Ocean City MD High Tide Times – Full 2026 Schedule
Whether you are planning a beach day, a fishing trip, or simply want to know when the waves are biggest, knowing the high tide times in Ocean City, MD is essential. This complete guide gives you everything you need for 2026.
What Time is High Tide in Ocean City MD Today?
High tide in Ocean City, Maryland typically occurs twice per day, roughly 12 hours and 25 minutes apart. The exact times shift by approximately 50 minutes each day as the lunar cycle progresses.
For real-time tide predictions, the most accurate source is the NOAA tide chart for Ocean City Inlet (Station ID: 8570283).
Ocean City MD High Tide Schedule by Month (2026)
Month | Avg High Tide Height | Best Beach Time |
| January | 3.2 ft | Avoid — cold & rough |
| February | 3.1 ft | Avoid — cold & rough |
| March | 2.9 ft | Early morning low tide |
| April | 2.7 ft | Late afternoon |
| May | 2.6 ft | Morning low tide |
| June | 2.8 ft | Early morning |
| July | 3.0 ft | Early morning or evening |
| August | 3.2 ft | Early morning |
| September | 3.1 ft | Morning or late afternoon |
| October | 2.9 ft | Afternoon |
| November | 3.0 ft | Midday |
| December | 3.3 ft | Avoid — cold & rough |
Best Time to Go to Ocean City MD Beach
The best time to visit the Ocean City beach is during low tide — typically 2 to 3 hours before or after high tide. During low tide:
- The beach is wider and more sand is exposed
- Waves are calmer and safer for swimming
- Shell collecting and crabbing are much better
- Parking lots are less crowded in early morning
Ocean City MD High Tide in August
August is the most popular month to visit Ocean City. High tide in August typically hits between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM and again in the early evening around 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Pro tip: Arrive at the beach by 7:00 AM to catch the tail end of high tide, then enjoy the widening beach as the tide drops through mid-morning.
Does High Tide Affect Boardwalk Flooding in Ocean City?
During extreme high tides — especially combined with strong onshore winds or storms — parts of the Ocean City boardwalk and low-lying streets can experience minor flooding. This is most common during:
- Nor’easters in fall and winter
- Full moon high tides (king tides) in October and November
- Hurricane season — August through October
How to Track Ocean City MD Tide Times
- NOAA Tides & Currents — tides.noaa.gov (most accurate)
- Tides Near Me app — real-time mobile alerts
- Windy.com — shows tides alongside wind and wave forecasts
- Local bait shops — always have printed tide charts
High Tide vs Low Tide — Which is Better for Swimming?
| Activity | Best Tide |
| Swimming | Low to mid tide |
| Surfing | Mid to high tide |
| Fishing from shore | Incoming tide |
| Crabbing | Low tide |
| Shell collecting | Low tide |
| Kayaking | Low to mid tide |