Where to find tide times before going to the beach?
Tide times are available directly in the weather forecast for each beach on La Chaîne Météo. Search for your beach or coastal town to find high and low tide times for the day, as well as the tide coefficient.
Weather and tides directly influence your days at the beach. The forecast also includes water temperature, UV index, wind, waves, and sea state. Cross-referencing these pieces of information helps anticipate the evolution of the coastline, available space on the beach, and swimming conditions.
What time are high and low tide today?
High and low tide times vary depending on the beach, date, and coastal area concerned. There is therefore no single schedule for all coasts. High tide corresponds to the maximum level reached by the sea, while low tide refers to its minimum level.
As high tide approaches, the available space on some beaches can greatly decrease. At low tide, the intertidal zone is more exposed, but the rise of water must be anticipated. Wind, waves, and weather conditions can also modify the height reached by the sea on the shore.
How to know if the tide is rising or falling?
The tide is rising between low tide time and the following high tide. It is falling between high tide and the following low tide. To find out the current phase, simply compare the current time with the times indicated in your beach's forecast.
This evolution gradually changes the width of the beach, access to certain areas, and the proximity of water. Wind, waves, swell, and sea state can amplify the effects felt along the coast. Always consult tide times along with your beach's weather forecast.
What does the tide coefficient mean for a day at the beach?
The tide coefficient indicates the expected amplitude between high and low tide. In France, it ranges from 20 to 120: the higher it is, the greater the tidal range. A coefficient below 70 corresponds to low tide, while a coefficient above 70 indicates high tide.
A high coefficient can expose a wider intertidal zone at low tide, then further reduce the available space when the water rises. However, it is not sufficient on its own to determine swimming conditions: wind, waves, swell, sea state, and local information must also be consulted.
