Chesapeake Bay Water Temperature, Tides & Buoy Report

Region: Virginia / Maryland

The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States, stretching 200 miles from Havre de Grace, Maryland to the Virginia capes. Its complex tidal system — driven by Atlantic swell pushing through the Bay entrance — creates dramatically different conditions between the upper Bay, the mid-Bay shipping channel, and the mouth near Cape Henry. Tidal range at the Bay entrance runs 2–3.5 feet; further north at Annapolis it drops to about 1 foot.

NOAA Stations Near Chesapeake Bay

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions does Big Buoy track near the Chesapeake Bay?
Big Buoy tracks real-time water temperature, wave height, wind speed and direction, swell period, and atmospheric pressure from NOAA stations throughout the Bay. Stations at Thimble Shoal, Cape Henry, Sewells Point, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Kiptopeke, Chesapeake Light, Thomas Point Light, and Wachapreague cover the lower and mid-Bay. Big Buoy also provides 7-day tide forecasts, solunar tables, and a multi-day weather outlook for planning.
What is the tidal range in the Chesapeake Bay?
Tidal range in the Chesapeake Bay varies by location. At the Bay entrance near Cape Henry it runs 2–3.5 feet; at Annapolis in the mid-Bay it drops to about 1 foot. The complex tidal system is driven by Atlantic swell pushing through the Bay entrance at Cape Henry.
What conditions should I check before heading out on the Chesapeake Bay?
Wind direction and speed are the most important variables on the Bay — northerly winds create steep chop in the shallow upper Bay, while sustained southerlies push ocean swell into the lower Bay. Check water temperature at your target area since stratification can exceed 10°F between the channel and the shallows in summer. Tidal phase matters for current strength in the tributaries and at the Bridge-Tunnel. Big Buoy shows all of these in real time from the NOAA stations throughout the Bay, plus a 7-day forecast for planning ahead.
What NOAA stations does Big Buoy track near Chesapeake Bay?
Big Buoy tracks 882 NOAA buoys and 3,400+ tide stations nationwide, with many in the Chesapeake Bay area — including Thimble Shoal, VA (44087), Cape Henry, VA (44099), Sewells Point, VA (SWPV2), CB Bridge-Tunnel, VA (CHBV2), Kiptopeke, VA (KPTV2), Chesapeake Light, VA (44071), Thomas Point Light, MD (TPLM2), Wachapreague, VA (WAHV2). Each station reports water temperature, wave height, wind speed and direction, and more — updated every 10 minutes. Open the map to see all stations near Chesapeake Bay.
What marine conditions are available for Chesapeake Bay?
Big Buoy shows real-time water temperature, wave height, swell period, wind speed and direction, 7-day tide tables with exact high and low times, and daily solunar peak windows for Chesapeake Bay.
Is Big Buoy free to use for Chesapeake Bay marine conditions?
Yes. Real-time buoy data, tides, and solunar for Chesapeake Bay 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.