75°
Rain Showers
81%
35
Barnstable County, MA · Atlantic Ocean
Lighthouse Beach
Main Street at Bridge Street, Chatham, MA 02633
The dramatic, ever-shifting beach below Chatham Light, where breaks in the offshore barrier let the Atlantic roll right in. Stunning to walk and photograph, with seals usually visible offshore — but rip currents and sandbars make it a swim-at-your-own-risk beach.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
81% rain · NWS alert active · 74°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Rain showers and areas of smoke. Cloudy, with a high near 75. South wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tonight
Rain showers likely and areas of smoke before 8pm, then areas of smoke and showers and thunderstorms likely between 8pm and 10pm, then patchy smoke and showers and thunderstorms likely between 10pm and 4am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 69. Southwest wind 14 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Weather
- 75°F air — ideal beach weather
- 81% rain — wet day — beach day is off
Water
- 74°F water — swimmable, refreshing
Safety
- NWS alert active — rip current statement issued july 18 at 12:40pm edt until july 19 at 8:00pm edt by nws boston/norton ma
33 /100
skip
17 Swim
16 Sunbathe
29 Walk
58 Photo
Best for photography today
Water level 0.9 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.
Rip Currents Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 18 at 12:40PM EDT until July 19 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Boston/Norton MA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected. * WHERE...Washington, Southern Bristol MA, Barnstable MA, Dukes MA, Nantucket MA, and Newport RI Counties. * WHEN...From Sunday morning through Sunday evening. * IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
Weather alert in effect
Air Quality Alert issued July 17 at 6:08PM EDT by NWS Boston/Norton MA
Atmosphere
Air Temp
75°F
Mostly Clear
Wind
17 mph
S
Rain
81%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
5 Moderate
Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~40m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 03 PM
Tomorrow
76°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
74°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
10:38 PM
-0.1 ft · in 1.5h
Wave Height
2.3 ft
S swell
Barometer
29.85 inHg
1011 hPa
Water Quality
Clean
20 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:20 AM
Sunset
8:10 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:29 AM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 10:22 AM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 4:07 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 10:38 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:24 AM | High | 5.5 ft |
| 11:08 AM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 4:59 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 11:33 PM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:20 AM | High | 5.1 ft |
| 11:55 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 5:52 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30 AM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 6:18 AM | High | 4.7 ft |
| 12:42 PM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 6:45 PM | High | 5.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:29 AM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 7:18 AM | High | 4.4 ft |
| 1:32 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 7:39 PM | High | 5.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:27 AM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 8:16 AM | High | 4.1 ft |
| 2:22 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 8:32 PM | High | 5.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:23 AM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 9:13 AM | High | 4.0 ft |
| 3:12 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 9:24 PM | High | 5.0 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8447435, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
76°
Sunny
12%
79
75°
Sunny
0%
84
77°
Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
27%
72
80°
Showers And Thunderstorms
87%
3
77°
Rain Showers Likely
56%
52
77°
Chance Rain Showers
30%
69
What to Bring Today
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 17 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 74°F
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 81% chance of rain
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Limited 30-minute spots at the overlook; broader access via Eldredge lot (365 Main St) with shuttle, or street parking with a Chatham permit.
Dogs
Seasonal pet ban on town beaches May 1 – September 15. Leashed otherwise.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Main Street at Bridge Street, Chatham, MA 02633
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Lighthouse Beach today?
Lighthouse 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. 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 Lighthouse Beach dog-friendly?
Seasonal pet ban on town beaches May 1 – September 15. Leashed otherwise.
Is there an entry fee at Lighthouse Beach?
Entry to Lighthouse Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Lighthouse Beach?
No lifeguards are stationed at Lighthouse Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Lighthouse Beach?
Amenities at Lighthouse Beach include restrooms.
When is the water warmest at Lighthouse 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 Lighthouse Beach located?
Lighthouse Beach is in Barnstable County, MA, at Main Street at Bridge Street, Chatham, MA 02633.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS