Salisbury Beach Tides
Salisbury Beach's tide times come from NOAA's station 8440452, Plum Island, Merrimack River Entrance, which sits at the river mouth at the south end of the reservation. Like the rest of the Massachusetts coast, the beach gets two high tides and two low tides a day, each arriving roughly 50 minutes later than the day before. In July 2026 NOAA predicted high tides of 6.7 to 10 feet and low tides of -1 to 1.6 feet, so the water drops by 5 to 11 feet between high and low.
Tides at a Glance
Where to Get Today's Tide Times
Use NOAA's tide predictions page for station 8440452 (Plum Island, Merrimack River Entrance). It gives the day's high and low times and heights, and a month you can print. Tide apps draw on the same NOAA predictions. This guide doesn't print a daily table, because the times change every day.
How Big the Tides Are
From NOAA's July 2026 predictions for the river-entrance station:
- High tides: 6.7 to 10.0 feet above mean lower low water (MLLW, the chart datum).
- Low tides: -1.0 to 1.6 feet. A minus tide means the water drops below the chart datum; those are the lowest lows of the month.
- Drop from high to low: 5.1 to 11.0 feet.
- Timing: the median gap between high tides was 12 hours 28 minutes, which is why each day's tides come about 50 minutes later.
The biggest swings come around the new and full moon.
Why the Tide Matters Here
- More beach at low tide. A falling tide uncovers a wider strip of sand, which helps on a crowded summer day.
- The river mouth. The reservation's south end meets the Merrimack River between two stone jetties. The Army Corps of Engineers' north jetty runs 4,118 feet out from Salisbury Beach. Tide changes drive strong current through that entrance; stay off the rocks and out of the channel. See the jetty.
- Boat ramps. DCR's two boat ramps are on the river, so launching and hauling are easier around high tide. Check the day's times before you trailer a boat.
- Fishing. Anglers on the river side often plan around the moving water. See the jetty and fishing.
Tides and Weather
Wind and storms push the water higher or lower than the prediction. On a stormy day, check the National Weather Service forecast as well as the tide. See Salisbury Beach weather.
Salisbury Beach Tides FAQ
Where can I find Salisbury Beach tide times?
On NOAA's tide predictions page for station 8440452, Plum Island, Merrimack River Entrance, at the mouth of the Merrimack next to the reservation.
How much does the tide change at Salisbury Beach?
In July 2026 NOAA predicted a 5 to 11 foot drop between high and low tide at the Merrimack River entrance, with highs of 6.7 to 10 feet and lows of -1 to 1.6 feet.
How often is high tide at Salisbury Beach?
Twice a day. High tides come about 12 hours 28 minutes apart, so each one is roughly 50 minutes later than the day before.