Washington County, RI · Atlantic Ocean

Misquamicut State Beach

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

Skip the beach today.

85% rain · NWS alert active · 77°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Smoke and showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy. High near 77, with temperatures falling to around 71 in the afternoon. South wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

Smoke and showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then smoke and showers and thunderstorms likely between 7pm and 8pm, then areas of smoke and showers and thunderstorms likely between 8pm and 1am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1am and 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Southwest wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Weather

77°F air — ideal beach weather
85% rain — wet day — beach day is off

Water

68°F water — swimmable, refreshing

Safety

NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued july 18 at 12:41pm edt until july 19 at 12:00pm edt by nws boston/norton ma

20 /100

skip

12 Swim

22 Sunbathe

30 Walk

60 Photo

Best for photography 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.

NOAA station 8452660 · Observed 0.93 ft · Predicted 0.31 ft

Small Craft Small Craft Advisory

Small Craft Advisory issued July 18 at 12:41PM EDT until July 19 at 12:00PM EDT by NWS Boston/Norton MA

NWS · In effect through Jul 19, 4:00 PM

Full NWS statement

* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and seas 3 to 5 feet. * WHERE...Portions of Massachusetts coastal waters and Rhode Island coastal waters. * WHEN...Until noon EDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

77°F

Light Rain and Fog/Mist

Wind

14 mph

Rain

85%

This Afternoon

UV Peak

5 Moderate

Peaks 01 PM · burn in ~40m

Burn-free before 09 AM & after 02 PM

Tomorrow

79°F

Mostly Sunny

Water

Water Temp

68°F

Refreshing

Wave Height

2.6 ft

4s · SW swell

Water Quality

Clean

10 cfu/100mL · Enterococcus

USGS · sampled 10mo ago

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

5:29 AM

Sunset

8:17 PM

Moon · 18%

Waxing Crescent

Neap tides — smaller range

Tides

Time	Type	Height
5:04 AM	Low	0.0 ft
11:45 AM	High	4.2 ft
5:16 PM	Low	0.3 ft

Time	Type	Height
12:05 AM	High	3.9 ft
5:38 AM	Low	0.2 ft
12:38 PM	High	4.1 ft
6:09 PM	Low	0.6 ft

Time	Type	Height
12:55 AM	High	3.5 ft
6:15 AM	Low	0.4 ft
1:30 PM	High	3.9 ft
7:15 PM	Low	0.8 ft

Time	Type	Height
1:45 AM	High	3.2 ft
6:58 AM	Low	0.6 ft
2:21 PM	High	3.7 ft
8:40 PM	Low	1.0 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:36 AM	High	2.9 ft
7:49 AM	Low	0.7 ft
3:13 PM	High	3.5 ft
9:51 PM	Low	1.0 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:30 AM	High	2.7 ft
8:47 AM	Low	0.8 ft
4:10 PM	High	3.4 ft
10:44 PM	Low	0.9 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:31 AM	High	2.7 ft
9:46 AM	Low	0.8 ft
5:11 PM	High	3.4 ft
11:27 PM	Low	0.9 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 8452660, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Jul 18

77°

Smoke

85%

Sun Jul 19

79°

Mostly Sunny

Mon Jul 20

77°

Sunny

Tue Jul 21

77°

Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

43%

Wed Jul 22

75°

Showers And Thunderstorms

89%

Thu Jul 23

73°

Chance Rain Showers

35%

Fri Jul 24

74°

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

17%

What to Bring Today

recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 14 mph wind
recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 68°F
recommended Rain cover + dry bag 85% chance of rain

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

lifeguardsrestroomsshowerssnack barpavilioncabana rentals

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at Misquamicut State Beach today?

Misquamicut State 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 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.