Areas Of Smoke
York County, ME · Atlantic Ocean
Old Orchard Beach
11 First St, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
Seven miles of hard-packed sand backed by the famous Pier and a vintage seaside amusement park. A classic New England summer destination — pancakes, fried dough, taffy, and family beach culture since the 1800s. Wide, flat, gentle slope; the beach itself is one of the most family-friendly on the Maine coast.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
61% rain · NWS alert active · 57°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Rain showers likely and areas of smoke before 5pm, then areas of smoke and showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. South wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight
Areas of smoke and showers and thunderstorms likely before 9pm, then areas of smoke and a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southwest wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Weather
- 75°F air — ideal beach weather
- 61% rain — rain likely at some point
- 20 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything
Water
- 57°F water — cold — wetsuit or stay dry
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 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.
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
Sun & Moon
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:28 AM | High | 10.8 ft |
| 8:48 AM | Low | -0.8 ft |
| 3:06 PM | High | 10.0 ft |
| 9:09 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:22 AM | High | 10.2 ft |
| 9:38 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 3:58 PM | High | 9.9 ft |
| 10:06 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:18 AM | High | 9.5 ft |
| 10:29 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 4:50 PM | High | 9.7 ft |
| 11:04 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:15 AM | High | 8.9 ft |
| 11:20 AM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 5:41 PM | High | 9.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:03 AM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 6:13 AM | High | 8.4 ft |
| 12:12 PM | Low | 1.4 ft |
| 6:34 PM | High | 9.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:03 AM | Low | 1.1 ft |
| 7:13 AM | High | 8.0 ft |
| 1:07 PM | Low | 1.8 ft |
| 7:29 PM | High | 9.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:04 AM | Low | 1.2 ft |
| 8:13 AM | High | 7.8 ft |
| 2:05 PM | Low | 2.0 ft |
| 8:24 PM | High | 9.1 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8418150, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
Sunny
Sunny
Partly Sunny
Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny
What to Bring Today
- recommended Beach shelter or anchored canopy 15 to 20 mph wind — umbrellas will flip
- critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 57°F — dangerously cold
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 61% chance of rain
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Metered street parking and several paid municipal lots. Peak July/August weekends fill by 10 AM — arrive early or take the Amtrak Downeaster.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited 9 AM – 5 PM, May 15 through Labor Day. Leashed only (max 12-ft leash) 5 PM to dusk during summer. Allowed all day off-season.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
11 First St, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Old Orchard Beach today?
Old Orchard 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 Old Orchard Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited 9 AM – 5 PM, May 15 through Labor Day. Leashed only (max 12-ft leash) 5 PM to dusk during summer. Allowed all day off-season.
Is there an entry fee at Old Orchard Beach?
Entry to Old Orchard Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Old Orchard Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Old Orchard Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Old Orchard Beach?
Amenities at Old Orchard Beach include lifeguards, pier, amusement park, restrooms, showers, restaurants, shops, boardwalk.
When is the water warmest at Old Orchard 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 Old Orchard Beach located?
Old Orchard Beach is in York County, ME, at 11 First St, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS