Southeastern Suffolk Beaches: rip current risk and surf forecast

New YorkNear Southampton, Suffolk CountyNWS zone NYZ081NWS New York NY

Rip current risk today: Moderate. Life-threatening rip currents are possible. Swim near a lifeguard, and follow the beach patrol and its flags.

Surf around 2 feet, water lower 70s. Buoy MTKN6, 23 mi out, measured 70 °F water. Sunset 6:50 PM.

Rip current risk: ModerateToday
Surf: Around 2 feetForecast
Water: Lower 70sForecast
Sunset: 6:50 PMEDT

Rip current risk on the map

Today’s rip current risk in every surf zone the National Weather Service forecasts for over Southeastern Suffolk Beaches. Open it for the live map, where it pans and zooms.

Open the live map with rip current risk

Map layer from NOAA National Weather Service surf zone forecasts. Boundaries from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet.

Alerts in force

No beach hazards statement, high surf advisory or other warning is in force for Southeastern Suffolk Beaches. Those are the products a coastal office issues when the water turns dangerous. When one is issued it appears here and on the alerts page for this area.

Today and tomorrow

From the National Weather Service beach forecast, issued 423 AM EDT, 9/20/2026.

Today Today

Moderate rip current risk

Rip current risk: Moderate
Surf: Around 2 feet
Water temperature: Lower 70s
UV index: Low
High temperature: Upper 60s
Weather: Cloudy. Periods of rain
Wind: Southeast 10 to 15 mph
Thunderstorms: None

UV index 2 or less. Little danger for most people.

Tomorrow Monday

Moderate rip current risk

Rip current risk: Moderate
Surf: Around 4 feet
High temperature: Upper 60s
Weather: Cloudy
Wind: Northeast around 20 mph
Thunderstorms: None

The surf zone forecast, period by period

Southeastern Suffolk. Issued 4:23 AM EDT on Sun, Sep 20 by the National Weather Service in New York NY.

Today

Rip Current Risk: Moderate
Surf Height: Around 2 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: None
UV Index: Low
Surf Temperature: Lower 70s
Weather: Cloudy. Periods of rain
High Temperature: Upper 60s
Winds: Southeast 10 to 15 mph
Tides, Shinnecock Inlet: Low at 8:05 AM. High at 3:34 PM
Sunrise: 6:33 AM
Sunset: 6:51 PM

Monday

Rip Current Risk: Moderate
Surf Height: Around 4 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: None
Weather: Cloudy
High Temperature: Upper 60s
Winds: Northeast around 20 mph
Tides, Shinnecock Inlet: Low at 9:11 AM. High at 4:30 PM
Sunrise: 6:34 AM
Sunset: 6:49 PM

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers. Highs in the mid 60s. Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 60s. Windy. Northeast winds around 30 mph.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers. Highs in the mid 60s. Windy. Northeast winds around 30 mph.

The office's notes on this forecast

Rip Current Risk Categories:

* Low Risk - Implies that wind and wave conditions do not support an enhanced rip current risk. However, life-threatening rip currents are always possible in the vicinity of groins, jetties, reefs, and piers.

* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the surf zone. Anyone planning to enter the surf should check with local beach patrols first. Be sure to swim within sight of a life guard, and never alone or at night.

* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely for all people entering the surf zone. Anyone visiting the beaches should stay out of the surf.

If you enter the surf zone, always have a flotation device with you and swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float, and do not swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and yell or wave for help.

For UV Index definitions plus more on rip current and beach safety, see: https://www.weather.gov/beach/okx

The product as issued

FZUS51 KOKX 200823
SRFOKX

Surf Zone Forecast for New York
National Weather Service New York NY
423 AM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026

NYZ075-202015-
Kings (Brooklyn)-
Including the beaches of Coney Island Beach and Manhattan Beach
423 AM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026

.TODAY...
Rip Current Risk............Moderate. 
Surf Height.................Around 3 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential......None. 
UV Index**..................Low. 
Surf Temperature............Mid 70s. 
Weather.....................Cloudy. Periods of rain. 
High Temperature............Lower 70s. 
Winds.......................Southeast around 15 mph.
Tides...
   Coney Island.............Low at 9:11 AM.
                            High at 3:34 PM. 
Sunrise.....................6:41 AM. 
Sunset......................6:59 PM. 


.MONDAY...
Rip Current Risk............Moderate. 
Surf Height.................Around 4 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential......None. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. 
High Temperature............Upper 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast around 15 mph.
Tides...
   Coney Island.............Low at 10:12 AM.
                            High at 4:32 PM. 
Sunrise.....................6:42 AM. 
Sunset......................6:57 PM. 


.TUESDAY...Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers. Highs in the mid 60s.
Northeast winds around 20 mph. 
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers. Highs in the mid
60s. Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers. Highs in the mid 60s.
Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph.

&&

Rip Current Risk Categories:

* Low Risk - Implies that wind and wave conditions do not support an
enhanced rip current risk. However, life-threatening rip currents are
always possible in the vicinity of groins, jetties, reefs, and piers.

* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone. Anyone planning to enter the surf should check with local
beach patrols first. Be sure to swim within sight of a life guard,
and never alone or at night.

* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely for all people
entering the surf zone. Anyone visiting the beaches should stay out
of the surf.

If you enter the surf zone, always have a flotation device with you
and swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float, and do not swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and yell or wave for help.

For UV Index definitions plus more on rip current and beach safety,
see: https://www.weather.gov/beach/okx

$$

NYZ178-202015-
Southern Queens-
Including the beaches of Jacob Riis Park and Rockaway Beach
423 AM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026

.TODAY...
Rip Current Risk............Moderate. 
Surf Height.................Around 3 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential......None. 
UV Index**..................Low. 
Surf Temperature............Mid 70s. 
Weather.....................Cloudy. Periods of rain. 
High Temperature............Lower 70s. 
Winds.......................Southeast around 15 mph.
Tides...
   East Rockaway Inlet......Low at 9:03 AM.
                            High at 3:31 PM. 
Sunrise.....................6:40 AM. 
Sunset......................6:58 PM. 


.MONDAY...
Rip Current Risk............Moderate. 
Surf Height.................Around 4 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential......None. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. 
High Temperature............Upper 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast 15 to 20 mph.
Tides...
   East Rockaway Inlet......Low at 10:03 AM.
                            High at 4:26 PM. 
Sunrise.....................6:41 AM. 
Sunset......................6:56 PM. 


.TUESDAY...Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers. Highs in the mid 60s.
Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph. 
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers. Highs in the mid
60s. Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers. Highs in the mid 60s.
Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph.

&&

Rip Current Risk Categories:

* Low Risk - Implies that wind and wave conditions do not support an
enhanced rip current risk. However, life-threatening rip currents are
always possible in the vicinity of groins, jetties, reefs, and piers.

* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone. Anyone planning to enter the surf should check with local
beach patrols first. Be sure to swim within sight of a life guard,
and never alone or at night.

* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely for all people
entering the surf zone. Anyone visiting the beaches should stay out
of the surf.

If you enter the surf zone, always have a flotation device with you
and swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float, and do not swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and yell or wave for help.

For UV Index definitions plus more on rip current and beach safety,
see: https://www.weather.gov/beach/okx

$$

NYZ179-202015-
Southern Nassau-
Including the beaches of Atlantic Beach, Long Beach, Lido Beach, 
and Jones Beach
423 AM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026

.TODAY...
Rip Current Risk............Moderate. 
Surf Height.................Around 3 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential......None. 
UV Index**..................Low. 
Surf Temperature............Lower 70s. 
Weather.....................Cloudy. Periods of rain. 
High Temperature............Around 70. 
Winds.......................Southeast around 15 mph.
Tides...
   Jones Inlet..............Low at 9:03 AM.
                            High at 3:18 PM. 
Sunrise.....................6:39 AM. 
Sunset......................6:57 PM. 


.MONDAY...
Rip Current Risk............Moderate. 
Surf Height.................Around 4 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential......None. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. 
High Temperature............Upper 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast 15 to 20 mph.
Tides...
   Jones Inlet..............Low at 10:04 AM.
                            High at 4:16 PM. 
Sunrise.....................6:40 AM. 
Sunset......................6:56 PM. 


.TUESDAY...Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers. Highs in the mid 60s.
Northeast winds around 20 mph. 
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy. A slight chance of showers. Highs in the
mid 60s. Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers. Highs in the mid 60s.
Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph.

&&

Rip Current Risk Categories:

* Low Risk - Implies that wind and wave conditions do not support an
enhanced rip current risk. However, life-threatening rip currents are
always possible in the vicinity of groins, jetties, reefs, and piers.

* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone. Anyone planning to enter the surf should check with local
beach patrols first. Be sure to swim within sight of a life guard,
and never alone or at night.

* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely for all people
entering the surf zone. Anyone visiting the beaches should stay out
of the surf.

If you enter the surf zone, always have a flotation device with you
and swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float, and do not swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and yell or wave for help.

For UV Index definitions plus more on rip current and beach safety,
see: https://www.weather.gov/beach/okx

$$

NYZ080-202015-
Southwestern Suffolk-
Including the beaches of Gilgo State Park and Robert Moses State Park
423 AM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026

.TODAY...
Rip Current Risk............Moderate. 
Surf Height.................Around 3 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential......None. 
UV Index**..................Low. 
Surf Temperature............Lower 70s. 
Weather.....................Cloudy. Periods of rain. 
High Temperature............Around 70. 
Winds.......................Southeast around 15 mph.
Tides...
   Fire Island Inlet........Low at 9:01 AM.
                            High at 2:59 PM. 
Sunrise.....................6:38 AM. 
Sunset......................6:56 PM. 


.MONDAY...
Rip Current Risk............Moderate. 
Surf Height.................Around 4 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential......None. 
Weather.....................Cloudy. 
High Temperature............Upper 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast around 20 mph.
Tides...
   Fire Island Inlet........Low at 10:02 AM.
                            High at 3:57 PM. 
Sunrise.....................6:39 AM. 
Sunset......................6:54 PM. 


.TUESDAY...Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers. Highs in the mid 60s.
Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph. 
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 60s. Windy. Northeast
winds around 35 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers. Highs in the mid 60s.
Windy. Northeast winds around 35 mph.

&&

Rip Current Risk Categories:

* Low Risk - Implies that wind and wave conditions do not support an
enhanced rip current risk. However, life-threatening rip currents are
always possible in the vicinity of groins, jetties, reefs, and piers.

* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone. Anyone planning to enter the surf should check with local
beach patrols first. Be sure to swim within sight of a life guard,
and never alone or at night.

* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely for all people
entering the surf zone. Anyone visiting the beaches should stay out
of the surf.

If you enter the surf zone, always have a flotation device with you
and swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float, and do not swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and yell or wave for help.

For UV Index definitions plus more on rip current and beach safety,
see: https://www.weather.gov/beach/okx

$$

NYZ081-202015-
Southeastern Suffolk-
Including the beaches of Smith Point, Cupsogue Beach, 
Hither Hills State Park, and Ditch Plains
423 AM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026

.TODAY...
Rip Current Risk............Moderate. 
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential......None. 
UV Index**..................Low. 
Surf Temperature............Lower 70s. 
Weather.....................Cloudy. Periods of rain. 
High Temperature............Upper 60s. 
Winds.......................Southeast 10 to 15 mph.
Tides...
   Shinnecock Inlet.........Low at 8:05 AM.
                            High at 3:34 PM. 
Sunrise.....................6:33 AM. 
Sunset......................6:51 PM. 


.MONDAY...
Rip Current Risk............Moderate. 
Surf Height.................Around 4 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential......None. 
Weather.....................Cloudy. 
High Temperature............Upper 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast around 20 mph.
Tides...
   Shinnecock Inlet.........Low at 9:11 AM.
                            High at 4:30 PM. 
Sunrise.....................6:34 AM. 
Sunset......................6:49 PM. 


.TUESDAY...Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers. Highs in the mid 60s.
Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph. 
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 60s. Windy. Northeast
winds around 30 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers. Highs in the mid 60s.
Windy. Northeast winds around 30 mph.

&&

Rip Current Risk Categories:

* Low Risk - Implies that wind and wave conditions do not support an
enhanced rip current risk. However, life-threatening rip currents are
always possible in the vicinity of groins, jetties, reefs, and piers.

* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone. Anyone planning to enter the surf should check with local
beach patrols first. Be sure to swim within sight of a life guard,
and never alone or at night.

* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely for all people
entering the surf zone. Anyone visiting the beaches should stay out
of the surf.

If you enter the surf zone, always have a flotation device with you
and swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float, and do not swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and yell or wave for help.

For UV Index definitions plus more on rip current and beach safety,
see: https://www.weather.gov/beach/okx


$$

The water now, measured

Buoy MTKN6, 8510560 - Montauk, NY, 23 mi away, reported 3:00 PM.

Water temperature: 70 °F
Air temperature: 68 °F

From NOAA's National Data Buoy Center. Wave height is the significant height, the average of the highest third; the largest waves run half again as high. Offshore buoys read bigger than the surf at the beach.

Tides today

Shinnecock Inlet (ocean), 8.0 mi away. Feet above mean lower low water.

High tide3:08 AM2.4 ft
Low tide8:05 AM1.0 ft
High tide3:34 PM3.0 ft
Low tide9:14 PM1.0 ft

Low tide often exposes the sandbars and channels that shape rip currents, and the risk can run higher for an hour or two either side of it. Full tide table for Shinnecock Inlet (ocean).

Sun and daylight

Sunrise today: 6:35 AM
Sunset today: 6:50 PM
Sunrise tomorrow: 6:36 AM
Sunset tomorrow: 6:48 PM

Times are Eastern Daylight Time. Lifeguards are off duty outside posted hours, and the rip current risk does not fall with the light.

Beaches in this forecast

Smith Point
Cupsogue Beach
Hither Hills State Park
Ditch Plains

As the National Weather Service lists them in its surf zone forecast.

What this means

The three levels the National Weather Service issues, and what to do at each.

High	Life-threatening rip currents are likely. The surf zone is dangerous for swimmers of every level. Stay out of the water.
Moderate	Life-threatening rip currents are possible. Swim near a lifeguard, and follow the beach patrol and its flags.
Low	Life-threatening rip currents are not expected, but they can still form near groins, jetties, reefs and piers. Swim near a lifeguard.

If a rip current carries you out

Do not fight the current. It pulls you away from the beach, not under the water.
Stay calm and keep your head above water. Float or tread water until the pull eases.
Swim parallel to the beach, along the shore, until you are out of the current, then angle in toward the beach.
If you cannot escape, face the shore, wave your arms and call for help.
If someone else is caught, do not go in after them. Get a lifeguard, call 911, and throw them something that floats.

Thunderstorms and lightning

No thunderstorms are in the forecast today. Water and open sand leave you the tallest thing around. When thunder roars, go indoors: leave the water and the beach for a building or a hard-topped vehicle, and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back.

A rip current is a narrow stream of water flowing away from the beach, through the surf and past the breakers. It pulls swimmers out, not under. Rip current and lightning safety guidance from the National Weather Service.

Nearby

The stretches of shore the National Weather Service forecasts on either side of this one.

More for this place

Sources

Rip current risk, surf, water temperature and UV from the National Weather Service surf zone forecast and beach forecast, office OKX, issued 423 AM EDT, 9/20/2026. Original at NWS. Waves and water temperature measured by NOAA's National Data Buoy Center. Tides from NOAA CO-OPS. Alerts from the National Weather Service for zone NYZ081.