Ballycastle tides today
- Tide now 7.2 ft ↓ falling · low 12:51 am (2.1 ft)
- Best time tomorrow 7:00–8:10 am average day · 6/10
- Beach day Not today Not a beach day · 0/10
- Waves · water 6.3 ft · 56 °F moderate · 9.8 s from the northwest
- Wind · air 10 mph · 54 °F from the SSE, gusts 15 · overcast
- Surf tomorrow 2.9–4.5 ft Good day · 6/10 · 7:00–11:00 am
- Sun 7:31 am–5:11 pm 9 h 40 min of daylight
- Moon 92% · 5:43 pm waning gibbous · rises at 5:43 pm
Today in Ballycastle there are high tides at 6:32 am (12.8 ft) and 6:53 pm (12.4 ft) and low tides at 12:12 am and 12:38 pm. Tide coefficient 100. Right now the tide is falling toward the low tide at 12:51 am. The sun rises at 7:31 am and sets at 5:11 pm: 9 h 40 min of daylight. The moon is 92% illuminated (waning gibbous) and rises at 5:43 pm. Major solunar periods run from 1:01 am to 3:01 am and from 1:32 pm to 3:32 pm. The next spring tides arrive from October 26 to 28. The sea is moderate, with 6.3 ft waves. There's a gentle breeze from the south-southeast (10 mph). Overcast, 54 °F.
Fishing in Ballycastle today
Best time to fish
Solunar activity today: high- High tide at 6:32 am, coefficient 100
- Sunrise at 7:31 am
- Rising pressure (+0.66 inHg in 24 h), light offshore wind (11 mph) and rough sea: 9.8 ft waves
- Waning gibbous: a bit more activity than at the quarters
- Highest tide coefficient today: 100 (big spring tides)
- A minor period lines up with sunset
Your day at a glance
The best window, 6:50 am to 7:30 am, combines the 6:32 am high tide and sunrise, though with rising pressure and rough seas. Also worth a try from 5:10 pm to 6:10 pm, with the 6:53 pm high tide, moonrise and sunset, though with rising pressure.
Species with the most records nearby: European plaice, haddock, whiting and small-spotted catshark. October is one of the months when these are seen most: small-spotted catshark and thornback ray. What you can catch
Beach day in Ballycastle
Is it a beach day?
- Low tide at 12:38 pm: more sand
- Cloudy (93% cloud cover)
- Feels like 54 °F: chilly for the beach
- Moderate offshore wind (13 mph): it blows floats and inflatables out to sea
- Dangerous for swimming: 9.3 ft waves every 10 s; high rip current risk
- Water at 56 °F (very cold)
Dangerous surf during beach hours. Stay out if the red flag is up, and never swim where there is no lifeguard.
Today, hour by hour
- Swimming Dangerous · 9.3 ft
9.3 ft waves every 10 s: dangerous for swimming. Stay out if the red flag is up. High rip current risk. If you're caught in a rip current, don't swim against it: swim parallel to shore and wave for help. Always follow the lifeguard's flags.
- Water 56 °F
Very cold: ease in and keep swims short.
- Sun & sunscreen UV 1 · SPF 15
Max UV 1 (low): SPF 15 sunscreen.
- Wind 13 mph
Moderate offshore wind (13 mph). Skip the inflatables: offshore wind carries them out to sea.
- Tide & sand 12:12 am
Low tide at 12:12 am and 12:38 pm: that's when there's the most sand. High tide at 6:32 am and 6:53 pm.
We don't have data on jellyfish, sargassum or beach closures: ask the lifeguard or check with the local beach authority. How it works · The next 7 days
Beaches near Ballycastle
Map: OpenFreeMap · © OpenMapTiles · © OpenStreetMap contributors
- Ballycastle Beach 1.0 mi · NW
- Parking
- Lacken Strand 4.9 mi · E
- Parking
Named beaches within 6.2 mi, nearest first. Amenities from OpenStreetMap: some may be missing or out of date. View on OpenStreetMap · Add or fix on OpenStreetMap
Beaches and amenities: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Bathing water quality: European Environment Agency (EEA), with data from the authorities of Ireland.
Webcams near Ballycastle
Webcams provided by windy.com — add a webcam
Tides in Ballycastle
Today's high and low tides
- ▼ Low tide 12:12 am 1.6 ft
- ▲ High tide 6:32 am 12.8 ft · coef. 100
- ▼ Low tide 12:38 pm 2.0 ft
- ▲ High tide 6:53 pm 12.4 ft · coef. 98
↓ Falling The tide is falling. 3 h 0 min to low tide at 12:51 am.
Tide coefficient 100 for the 6:32 am high tide and 98 for the 6:53 pm high tide. Big spring tides. The water rises and falls 11.2 ft between the highest high and the lowest low: a large range for this place. 70 is an average tide here; 90 and above means spring tides; below 45, neap tides. What is the tide coefficient?
2026 extremes: the highest tide of the year is on August 14 (13.9 ft) and the lowest, on April 18 (0.7 ft).
Semidiurnal: two high and two low tides a day, of similar height.
Heights above chart datum: the lowest astronomical tide (LAT), the zero of nautical charts in Europe. Astronomical prediction: wind and air pressure can raise or lower the water by a few inches, and more in a storm. Not for navigation. chart datum (LAT)
Tide coefficient and range in October
The biggest tides of the month came from October 27 to 28 (coefficient 101, 11.2 ft range). The smallest, on October 19 (coefficient 28, 4.1 ft).
Tide and solunar table · this week
| Day | Sun | Tide 1 | Tide 2 | Tide 3 | Tide 4 | Coef. | Moon | Major periods | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today, Wed 28 | 7:31 am · 5:11 pm | Low tide 12:12 am · 1.6 ft | High tide 6:32 am · 12.8 ft | Low tide 12:38 pm · 2.0 ft | High tide 6:53 pm · 12.4 ft | Coef. 100 | 92% | Major periods 1:01 am · 1:32 pm | High |
| Thu 29 | 7:33 am · 5:09 pm | Low tide 12:51 am · 2.1 ft | High tide 7:15 am · 12.7 ft | Low tide 1:25 pm · 2.2 ft | High tide 7:42 pm · 11.8 ft | Coef. 94 | 85% | Major periods 2:04 am · 2:37 pm | High |
| Fri 30 | 7:35 am · 5:07 pm | Low tide 1:34 am · 2.8 ft | High tide 8:02 am · 12.4 ft | Low tide 2:18 pm · 2.7 ft | High tide 8:37 pm · 11.0 ft | Coef. 84 | 76% | Major periods 3:09 am · 3:41 pm | Medium |
| Sat 31 | 7:37 am · 5:04 pm | Low tide 2:22 am · 3.6 ft | High tide 8:55 am · 11.9 ft | Low tide 3:22 pm · 3.3 ft | High tide 9:42 pm · 10.1 ft | Coef. 70 | 65% | Major periods 4:12 am · 4:42 pm | Medium |
| Sun 1 | 7:39 am · 5:02 pm | Low tide 3:21 am · 4.5 ft | High tide 9:59 am · 11.3 ft | Low tide 4:39 pm · 3.8 ft | High tide 10:59 pm · 9.4 ft | Coef. 57 | Last quarter | Major periods 5:11 am · 5:38 pm | Medium |
| Mon 2 | 7:41 am · 5:00 pm | Low tide 4:36 am · 5.2 ft | High tide 11:14 am · 11.0 ft | Low tide 6:06 pm · 3.9 ft | — | Coef. 50 | 43% | Major periods 6:04 am · 6:30 pm | Medium |
| Tue 3 | 7:43 am · 4:58 pm | High tide 12:23 am · 9.2 ft | Low tide 6:05 am · 5.4 ft | High tide 12:34 pm · 10.9 ft | Low tide 7:26 pm · 3.6 ft | Coef. 50 | 32% | Major periods 6:54 am · 7:17 pm | Medium |
▲ high tide · ▼ low tide · heights above chart datum (LAT). Major periods: start time; they last 2 hours. Activity: based on the moon phase and the solunar periods.
Where this tide comes from
Ballycastle has no station of its own, so we use the tide at Ballyglass (Marine Institute), 21 mi away. On the open coast the difference is usually a few minutes and inches; inside estuaries, rivers and enclosed bays it can be much larger.
Station data attribution: Marine Institute, Ireland: tide prediction for Ballyglass, https://erddap.marine.ie/erddap/tabledap/imiTidePrediction.html. Licensed CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Modified: harmonic constants fitted by TidePlanet from the hourly prediction of 2026.
The sea at Ballycastle
Sea stateSea state: moderate
The waves you may find
- Most commonMost common3.1 ft
- Significant6.3 ft
- Highest expectedHighest13 ft
One wave in seven is higher than the significant height, and about 3 times a day one reaches 13 ft. Before heading out, expect waves of up to 13 ft.
Wind on the coast and offshore
Offshore wind. The coast faces north and the wind blows from land out to sea: calm shore and clean waves, but watch the drift out to sea.
Wave height, next 7 daysWaves, next 7 days
Waves ease over the next few days. The biggest waves arrive on Wednesday 28: 12 ft with a period of 11 s, from the northwest (rough).
Water temperature
Water temperature →Water temperature changes how fish behave: in very cold or very warm water they feed less. The water is steady these days, with no sudden changes.
Water warmer than normal for late October (+1.0 °F).
Satellite: NASA MUR (JPL MUR MEaSUREs, PO.DAAC), doi:10.5067/GHGMR-4FJ04. Sources and licenses
Water temperature →Forecast from Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0) with models from ECMWF, NOAA, Météo-France, DWD, Copernicus Marine and CAMS. Updated at 9:51 pm (local time).
Surf in Ballycastle today
Surf today
Good- 4.7–7.2 ft surf at the shore, a good size with some punch
- 6.8 ft swell at 9 s from the northwest, a bit short
- Light offshore wind (12 mph): it holds up and grooms the waves
- Rising tide (high tide at 6:53 pm)
- Light: First light 6:54 am · sunrise 7:31 am · sunset 5:11 pm · last light 5:48 pm
- Tide: low 12:12 am (1.6 ft), high 6:32 am (12.8 ft), low 12:38 pm (2.0 ft) and high 6:53 pm (12.4 ft). Every break has its own tide: some work at low tide and others at high tide. The tide doesn’t change the score here.
- Water at 55.8 °F: a 5/4 fullsuit with booties (and a hood if it’s windy).
- Energy: 617 kJ · High power
Today’s surf at a glance
The best window, 2:00 pm to 5:48 pm, has a good size and light offshore wind.
An estimate for this stretch of coast, not for a specific break: every beach or reef works its own way (its tide, bottom and angle). Check it when you get there.
Follow the flags and the lifeguards, and don’t paddle out if the surf is above your level: this score is a guide, not a substitute for what you see when you get there.
Diving in Ballycastle today
Diving and snorkeling today
Likely visibility: poor- Some tidal current
- 7.0 ft swell at 9 s from the northwest: strong surge on the bottom
- Light offshore wind (11 mph)
- 0.8 mph current toward the east (model)
- Sun high: more light underwater
Not a day for shore diving: swell, wind, current or storms during the best window. If you go, go with a dive shop and only if they give the OK.
- Slack water today: low tide 12:12 am (11:50 pm–12:30 am), high tide 6:32 am (6:10–6:50 am), low tide 12:38 pm (12:20–1:00 pm) and high tide 6:53 pm (6:30–7:10 pm)
- Likely visibility: poor. Swell (up to 12 ft at 10 s), rain (0.20 in) and wind over the last few days have stirred up the water. Based on the last 24 hours of data.
- Water at 55.8 °F: a 7 mm semi-dry suit, with hood, gloves and booties.
- Snorkeling: better not, with these waves, wind or current.
- Night dive: dark from 5:48 pm. Waning gibbous (92%), rising at 5:43 pm: a bright night.
Your diving day at a glance
The best window, 1:30 pm to 2:10 pm, combines light wind and the sun high, though with tidal current, a big swell and current. Also worth a look from 11:40 am to 12:30 pm, with slack water at low tide, light wind and the sun high, though with a big swell and current.
Slack water comes from the tide: in inlets, channels and between islands the water can keep running for an hour or two after. Ask the local dive shop.
Never dive alone and check with the local dive shop: this rating is a guide, not a substitute for a professional.
Dive sites, wrecks and dive shops nearby
Map: OpenFreeMap · © OpenMapTiles · © OpenStreetMap contributors
Within 12 mi. Some may be missing or closed; marine reserves usually need a permit. Open the map on OpenStreetMap · Missing one? Add it to OpenStreetMap
Wreck and reef positions are approximate and not for navigation; a wreck’s depth runs from the top of the hull to the seabed.
Sites: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Wrecks: EMODnet Human Activities (AND-International), from UK Hydrographic Office data, CC BY 4.0. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Weather in Ballycastle
Now in Ballycastle
- Low / high
- 54 / 58 °F
- Rain
- 0.07 in · 100%
- Clouds
- 98%
- Humidity
- 94%
- Dew pointDew point
- 52 °F
- Visibility
- 8.3 mi
- UV indexUV
- 0 · low
- Air qualityAir
- Fair · 24
- Saharan dust
- No
- Pollen
- None
Pressure and fishing
- ↗ RisingRising Anglers say fish bite less for a while
- → SteadySteady · now Anglers expect normal activity
- ↘ FallingFalling Anglers say fish feed more before the change
Steady now (+0.02 inHg in 3 hours). Over the next 48 hours: +0.17 inHg. Steady pressure: anglers expect normal activity. Fast changes, either way, tend to affect fishing.
Today, hour by hourHour by hour
Bars: mean wind. Dashed line: gusts. Arrows point where the wind blows to.
| Time | 12:00 am | 3:00 am | 6:00 am | 9:00 am | 12:00 pm | 3:00 pm | 6:00 pm | 9:00 pm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sky | Light rain | Light rain | Partly cloudy | Partly cloudy | Overcast | Overcast | Overcast | Overcast |
| Temperature | 55° | 56° | 55° | 54° | 57° | 58° | 56° | 54° |
| Wind (mph) | 19 SW | 17 WSW | 15 WSW | 10 SW | 11 SW | 12 SW | 9 S | 9 SSE |
| Gusts | 34 | 28 | 32 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 15 | 15 |
| Waves | 12 ft | 11 ft | 10.0 ft | 9.3 ft | 8.6 ft | 7.9 ft | 7.2 ft | 6.4 ft |
| Rain | 0.01 in | 0.01 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in |
- 9:00 pm 54° 9 SSE 6.4 ft
- 12:00 am 54° 13 SSE 5.8 ft
- 3:00 am 53° 15 SSE 5.2 ft
- 6:00 am 53° 15 SSE 4.8 ft
- 9:00 am 53° 17 SSE 4.4 ft
- 12:00 pm 56° 20 SSE 4.1 ft
- 3:00 pm 57° 19 SSE 3.9 ft
- 6:00 pm 55° 21 SSE 3.7 ft
Next 14 daysComing days
| Day | Sky | Low / high | Max wind | Max wave | High tides |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today · 28 | 54 / 58 °F | 20 mph SW | 12 ft | 6:32 am · 6:53 pm | |
| Thu 29 | 53 / 57 °F | 26 mph SSE | 5.8 ft | 7:15 am · 7:42 pm | |
| Fri 30 | 53 / 58 °F | 27 mph SSE | 4.9 ft | 8:02 am · 8:37 pm | |
| Sat 31 | 53 / 57 °F | 10 mph NNW | 5.4 ft | 8:55 am · 9:42 pm | |
| Sun 1 | 51 / 53 °F | 8 mph NNE | 5.2 ft | 9:59 am · 10:59 pm | |
| Mon 2 | 43 / 54 °F | 10 mph SE | 4.1 ft | 11:14 am | |
| Tue 3 | 38 / 47 °F | 5 mph S | 3.4 ft | 12:23 am · 12:34 pm | |
| Wed 4 | 45 / 51 °F | 9 mph SE | 4.3 ft | 1:40 am · 1:47 pm | |
| Thu 5 | 45 / 53 °F | 9 mph SE | 3.2 ft | 2:41 am · 2:47 pm | |
| Fri 6 | 42 / 49 °F | 10 mph SE | 2.4 ft | 3:29 am · 3:36 pm | |
| Sat 7 | 43 / 47 °F | 7 mph ESE | 3.1 ft | 4:09 am · 4:19 pm | |
| Sun 8 | 43 / 50 °F | 7 mph E | 3.6 ft | 4:46 am · 4:58 pm | |
| Mon 9 | 49 / 53 °F | 5 mph E | 3.7 ft | 5:21 am · 5:35 pm | |
| Tue 10 | 52 / 55 °F | 6 mph E | 3.5 ft | 5:55 am · 6:10 pm |
- Thu 29 Overcast 53° / 57° 5.8 ft
- Fri 30 Light showers 53° / 58° 4.9 ft
- Sat 31 Light showers 53° / 57° 5.4 ft
- Sun 1 Overcast 51° / 53° 5.2 ft
- Mon 2 Partly cloudy 43° / 54° 4.1 ft
- Tue 3 Overcast 38° / 47° 3.4 ft
- Wed 4 Overcast 45° / 51° 4.3 ft
Each day comes from the best model covering this spot: regional ones first (HRRR and NBM in the U.S., AROME, ICON-EU), then ECMWF; day 16, NOAA GFS. Waves: Météo-France up to day 10, then ECMWF WAM, coarser and further offshore. High tides: our own tide calculation.
- The models Partly agree · medium confidence: unsure about rain today. See the models →
- Outlook Next few weeks, compared with normal: normal temperatures, normal rain and a slightly warmer sea. See the outlook →
- Normal Today, warmer than normal for late October (+3.6 °F; normal high: 54 °F). Climate by month →
Forecast from Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0) with models from ECMWF, NOAA, Météo-France, DWD, Copernicus Marine and CAMS. Updated at 9:51 pm (local time).
The sun in Ballycastle
Sunrise and sunset
- First light 6:12 am
- Full dark 6:30 pm
- Civil dawn 6:54 am
- Civil dusk 5:48 pm
- Solar noon 12:21 pm (23° high)
- Daylight 9 h 40 min (−4 min)
- Evening golden hour 4:18 pm
- Full dark 6:30 pm
Golden hour and the day-night map
Today the sun is 92,359,225 mi away and looks 32′ 11″ across.
The moon in Ballycastle
Moon phase and position
Today the moon is 226,451 mi away and looks 32′ 47″ across.
Solunar periods
Today's activity: high- 1:01–3:01 am Major · the moon passes overhead · high activity
- 1:32–3:32 pm Major · the moon passes underfoot · high activity
- 10:46–11:46 am Minor · moonset · medium activity
- 5:13–6:13 pm Minor · moonrise · medium activity
According to solunar theory, fish feed more when the moon passes overhead or underfoot (major periods, about 2 h) and when it rises or sets (minor periods, 1 h). It works best around new and full moon.
Upcoming moon phases
2026 moon calendar →- Last quarter Sun, Nov 1 · 8:29 pmNov 1 in 4 days
- New moon Mon, Nov 9 · 7:03 amNov 9 in 12 days
- First quarter Tue, Nov 17 · 11:48 amNov 17 in 20 days
- Full moon Tue, Nov 24 · 2:54 pmNov 24 in 27 days
Perigee on October 28, 226,426 mi away, coinciding with the spring tides from October 26 to 28: they will be stronger than usual.
Where to fish in Ballycastle
Piers, ramps and tackle shops nearby
Map: OpenFreeMap · © OpenMapTiles · © OpenStreetMap contributors
Within 9.3 mi. A spot may be missing or closed. Open the map on OpenStreetMap · Missing one? Add it to OpenStreetMap
Spots: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) and Overture Maps.
Water depth
Gentle slopeThe bottom slopes gently: 16 ft deep 0.35 mi from shore and 33 ft at 0.55 mi. It reaches 164 ft at 2.5 mi.
From the shoreline (1.8 mi from Ballycastle) out to sea, heading north.
How far from shore
- 16 ft deep0.35 mi
- 33 ft deep0.55 mi
- 66 ft deep0.85 mi
- 164 ft deep2.5 mi
For fishing, swimming and diving
- Shore fishing. Shallow, gradual bottom (16 ft at 0.35 mi): cast far from the beach and fish the high tide, when there is more water close in.
- Swimming. A very gentle way in with plenty of shallow water, good for kids. At low tide the water can be far out.
- Diving. Shore diving works here: 33 ft at 0.55 mi and 66 ft at 0.85 mi from shore.
Rough estimate: here the data comes in cells of about 0.3 mi and misses details near shore (rocks, sandbars, small coves).
Source: EMODnet Bathymetry DTM 2024, here using the GEBCO grid (CC BY 4.0), cells of about 0.3 mi; depth at the lowest astronomical tide. For reference only: not for navigation or anchoring.
Tides near BallycastleTides nearby
- Killala7.7 mi
- Inishcrone12 mi
- Easky16 mi
- Dromore West20 mi
- Belmullet25 mi
- Doohooma27 mi
- An Geata Mór28 mi
- Newport28 mi
- Mulranny31 mi
- Strandhill31 mi
Ballycastle at a glance
- Town or city of about 219 people. Coordinates: 54.283° N, 9.367° W.
- It is 34 mi north of Westport, the main place in Mayo. The sun rises 1 min later and sets 2 min earlier than in Westport.
- The nearest tide station, Ballyglass, is 21 mi to the west.
- Its coast faces north.
Questions about BallycastleQuestions
What time is high tide today in Ballycastle?
Today in Ballycastle there are high tides at 6:32 am (12.8 ft) and 6:53 pm (12.4 ft) and low tides at 12:12 am and 12:38 pm. Tide coefficient 100.
What time is sunset today in Ballycastle?
At 5:11 pm. There is light until the end of civil twilight, at 5:48 pm.
What time is sunrise tomorrow in Ballycastle?
At 7:33 am. First light comes at 6:14 am.
What phase is the moon today?
Waning gibbous, 92% illuminated. New moon on Mon, Nov 9 · 7:03 am.
When are the next spring tides?
From October 26 to 28, together with the lunar perigee: they will be stronger than usual.
What are today's solunar periods?
Major 1:01–3:01 am, Minor 10:46–11:46 am, Major 1:32–3:32 pm, Minor 5:13–6:13 pm. Today's activity is high.
What's the weather like today in Ballycastle?
Light rain, from 54 °F to 58 °F, with a gentle breeze from the south-southeast (10 mph) and a 100% chance of rain.
How is the sea today in Ballycastle?
Moderate (Douglas 4): 6.3 ft waves with a period of 9.8 s from the northwest. The water is 55.8 °F.
When is the best time to visit Ballycastle?
The best time to visit Ballycastle is from June to August: highs of 61 °F to 64 °F, about 14 rainy days a month and 5 hours of sunshine a day.
Can I use this data for navigation?
No. These are predictions for fishing and leisure; for navigation, use the official publications.
Where this data comes from
Tide: Ballyglass prediction point of the Marine Institute (Ireland), licensed CC BY 4.0; constants fitted by TidePlanet from a year of its predictions. Sun and moon: our own calculation with astronomy-engine. Places: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Coastline: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).