75°
Sunny
1%
71
Washington County, RI · Atlantic Ocean
Misquamicut State Beach
257 Atlantic Ave, Westerly, RI 02891
Rhode Island's flagship state beach in Westerly — a wide barrier-beach strand on the open Atlantic. The Westerly barrier-beach system stretches several miles; Misquamicut State Beach proper is a smaller pavilioned portion. Backing strip of amusements, mini-golf, and arcade culture. The default South County family beach.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
57°F water · 75°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 75. South wind around 8 mph.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 56. Southwest wind 3 to 8 mph.
Weather
- 75°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 57°F water — cold — wetsuit or stay dry
69 /100
good
54 Swim
83 Sunbathe
87 Walk
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.6 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.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
75°F
Clear
Wind
8 mph
S
Rain
1%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
76°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
57°F
Cold
Next High Tide
10:45 PM
3.4 ft · in 1.3h
Wave Height
1.6 ft
11s · SE swell
Water Quality
Clean
10 cfu/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 9mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:15 AM
Sunset
8:15 PM
Moon · 88%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:04 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:34 AM | High | 3.0 ft |
| 3:48 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 10:45 PM | High | 3.4 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
76°
Sunny
1%
71
80°
Mostly Sunny
0%
71
80°
Mostly Sunny
3%
71
71°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
71%
7
64°
Chance Rain Showers
26%
45
69°
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
15%
63
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 57°F — dangerously cold
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Large state lot — paid daily. Cabanas and pavilions for rent.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on the state beach April 1 – September 30. Leashed permitted October 1 – March 31.
Entry Fee
2026 daily parking: RI residents $10 weekday / $15 weekend; non-residents $20 weekday / $30 weekend.
Address
257 Atlantic Ave, Westerly, RI 02891
Amenities
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Misquamicut State Beach.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Misquamicut State Beach from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
Is Misquamicut State Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on the state beach April 1 – September 30. Leashed permitted October 1 – March 31.
Is there an entry fee at Misquamicut State Beach?
2026 daily parking: RI residents $10 weekday / $15 weekend; non-residents $20 weekday / $30 weekend.
Are there lifeguards at Misquamicut State Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Misquamicut State Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Misquamicut State Beach?
Amenities at Misquamicut State Beach include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, snack bar, pavilion, cabana rentals.
When is the water warmest at Misquamicut State 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 Misquamicut State Beach located?
Misquamicut State Beach is in Washington County, RI, at 257 Atlantic Ave, Westerly, RI 02891.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS