Sanford tides today
- Tide now 0.2 ft ↑ rising · high 2:31 am (2.5 ft)
- Best time tomorrow 3:10–4:00 pm good day · 8/10
- Beach tomorrow 10:00 am–3:00 pm Fair beach day · 6/10
- Waves · water 0.3 ft · 62 °F calm (rippled) · 4.0 s from the east-southeast
- Wind · air 5 mph · 56 °F from the E, gusts 11 · overcast
- Sun 7:24 am–6:08 pm 10 h 44 min of daylight
- Moon 91% · 7:47 pm waning gibbous · rises at 7:47 pm
- Diving tomorrow 2:10–3:50 pm great day · 10/10
Today in Sanford there are high tides at 1:42 am (2.6 ft) and 2:06 pm (3.1 ft) and low tides at 8:14 am and 9:12 pm. Tide coefficient 91. Right now the tide is rising toward the high tide at 2:31 am. The sun rises at 7:24 am and sets at 6:08 pm: 10 h 44 min of daylight. The moon is 91% illuminated (waning gibbous) and rises at 7:47 pm. Major solunar periods run from 1:38 am to 3:38 am and from 2:09 pm to 4:09 pm. The next spring tides arrive from October 26 to 28. The sea is calm (rippled), with 0.3 ft waves. There's a light breeze from the east (5 mph). Overcast, 56 °F.
Fishing in Sanford today
Best time to fish
Solunar activity today: medium- High tide at 2:06 pm, coefficient 89
- Major period 2:09–4:09 pm
- Steady pressure (30.36 inHg), light offshore wind (9 mph) and calm sea (0.2 ft waves)
- Waning gibbous: a bit more activity than at the quarters
- Highest tide coefficient today: 91 (spring tides)
Your day at a glance
The best window, 2:10 pm to 3:10 pm, combines the 2:06 pm high tide and a major period. Also worth a try from 7:10 am to 8:00 am, with the 8:14 am low tide and sunrise, though with rising pressure. Also worth a try from 1:40 am to 2:40 am, with the 1:42 am high tide and a major period, though with rising pressure.
Species with the most records nearby: summer flounder, weakfish, spot and longfin inshore squid. October is one of the months when these are seen most: weakfish and bluefish. What you can catch
Beach day in Sanford
Is it a beach day?
- Mostly sunny
- Calm for swimming: 0.3 ft waves
- UV 4 (moderate): SPF 30 sunscreen
- Low tide at 8:14 am: more sand
- Feels like 67 °F: a bit cool
- Light offshore wind (11 mph): it blows floats and inflatables out to sea
Today, hour by hour
- Swimming Calm · 0.3 ft
0.3 ft waves: calm for swimming. Low rip current risk. Always follow the lifeguard's flags.
- Water 62 °F
Cold: ease in slowly.
- Sun & sunscreen UV 4 · SPF 30
Max UV 4 (moderate): SPF 30 sunscreen, reapplied every 2 hours.
- Wind 11 mph
Offshore breeze (11 mph). Watch floats and inflatables: offshore wind carries them out to sea.
- Tide & sand 8:14 am
Low tide at 8:14 am and 9:12 pm: that's when there's the most sand. High tide at 1:42 am and 2:06 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 Sanford
Map: OpenFreeMap · © OpenMapTiles · © OpenStreetMap contributors
- Sound Shore 4.1 mi · NW
- Guard Shore 5.5 mi · S
Water quality: check the official beach advisories for Virginia (Virginia Department of Health).
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).
Webcams near Sanford
Webcams provided by windy.com — add a webcam
Tides in Sanford
Today's high and low tides
- ▲ High tide 1:42 am 2.6 ft · coef. 91
- ▼ Low tide 8:14 am -0.1 ft
- ▲ High tide 2:06 pm 3.1 ft · coef. 89
- ▼ Low tide 9:12 pm 0.1 ft
↑ Rising The tide is rising. 4 h 41 min to high tide at 2:31 am.
Tide coefficient 91 for the 1:42 am high tide and 89 for the 2:06 pm high tide. Spring tides. The water rises and falls 3.2 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 May 17 (3.3 ft) and the lowest, on February 1 (-0.5 ft).
Semidiurnal: two high and two low tides a day, of similar height.
Heights above mean lower low water (MLLW), the zero of US nautical charts. Astronomical prediction: wind and air pressure can raise or lower the water by a few inches, and more in a storm. Not for navigation. MLLW
Tide coefficient and range in October
The biggest tides of the month came from October 26 to 28 (coefficient 91, 3.2 ft range). The smallest, from October 18 to 19 (coefficient 44, 1.5 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 | 7:24 am · 6:08 pm | High tide 1:42 am · 2.6 ft | Low tide 8:14 am · -0.1 ft | High tide 2:06 pm · 3.1 ft | Low tide 9:12 pm · 0.1 ft | Coef. 91 | 91% | Major periods 1:38 am · 2:09 pm | Medium |
| Thu 29 | 7:25 am · 6:07 pm | High tide 2:31 am · 2.5 ft | Low tide 9:04 am · 0.0 ft | High tide 2:56 pm · 3.0 ft | Low tide 10:08 pm · 0.2 ft | Coef. 87 | 84% | Major periods 2:41 am · 3:14 pm | Medium |
| Fri 30 | 7:26 am · 6:06 pm | High tide 3:22 am · 2.4 ft | Low tide 10:01 am · 0.1 ft | High tide 3:49 pm · 2.8 ft | Low tide 11:09 pm · 0.3 ft | Coef. 80 | 74% | Major periods 3:46 am · 4:18 pm | Medium |
| Sat 31 | 7:27 am · 6:05 pm | High tide 4:17 am · 2.3 ft | Low tide 11:08 am · 0.2 ft | High tide 4:47 pm · 2.6 ft | — | Coef. 72 | 63% | Major periods 4:48 am · 5:18 pm | Medium |
| Sun 1 | 6:28 am · 5:04 pm | Low tide 12:15 am · 0.4 ft | High tide 4:16 am · 2.2 ft | Low tide 11:22 am · 0.3 ft | High tide 4:52 pm · 2.5 ft | Coef. 64 | Last quarter | Major periods 4:46 am · 5:13 pm | Medium |
| Mon 2 | 6:29 am · 5:03 pm | Low tide 12:21 am · 0.4 ft | High tide 5:23 am · 2.2 ft | Low tide 12:37 pm · 0.3 ft | High tide 6:06 pm · 2.3 ft | Coef. 60 | 41% | Major periods 5:39 am · 6:04 pm | Medium |
| Tue 3 | 6:30 am · 5:02 pm | Low tide 1:23 am · 0.4 ft | High tide 6:39 am · 2.2 ft | Low tide 1:47 pm · 0.3 ft | High tide 7:24 pm · 2.3 ft | Coef. 62 | 30% | Major periods 6:28 am · 6:51 pm | Medium |
▲ high tide · ▼ low tide · heights above MLLW. Major periods: start time; they last 2 hours. Activity: based on the moon phase and the solunar periods.
Where this tide comes from
Tides from the Saxis station (NOAA), 3.5 mi from Sanford. Times and heights are its predictions.
Station data attribution: Slackwater database (https://github.com/openwatersio/slackwater-database)
The sea at Sanford
Sea stateSea state: calm (rippled)
The waves you may find
- Most commonMost common0.1 ft
- Significant0.3 ft
- Highest expectedHighest0.6 ft
One wave in seven is higher than the significant height, and about 3 times a day one reaches 0.6 ft. Before heading out, expect waves of up to 0.6 ft.
Wind on the coast and offshore
Cross-offshore wind. The coast faces southwest and the wind comes off the land at an angle: calmer water near the shore, and bait and boats drift out to sea.
Wave height, next 7 daysWaves, next 7 days
Waves stay much the same all week. The biggest waves arrive on Friday 30: 0.8 ft with a period of 2 s, from the west-northwest (smooth).
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 about normal for late October.
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 9:49 pm (local time).
Nearest marine station
This is a real measurement of the sea, not a forecast. Data from station WAHV2, NOAA National Data Buoy Center (public domain).
Diving in Sanford today
Diving and snorkeling today
Likely visibility: good- Slack water around high tide (2:06 pm): little current from 1:50 pm to 2:30 pm
- 0.1 ft swell at 5 s from the east: barely any surge
- Light offshore wind (9 mph)
- 0.1 mph current toward the west, weak (model)
- Sun high: more light underwater
- Slack water today: high tide 1:42 am (1:20–2:00 am), low tide 8:14 am (7:50–8:40 am), high tide 2:06 pm (1:50–2:30 pm) and low tide 9:12 pm (8:40–9:40 pm)
- Likely visibility: good. The sea has been calm and there's been little rain. Based on the last 24 hours of data.
- Water at 61.9 °F: a 7 mm wetsuit, with hood and booties.
- Snorkeling: good, calm sea and light wind.
- Night dive: dark from 6:35 pm. Waning gibbous (91%), rising at 7:47 pm: a bright night.
Your diving day at a glance
The best window, 1:20 pm to 3:00 pm, combines slack water at high tide, little swell, light wind, weak current and the sun high. Also good from 7:20 am to 9:00 am, with slack water at low tide, little swell, light wind and weak 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
We have no dive sites, dive shops or wrecks on record within 12 mi of Sanford.
If you know one, you can add it to OpenStreetMap and it will show up here after the next update. Missing one? Add it to OpenStreetMap
Sites: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Weather in Sanford
Now in Sanford
- Low / high
- 51 / 69 °F
- Rain
- 0.00 in · 0%
- Clouds
- 91%
- Humidity
- 89%
- Dew pointDew point
- 53 °F
- Visibility
- 8.5 mi
- UV indexUV
- 0 · low
- Air qualityAir
- Good · 41
- Saharan dust
- No
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 (+0.01 inHg in 3 hours). Over the next 48 hours: −0.10 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 | Clear | Clear | Clear | Clear sky | Mainly clear | Overcast | Overcast | Overcast |
| Temperature | 53° | 52° | 53° | 58° | 67° | 69° | 64° | 57° |
| Wind (mph) | 6 ENE | 5 NE | 4 ENE | 5 NNE | 11 E | 9 E | 5 E | 4 E |
| Gusts | 15 | 14 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 11 | 11 | 10 |
| Waves | 0.3 ft | 0.3 ft | 0.3 ft | 0.3 ft | 0.3 ft | 0.2 ft | 0.2 ft | 0.3 ft |
| Rain | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in |
- 9:00 pm 57° 4 E 0.3 ft
- 12:00 am 54° 4 E 0.2 ft
- 3:00 am 53° 4 ENE 0.1 ft
- 6:00 am 50° 4 ENE 0.1 ft
- 9:00 am 56° 1 NE 0.1 ft
- 12:00 pm 68° 5 W 0.1 ft
- 3:00 pm 69° 7 WSW 0.1 ft
- 6:00 pm 64° 3 SSW 0.1 ft
Next 14 daysComing days
| Day | Sky | Low / high | Max wind | Max wave | High tides |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today · 28 | 51 / 69 °F | 11 mph ENE | 0.3 ft | 1:42 am · 2:06 pm | |
| Thu 29 | 50 / 70 °F | 7 mph S | 0.2 ft | 2:31 am · 2:56 pm | |
| Fri 30 | 56 / 71 °F | 11 mph WNW | 0.8 ft | 3:22 am · 3:49 pm | |
| Sat 31 | 47 / 62 °F | 9 mph NNE | 0.5 ft | 4:17 am · 4:47 pm | |
| Sun 1 | 49 / 65 °F | 7 mph ESE | 0.3 ft | 4:16 am · 4:52 pm | |
| Mon 2 | 54 / 66 °F | 6 mph SE | 0.5 ft | 5:23 am · 6:06 pm | |
| Tue 3 | 56 / 68 °F | 12 mph ENE | 0.5 ft | 6:39 am · 7:24 pm | |
| Wed 4 | 58 / 68 °F | 13 mph E | 0.3 ft | 7:53 am · 8:29 pm | |
| Thu 5 | 59 / 67 °F | 15 mph ESE | 0.3 ft | 8:53 am · 9:22 pm | |
| Fri 6 | 56 / 65 °F | 12 mph NW | 3.9 ft | 9:43 am · 10:08 pm | |
| Sat 7 | 52 / 62 °F | 12 mph NW | 3.9 ft | 10:26 am · 10:51 pm | |
| Sun 8 | 46 / 59 °F | 11 mph NNW | 3.1 ft | 11:07 am · 11:34 pm | |
| Mon 9 | 41 / 59 °F | 9 mph NNE | 3.1 ft | 11:46 am | |
| Tue 10 | 40 / 64 °F | 6 mph NE | 2.6 ft | 12:16 am · 12:25 pm |
- Thu 29 Partly cloudy 50° / 70° 0.2 ft
- Fri 30 Clear sky 56° / 71° 0.8 ft
- Sat 31 Overcast 47° / 62° 0.5 ft
- Sun 1 Overcast 49° / 65° 0.3 ft
- Mon 2 Partly cloudy 54° / 66° 0.5 ft
- Tue 3 Overcast 56° / 68° 0.5 ft
- Wed 4 Clear sky 58° / 68° 0.3 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.
- Normal Today, warmer than normal for late October (+3.8 °F; normal high: 65 °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 9:49 pm (local time).
The sun in Sanford
Sunrise and sunset
- First light 6:26 am
- Full dark 7:06 pm
- Civil dawn 6:57 am
- Civil dusk 6:35 pm
- Solar noon 12:46 pm (39° high)
- Daylight 10 h 44 min (−2 min)
- Evening golden hour 5:31 pm
- Full dark 7:06 pm
Golden hour and the day-night map
Today the sun is 92,354,727 mi away and looks 32′ 11″ across.
The moon in Sanford
Moon phase and position
Today the moon is 226,429 mi away and looks 32′ 47″ across.
Solunar periods
Today's activity: medium- 1:38–3:38 am Major · the moon passes overhead · high activity
- 2:09–4:09 pm Major · the moon passes underfoot · high activity
- 9:58–10:58 am Minor · moonset · medium activity
- 7:17–8:17 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 · 3:29 pmNov 1 in 4 days
- New moon Mon, Nov 9 · 2:03 amNov 9 in 12 days
- First quarter Tue, Nov 17 · 6:48 amNov 17 in 20 days
- Full moon Tue, Nov 24 · 9:54 amNov 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 Sanford
Piers, ramps and tackle shops nearby
Map: OpenFreeMap · © OpenMapTiles · © OpenStreetMap contributors
- Boat ramp 1.0 mi
- Boat ramp 1.7 mi
- Boat ramp 1.8 mi
- Boat ramp 3.5 mi
- Boat ramp 3.9 mi
- Boat ramp 4.6 mi
- Boat ramp 6.1 mi
- Boat ramp 6.2 mi
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
Shallow, gradualShallow, gradual bottom: 0.3 ft at 0.85 mi.
From the shoreline (1.4 mi from Sanford) out to sea, heading southwest.
How far from shore
- 16 ft deepnot within 0.85 mi
- 33 ft deepnot within 0.85 mi
- 66 ft deepnot within 0.85 mi
- 164 ft deepnot within 0.85 mi
For fishing, swimming and diving
- Shore fishing. Very shallow: the water doesn't reach 16 ft within 0.85 mi. Cast far from the beach, ideally around high tide.
- Swimming. A very gentle way in with plenty of shallow water, good for kids. At low tide the water can be far out.
- Diving. Shallow: the water doesn't reach 33 ft within 0.85 mi. For deeper dives, take a boat farther out.
Inside bays, estuaries and harbors the bottom changes a lot from spot to spot (channels and shoals): use this only as a rough guide. There is land ahead (an island, a headland or the far shore) 0.85 mi out.
Source: NOAA U.S. Coastal Relief Model (public domain), cells of about 300 ft; depth below mean sea level. For reference only: not for navigation or anchoring.
Tides near SanfordTides nearby
- Saxis3.1 mi
- Modest Town9.5 mi
- Lee Mont10 mi
- Crisfield11 mi
- Metompkin11 mi
- Deep Creek12 mi
- Bayside13 mi
- Captains Cove14 mi
- Chincoteague Inlet14 mi
- Fairmount14 mi
Sanford at a glance
- Town or city of about 212 people. Coordinates: 37.925° N, 75.664° W.
- It is 76 mi north of Virginia Beach, the main place in Virginia. The sun rises at the same time and sets 3 min earlier than in Virginia Beach.
- The nearest tide station, Saxis, is 3.5 mi to the west.
- Its coast faces southwest.
- Beaches and harbors nearby: Sound Shore (4.1 mi).
Questions about SanfordQuestions
What time is high tide today in Sanford?
Today in Sanford there are high tides at 1:42 am (2.6 ft) and 2:06 pm (3.1 ft) and low tides at 8:14 am and 9:12 pm. Tide coefficient 91.
What time is sunset today in Sanford?
At 6:08 pm. There is light until the end of civil twilight, at 6:35 pm.
What time is sunrise tomorrow in Sanford?
At 7:25 am. First light comes at 6:27 am.
What phase is the moon today?
Waning gibbous, 91% illuminated. New moon on Mon, Nov 9 · 2:03 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 1:38–3:38 am, Minor 9:58–10:58 am, Major 2:09–4:09 pm, Minor 7:17–8:17 pm. Today's activity is medium.
What's the weather like today in Sanford?
Overcast, from 51 °F to 69 °F, with a light breeze from the east (5 mph) and a 0% chance of rain.
How is the sea today in Sanford?
Calm (rippled) (Douglas 1): 0.3 ft waves with a period of 4.0 s from the east-southeast. The water is 62.4 °F.
When is the best time to visit Sanford?
The best time to visit Sanford is from May to October: highs of 70 °F to 87 °F, about 10 rainy days a month and 7 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: NOAA station Saxis (public domain), via Slackwater database. Sun and moon: our own calculation with astronomy-engine. Places: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Coastline: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).