a year. Robert Moses-era landmark with the pencil-shaped water tower, a 15,000-seat amphitheater, and classic Art Deco bathhouses.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
93% rain · High rip current risk · NWS alert active
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Patchy smoke and showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Cloudy. High near 75, with temperatures falling to around 72 in the afternoon. South wind 14 to 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11pm and 5am. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy. Low around 71, with temperatures rising to around 73 overnight. Southwest wind 13 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Weather
- 75°F air — ideal beach weather
- 93% rain — wet day — beach day is off
- 18 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything
Water
- 74°F water — swimmable, refreshing
Safety
- High rip current risk — nws: life-threatening rip currents likely
- NWS alert active — rip current statement issued july 18 at 2:52am edt until july 18 at 9:00pm edt by nws upton ny
Best for photography today
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.
Rip Current Statement issued July 18 at 2:52AM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Upton NY
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected. * WHERE...Kings (Brooklyn), Southwest Suffolk, Southeast Suffolk, Southern Queens and Southern Nassau Counties. * WHEN...From 6 AM EDT this morning through this evening. * IMPACTS...Life-threatening rip currents are likely for all people entering the surf zone. Anyone visiting the beaches should stay out of the surf. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The high rip current risk is expected to continue for Suffolk county on Sunday.
Air Quality Alert issued July 17 at 3:28PM EDT by NWS Upton NY
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:40 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 11:57 AM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 5:55 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:06 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 6:25 AM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 12:48 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 6:47 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:57 AM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 7:12 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 1:37 PM | High | 5.1 ft |
| 7:45 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:47 AM | High | 4.5 ft |
| 8:01 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 2:24 PM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 8:47 PM | Low | 1.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:35 AM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 8:53 AM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 3:11 PM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 9:47 PM | Low | 1.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:26 AM | High | 4.0 ft |
| 9:46 AM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 4:01 PM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 10:43 PM | Low | 1.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:22 AM | High | 3.9 ft |
| 10:38 AM | Low | 1.1 ft |
| 4:55 PM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 11:33 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8531680, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
Sunny
Sunny
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Rain Showers
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
What to Bring Today
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 14 to 18 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 74°F
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 93% chance of rain
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.
Beach Info
Parking
Massive lots across eight fields (10,000+ spaces). $10/vehicle daily or Empire Pass ($85/yr). Central Mall and Field 4 fill first on hot weekends; Fields 6 and 10 usually have room.
Dogs
No dogs on the beach, boardwalk, or picnic areas from the Friday before Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Service animals exempt.
Entry Fee
$10/vehicle daily (Memorial Day – Labor Day) or Empire Pass $85/year.
Address
1 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh, NY 11793
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Jones Beach State Park today?
Jones Beach State 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. 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 Jones Beach State Park dog-friendly?
No dogs on the beach, boardwalk, or picnic areas from the Friday before Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Service animals exempt.
Is there an entry fee at Jones Beach State Park?
$10/vehicle daily (Memorial Day – Labor Day) or Empire Pass $85/year.
Are there lifeguards at Jones Beach State Park?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Jones Beach State Park during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Jones Beach State Park?
Amenities at Jones Beach State Park include lifeguards, restrooms, bathhouse, boardwalk, showers, snack bar, picnic area, playground.
When is the water warmest at Jones Beach State Park?
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 Jones Beach State Park located?
Jones Beach State Park is in Nassau County, NY, at 1 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh, NY 11793.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS