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.

Decent day for sunbathing.

Thunderstorms · 82°F water · 85°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. East wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 4am, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 78. East wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Weather

  • 85°F air — ideal beach weather
  • 30% rain — pop-up showers possible

Water

  • 82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather

Safety

  • Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
  • UV 10 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
42 /100
ok
32 Swim
67 Sunbathe
36 Walk
42 Fish
33 Photo

Best for sunbathing today

Water level 0.7 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 8771341 · Observed 2.19 ft · Predicted 1.50 ft

Air Temp
85°F
Clear
Wind
15 mph
E
Rain
30%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
10 Very High
High 12 PM–04 PM · burn in ~20m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
85°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Water Temp
82°F
Swimming weather
Barometer
29.99 inHg
1016 hPa
Sunrise
7:20 AM
Sunset
9:15 PM
Moon · 87%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
7-day chart →
Time Type Height
8:53 AM High 1.9 ft
Today Jun 3
85°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

30%
46
Thu Jun 4
85°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

58%
34
Fri Jun 5
86°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

34%
46
Sat Jun 6
86°

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

24%
46
Sun Jun 7
86°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

30%
46
Mon Jun 8
86°

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

18%
53
Tue Jun 9
87°

Mostly Sunny

11%
85
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 10 — very high
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 82°F
  • optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 30% rain chance

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
11:10 PM - 12:10 AM
Major
3:40 AM - 5:40 AM
Minor
9:20 AM - 10:20 AM
Major
4:10 PM - 6:10 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 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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