84°
Showers And Thunderstorms
94%
3
Erie County, PA · Great Lakes
Presque Isle State Park
301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505
A 3,112-acre arching sand peninsula into Lake Erie, 4 miles west of the city — home to **13 beaches** and the only surf swimming in Pennsylvania. Beaches open 5 AM to sunset Memorial Day–Labor Day; swim only in designated guarded zones (wading to knee depth is allowed elsewhere). Wildly popular: over 4 million visitors a year.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
94% rain · Thunderstorms · NWS alert active
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 84. West wind around 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms likely before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 9pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9pm and 10pm, then patchy smoke between 10pm and 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Northwest wind 12 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Weather
- 84°F air — ideal beach weather
- 94% rain — wet day — beach day is off
- 20 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything
Water
- 79°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- NWS alert active — severe thunderstorm warning issued july 18 at 4:44pm edt until july 18 at 5:00pm edt by nws cleveland oh
2 /100
skip
0 Swim
3 Sunbathe
0 Walk
0 Fish
14 Photo
Best for photography today
Beach Hazard Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:48PM EDT until July 18 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...High risk of rip currents expected. * WHERE...Northern Erie County. * WHEN...From 10 AM EDT this morning through this evening. * IMPACTS...Wind and wave action will cause currents on the lakeshore. Swimmers should not enter the water. Currents can carry swimmers away from shore through a sand bar and along structures extending out into the lake.
Weather alert in effect
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 4:44PM EDT until July 18 at 5:00PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Special Marine Warning issued July 18 at 4:19PM EDT until July 18 at 5:30PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Special Marine Warning issued July 18 at 4:17PM EDT until July 18 at 6:15PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 1:02PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Atmosphere
Air Temp
84°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
20 mph
W
Rain
94%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 12 PM–04 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
75°F
Patchy Smoke
Water
Water Temp
79°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
11:05 PM
1.7 ft · in 2.1h
Water Quality
Clean
118 MPN/100mL · E. coli
USGS · sampled 9mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:00 AM
Sunset
8:53 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
75°
Patchy Smoke
0%
78
79°
Mostly Sunny
0%
87
80°
Showers And Thunderstorms
89%
9
70°
Chance Rain Showers
40%
45
73°
Sunny
5%
82
77°
Sunny
1%
86
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Beach shelter or anchored canopy 20 mph wind — umbrellas will flip
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 79°F
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 94% chance of rain
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Minor
10:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Major
3:50 AM - 5:50 AM
Minor
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Major
4:10 PM - 6:10 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Multiple lots along Peninsula Dr. Arrive early on summer weekends.
Dogs
Dogs permitted on leash except on swim beaches; Beach 10 has a designated dog beach.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Presque Isle State Park today?
Presque Isle State 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. 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 Presque Isle State Park dog-friendly?
Dogs permitted on leash except on swim beaches; Beach 10 has a designated dog beach.
Is there an entry fee at Presque Isle State Park?
Entry to Presque Isle State Park is free.
Are there lifeguards at Presque Isle State Park?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Presque Isle State Park during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Presque Isle State Park?
Amenities at Presque Isle State Park include lifeguards, 13 beaches, bathhouses, marina, trails, bike path, lagoons, nature center.
When is the water warmest at Presque Isle State Park?
Great Lakes water temperatures peak in late July and August at roughly 68-74°F near shore — cool compared to the ocean. Best swimming window is mid-July to late August.
Where is Presque Isle State Park located?
Presque Isle State Park is in Erie County, PA, at 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS