Cape Cod Water Temperature, Tides & Buoy Report

Region: Massachusetts

Cape Cod sits at the intersection of two distinct oceanographic zones: the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Gulf of Maine to the north, and the warmer, shallower Nantucket Sound to the south. The Cape Cod Canal connects Cape Cod Bay to Buzzards Bay, creating a ripping tidal current that concentrates marine life and creates strong current structure.

NOAA Stations Near Cape Cod

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions does Big Buoy track near Cape Cod?
Big Buoy tracks real-time water temperature, wave height, swell period, wind speed and direction, and atmospheric pressure from NOAA stations across the region, including Nantucket Sound, SE of Block Island, and Boston (for Cape Cod Bay). You also get 7-day tide forecasts, solunar tables, and extended weather forecasts covering both sides of the Cape and the Islands.
What is the tidal range at Cape Cod?
Tidal range varies dramatically around Cape Cod — under 2 feet in Nantucket Sound on the south side, and over 9 feet at the head of Cape Cod Bay near Wellfleet. The Cape Cod Canal produces ripping tidal currents that exceed 5 knots at peak flow, creating strong current structure during both the incoming and outgoing tides.
What conditions should I check before heading out at Cape Cod?
First, check which side of the Cape you're heading to — north-side and south-side conditions are often completely different. Water temperature in Cape Cod Bay can run 10–15°F colder than Nantucket Sound on the same day. In the Canal, tidal current timing is everything since flows exceed 5 knots. Watch for fog from June through August when warm air hits cold Gulf of Maine water. Big Buoy shows conditions from stations on both sides of the Cape so you can compare before heading out.
What buoys and stations does Big Buoy track near Cape Cod?
Big Buoy tracks 880+ buoys and coastal stations and 3,400+ tide stations nationwide, with many in the Cape Cod area — including NANTUCKET SOUND (44020), CAPE COD - 9 NM North of Provincetown, MA (44018), BOSTON 16 NM East of Boston, MA (44013). What each one reports depends on the sensors it carries: offshore buoys typically cover water temperature, waves and wind, while tide gauges report water level. Open the map to see all stations near Cape Cod.
What marine conditions are available for Cape Cod?
Big Buoy shows real-time water temperature, wave height, swell period, wind speed and direction from the stations that report them, plus 7-day tide tables with exact high and low times and daily solunar peak windows for Cape Cod.
Is Big Buoy free to use for Cape Cod marine conditions?
Yes. Real-time buoy data, tides, and solunar for Cape Cod are completely free with no account required. Big Buoy Pro adds the Wind Tab, the Depth Chart, satellite overlays (sea surface temp, chlorophyll, currents), 16-day forecasts, and forecast model switching.