93°
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
55%
15
St. Mary's County, MD · Potomac River
Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park
44720 Lighthouse Rd, Piney Point, MD 20674
Six acres on the Potomac anchored by Maryland's oldest lighthouse (1836). Small sandy beach, boardwalk, pier, and kayak launch with museum exhibits on-site. Swimming and fishing are not permitted from the beach — come for the history, the lighthouse, and the Potomac views.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · High nettle risk · 55% rain
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 5pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 105. Southwest wind around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11pm and 1am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1am and 2am. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 78. Heat index values as high as 101. Southwest wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Weather
- 93°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- 55% rain — rain likely at some point
Water
- 84°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- High nettle risk — 71% probability — reconsider swimming
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- NWS alert active — severe thunderstorm watch issued july 18 at 4:33pm edt until july 18 at 9:00pm edt by nws baltimore md/washington dc
8 /100
skip
0 Swim
24 Sunbathe
1 Walk
21 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Weather alert in effect
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 4:33PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 7:50AM EDT until July 18 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Atmosphere
Air Temp
93°F
Thunderstorms
Wind
13 mph
SW
Rain
55%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 12 PM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
88°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
84°F
Swimming weather
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
71% probability · Potomac buoy
Water Quality
Clean
10 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 11mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:57 AM
Sunset
8:27 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:58 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 11:46 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 6:34 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:12 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 6:53 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 12:31 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 7:27 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:05 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 7:47 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 1:15 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 8:19 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:00 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 8:42 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 2:01 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 9:13 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:58 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 9:41 AM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 2:50 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 10:10 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:56 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 10:41 AM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 3:42 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 11:06 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:52 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 11:38 AM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 4:35 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 11:57 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8578240, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
88°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
17%
46
85°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
18%
80
90°
Showers And Thunderstorms
78%
10
84°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
74%
11
78°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
20%
75
81°
Sunny
11%
85
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 13 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 84°F
- optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 55% rain chance
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 93°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Free lot at the museum.
Dogs
Leashed dogs permitted on grounds.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
44720 Lighthouse Rd, Piney Point, MD 20674
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park today?
Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic 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. 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 Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park dog-friendly?
Leashed dogs permitted on grounds.
Is there an entry fee at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park?
Entry to Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park is free.
Are there lifeguards at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park?
Amenities at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park include lighthouse, museum, boardwalk, pier, kayak launch, picnic area.
When is the water warmest at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park?
The tidal Potomac peaks in late July and August at 78-82°F. Swimmable from mid-June into September.
Where is Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park located?
Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park is in St. Mary's County, MD, at 44720 Lighthouse Rd, Piney Point, MD 20674.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS