Tide Forecast for Portland Head Light

Q: What time is high tide at Portland Head Light today?

Check the tide table above for today's high tide times at Portland Head Light. High tides occur when the water level reaches its maximum height. We provide exact times and heights for all high tides throughout the day.

Q: What time is low tide at Portland Head Light today?

Today's low tide times for Portland Head Light are shown in the tide chart above. Low tide is when the water level is at its lowest point. This information is crucial for beach activities, boat launches, and fishing.

Q: What are the best fishing times at Portland Head Light?

The best fishing times are typically during the 2-3 hours around high tide and low tide, especially during major and minor solunar periods. Our fishing quality rating takes into account tide movements, moon phases, and time of day to help you plan the most productive fishing trips.

Q: How do I read the tide chart?

Our tide chart shows the predicted water level throughout the day. High points represent high tides (▲) and low points represent low tides (▼). The height is measured in feet relative to MLLW (Mean Lower Low Water). Times are shown in the local time zone.

Q: What is a tide coefficient?

The tide coefficient indicates the amplitude of the tide compared to average conditions. Values above 70 indicate spring tides (larger tidal range), while values below 50 indicate neap tides (smaller range). Higher coefficients generally mean better fishing conditions.

Detailed tide information to help plan your fishing trips

Portland Head Light is a tidal monitoring station situated in the northern coastal waters of Maine, USA. This station provides accurate tide predictions for fishing, boating, surfing, and marine activities. Check our detailed tide charts to plan your trips at optimal tide heights and times.

Today's tidal range at Portland Head Light is approximately 9.2 feet, following a mixed tidal pattern. Understanding these tidal movements is crucial for anglers, as fish feeding activity increases significantly during tide changes. The best fishing typically occurs during the first and last hours of each tidal shift.

Our comprehensive tide forecast for Portland Head Light includes precise high tide and low tide times, accurate tide heights measured in feet, moon phase analysis, sunrise and sunset times, current weather conditions, and fishing quality ratings based on tidal and lunar factors. All data is updated regularly from NOAA's official tide stations and weather services, ensuring you have the most current information for planning your marine activities.

Weather Conditions

TODAY, TUESDAY 16 DECEMBER 2025

Mostly Sunny

cloud cover 0%

Wind

10 mph

Comes from W (270°)

Temperature

19 °F

Maximum 52° F

Minimum 20° F

Wind chill 11.5° F

Humidity

73 %

Dew point 12° F

Visibility

10.0 mi.

Data Source: NOAA Weather Service • 2025-12-16

Weekly Tide Table

Date	Moon Phase	Sunrise	Sunset	1st Extreme	2nd Extreme	3rd Extreme	4th Extreme	Coefficient	Fishing Rating
1. Tue, December 16 (Today)	🌔 Waxing Gibbous 14.4%	07:07 AM ☀️ (New_York)	04:04 PM 🌙 (New_York)	02:08 AM 1.5 ft ▼	08:21 AM 8.948 ft ▲	02:52 PM 0.612 ft ▼	09:00 PM 7.891 ft ▲	86 Moderate	👌 Average Score: 3/5
2. Wed, December 17	🌔 Waxing Gibbous 8.5%	07:08 AM ☀️ (New_York)	04:05 PM 🌙 (New_York)	02:53 AM 1.527 ft ▼	09:04 AM 9.066 ft ▲	03:35 PM 0.429 ft ▼	09:44 PM 7.945 ft ▲	89 Moderate	👌 Average Score: 3/5
3. Thu, December 18	🌔 Waxing Gibbous 4.1%	07:09 AM ☀️ (New_York)	04:05 PM 🌙 (New_York)	03:33 AM 1.51 ft ▼	09:44 AM 9.164 ft ▲	04:15 PM 0.301 ft ▼	10:26 PM 7.994 ft ▲	92 Spring	🎣 Excellent Score: 5/5
4. Fri, December 19	🌔 Waxing Gibbous 1.2%	07:09 AM ☀️ (New_York)	04:05 PM 🌙 (New_York)	04:12 AM 1.471 ft ▼	10:23 AM 9.241 ft ▲	04:53 PM 0.223 ft ▼	11:06 PM 8.023 ft ▲	93 Spring	🎣 Excellent Score: 5/5
5. Sat, December 20	🌔 Waxing Gibbous 0.2%	07:10 AM ☀️ (New_York)	04:06 PM 🌙 (New_York)	04:49 AM 1.426 ft ▼	11:01 AM 9.298 ft ▲	05:30 PM 0.179 ft ▼	11:43 PM 8.031 ft ▲	94 Spring	🎣 Excellent Score: 5/5
6. Sun, December 21	🌔 Waxing Gibbous 1.0%	07:10 AM ☀️ (New_York)	04:06 PM 🌙 (New_York)	05:26 AM 1.384 ft ▼	11:38 AM 9.332 ft ▲	06:05 PM 0.155 ft ▼	--	95 Spring	🎣 Excellent Score: 5/5
7. Mon, December 22	🌔 Waxing Gibbous 3.6%	07:11 AM ☀️ (New_York)	04:07 PM 🌙 (New_York)	12:20 AM 8.033 ft ▲	06:03 AM 1.346 ft ▼	12:15 PM 9.335 ft ▲	06:41 PM 0.143 ft ▼	95 Spring	🎣 Excellent Score: 5/5
8. Tue, December 23	🌔 Waxing Gibbous 8.1%	07:11 AM ☀️ (New_York)	04:07 PM 🌙 (New_York)	12:56 AM 8.053 ft ▲	06:41 AM 1.309 ft ▼	12:52 PM 9.297 ft ▲	07:18 PM 0.142 ft ▼	95 Spring	👌 Average Score: 3/5

▲ High Tide

▼ Low Tide

☀️ Sunrise

🌙 Sunset

🌕 Moon Phase

🎣 Fishing Rating (scoring criteria)

Coefficient: Tide amplitude relative to mean (>70 Spring, <50 Neap) (how it's calculated)

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Understanding Tides and Fishing Conditions

Understanding Tides

Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by gravitational forces from the moon and sun, combined with Earth's rotation. The moon has the strongest influence due to its proximity. As the moon orbits Earth, its gravitational pull creates a bulge of water on the side closest to it, and another on the opposite side, resulting in high tides. Areas in between experience low tides.

Types of Tides

There are three main types of tidal patterns: Semidiurnal tides have two high tides and two low tides of roughly equal height each day. Diurnal tides have one high tide and one low tide per day. Mixed tides feature two high tides and two low tides of different heights. The type of tide depends on the location's geography and position relative to the moon.

How Tide Coefficients Work

The tide coefficient is a numerical value (typically 20-120) that indicates the tidal amplitude compared to average conditions. Coefficients above 70 indicate spring tides - these occur during full and new moons when the sun, moon, and Earth align, creating larger tidal ranges. Coefficients below 50 indicate neap tides - these happen during quarter moons when gravitational forces partially cancel out, resulting in smaller tidal ranges.

Best Tides for Fishing

Many experienced anglers consider the period around tide changes to be prime fishing time. As tides transition from high to low or low to high, water movement increases, bringing nutrients and prey fish into feeding zones. This triggers predatory fish to become more active. The first and last hours of a tide change are often most productive. Combine this with major solunar periods (when the moon is directly overhead or underfoot) for optimal fishing conditions.

How to Read Tide Charts

A tide chart displays predicted water levels over time. The vertical axis shows height (usually in feet) measured from a reference point called MLLW (Mean Lower Low Water). The horizontal axis shows time. High tides are marked with ▲ symbols and low tides with ▼ symbols. The curve between these points shows how quickly the water level changes. Steeper curves indicate faster current speeds, which can affect fishing and boating conditions.

Moon Phases and Fishing

Moon phases influence both tides and fish behavior. New Moon and Full Moon create spring tides with maximum tidal range - often considered the best fishing periods. First Quarter and Last Quarter moons produce neap tides with minimal range. Beyond tides, many anglers believe fish feed more actively during specific lunar phases, particularly during the three days around full and new moons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is high tide at Portland Head Light today?

Today's high tides at Portland Head Light occur at 08:21 AM and 09:00 PM, reaching heights of 8.948 feet and 7.891 feet. These are optimal times for deep-water fishing and boat launching. Plan to arrive 1-2 hours before high tide for the best fishing action.

What time is low tide at Portland Head Light today?

Low tides at Portland Head Light are at 02:08 AM and 02:52 PM today. Low tide is excellent for beach exploration, tide pool viewing, and accessing areas normally covered by water. Fishing can be productive during the incoming tide following low water.

What are the best fishing times at Portland Head Light?

The best fishing times are typically during the 2-3 hours around high tide and low tide, especially during major and minor solunar periods. Our fishing quality rating takes into account tide movements, moon phases, and time of day to help you plan the most productive fishing trips.

How do I read the tide chart?

Our tide chart shows the predicted water level throughout the day. High points represent high tides (▲) and low points represent low tides (▼). The height is measured in feet relative to MLLW (Mean Lower Low Water). Times are shown in the local time zone.

What is a tide coefficient?

The tide coefficient indicates the amplitude of the tide compared to average conditions. Values above 70 indicate spring tides (larger tidal range), while values below 50 indicate neap tides (smaller range). Higher coefficients generally mean better fishing conditions.

How does the moon phase affect tides at Portland Head Light?

Moon phases have a significant impact on tidal range. During full moon and new moon, you'll experience spring tides with larger ranges. During quarter moons, neap tides occur with smaller ranges. Many anglers find that fishing is best during the days around full and new moons.

Is this tide data accurate?

Yes, our tide predictions are based on official NOAA data and are highly accurate. However, actual conditions can be affected by weather, wind, and barometric pressure. Always check current weather conditions alongside tide predictions for the most complete picture.

How far in advance can I see tide predictions?

We provide tide forecasts for the next 7 days, including high and low tide times, heights, and fishing quality ratings. This allows you to plan your activities well in advance and choose the best days for fishing or other marine activities.