Jersey Shore Tide Charts
Plan your beach day with accurate NOAA tide predictions. Find high and low tide times for every NJ shore town, updated daily.
About Jersey Shore Tides
The Jersey Shore experiences semi-diurnal tides, meaning two high tides and two low tides approximately every 24 hours. The average tidal range is 4-5 feet, with larger swings during spring tides (full and new moons).
Best for Swimming
Mid-tide, rising water
Best for Shelling
Low tide
Best for Fishing
Rising tide to high
Monmouth County
Sandy Hook to Manasquan
Sandy Hook
monmouth County
Manasquan Inlet (USCG Station)
monmouth County
Ocean County
Point Pleasant to Long Beach Island
Point Pleasant
ocean County
Barnegat Inlet
ocean County
Beach Haven
ocean County
Atlantic County
Brigantine to Longport
Atlantic City
atlantic County
Cape May County
Ocean City to Cape May Point
Ocean City
cape may County
Stone Harbor
cape may County
Cape May
cape may County
Best Activities by Tide
Shell Hunting
Low tide exposes more beach and tidal pools
Best: low tide
Swimming
Calmer currents on rising mid-tide
Best: rising tide
Surfing
Moving water creates better wave shape
Best: rising or falling tide
Surf Fishing
Fish feed actively as tide pushes baitfish
Best: rising or high tide
Clamming
Access to exposed bay flats
Best: low tide
Kayaking
More water in back bays and marshes
Best: high tide
Beach Walking
Wider beach and firmer sand
Best: low tide
Sandcastle Building
Wet sand from receding water
Best: falling tide
Find Tides by Town
Each shore town has a dedicated tide page with predictions adjusted for that specific location. Browse all towns to find your beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tide for beach activities in New Jersey?
Low tide is ideal for shell hunting, exploring tidal pools, and maximizing beach space. Mid-tide rising is best for swimming as currents are calmer. High tide is often best for fishing from shore and surfing at certain breaks.
How often do tides change at the Jersey Shore?
The Jersey Shore experiences semi-diurnal tides, meaning two high tides and two low tides approximately every 24 hours and 50 minutes. Each tide cycle takes about 6 hours and 12 minutes.
Where can I find accurate tide predictions for NJ beaches?
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) provides official tide predictions for multiple stations along the Jersey Shore. Our tide charts use official NOAA CO-OPS data for accuracy.
What does MLLW mean in tide charts?
MLLW stands for Mean Lower Low Water, which is the average height of the lower of the two daily low tides. It is the standard reference datum for tide predictions in the United States.
Why are tide times different at nearby beaches?
Tides propagate along the coast and through inlets at different speeds based on water depth, coastline shape, and other factors. A tide may arrive 10-30 minutes earlier or later at nearby locations.
What is the tidal range at the Jersey Shore?
The average tidal range along the Jersey Shore is approximately 4 to 5 feet, though it varies by location. Spring tides (during full and new moons) can have ranges of 5-6 feet, while neap tides are smaller.
When is the best time to go clamming or crabbing?
Low tide is generally the best time for clamming as more of the bay bottom is exposed. For crabbing, the hour before and after slack tide (when the tide changes direction) is often most productive.
Do I need to worry about tides for swimming safety?
Yes. Incoming (rising) tides can create rip currents, especially near jetties and inlets. Outgoing (falling) tides can pull swimmers away from shore. Always swim near lifeguards and be aware of current conditions.
Tide predictions provided by NOAA CO-OPS (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
Predictions are based on astronomical tides. Actual water levels may vary due to weather conditions.