Pirates Beach

Pirates Beach Dr at FM 3005, Galveston, TX 77554

A wide, low-key beach fronting the Pirates Beach and Pirates Beach West neighborhoods on Galveston's west end, between 12 Mile and 13 Mile Roads. Far less crowded than the Seawall; primarily used by rental-home guests and locals.

Great day for a beach walk.

87°F water

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Heat index values as high as 105. South wind around 10 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 82. Heat index values as high as 102. Southwest wind around 10 mph.

Weather

  • 90°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
  • Sunny skies — mostly sunny

Water

  • 87°F water — warm — full-day swim weather

Safety

  • UV 11 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
71 /100
great
73 Swim
69 Sunbathe
79 Walk
63 Fish
78 Photo

Best for walking today

Air Temp
90°F
Mostly Clear
Wind
10 mph
S
Rain
12%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
11 Extreme
High 11 AM–04 PM · burn in ~18m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
90°F
Mostly Sunny
Water Temp
87°F
Swimming weather
Wave Height
2.3 ft
SSW swell
Barometer
30.07 inHg
1018 hPa
Water Quality
Clean
10 cfu/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 7mo ago
Sunrise
7:32 AM
Sunset
9:19 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Time Type Height
1:02 AM Low 0.1 ft
8:30 AM High 1.4 ft
2:28 PM Low 0.8 ft
7:53 PM High 1.2 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 8771341, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

Today Jul 18
90°

Mostly Sunny

12%
77
Sun Jul 19
90°

Mostly Sunny

2%
79
Mon Jul 20
90°

Sunny

0%
76
Tue Jul 21
91°

Sunny

1%
74
Wed Jul 22
90°

Sunny

12%
74
Thu Jul 23
91°

Sunny

12%
72
Fri Jul 24
90°

Sunny

12%
77
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 11 — very high
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 87°F
  • critical Extra water / electrolytes 90°F - heat risk

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.

Minor
11:30 PM - 12:30 AM
Major
4:50 AM - 6:50 AM
Minor
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Major
5:10 PM - 7:10 PM

Parking

Limited street parking near posted public access points; no dedicated public lot. Some adjoining stretches are members-only — watch for signage.

Dogs

Dogs allowed on leash year-round (Galveston Island west-end ordinance).

Entry Fee

Free

Address

Pirates Beach Dr at FM 3005, Galveston, TX 77554

public access points
Is it safe to swim at Pirates Beach today?

Pirates 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 Pirates Beach dog-friendly?

Dogs allowed on leash year-round (Galveston Island west-end ordinance).

Is there an entry fee at Pirates Beach?

Entry to Pirates Beach is free.

Are there lifeguards at Pirates Beach?

No lifeguards are stationed at Pirates Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.

What amenities are at Pirates Beach?

Amenities at Pirates Beach include public access points.

When is the water warmest at Pirates Beach?

The Gulf of Mexico is bathwater-warm by mid-summer — 84-88°F is typical from July through September on the FL Gulf, TX coast, and AL/MS coast. Swimming comfortable from April through October on most of the Gulf.

Where is Pirates Beach located?

Pirates Beach is in Galveston County, TX, at Pirates Beach Dr at FM 3005, Galveston, TX 77554.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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