Tide and Wave predictions and data

Tide Predictions

Harwich Haven Authority/Leisure produces annual tide tables as well as a tidal atlas. The tide does not turn at HW or LW anyway in Swimscapes Bay. The tidal stream turns to flood north about 4-4.5 hrs after HW and to ebb north about 1.5 hrs before the next HW. In time I’ll work out these differences more exactly as the Admiralty are unlikely to bother.

Local ports are Harwich, Walton and Woodbridge Haven and they differ by only a few minutes so any will do. as it is not practical to predict the tide to within a few minutes. Some sites derive predictions for Felixstowe Pier.

Easytide is the definitive UKHO 7-day tide prediction for any UK port, note the options for GMT/BST Walton and Harwich are only about 5 minutes different so either is OK locally. Easytide Walton and Easytide Harwich

Port of London Authority produces tide tables which cover Walton on the Naze and a facility to generate tide tables up to 30 years ahead. A sophisticated planning tool. They will also send an annual printed version. PLA download of tide tables for Walton and other Thames ports.

The NTSLF (National Tide and Sea Level Facility) gives 28-day predictions for Harwich as well as lots of other data.

There is also the British Oceanic Data Centre which overlaps NTSLF and has historical data for local gauges.

NATIONAL NETWORK OF REGIONAL COASTAL MONITORING PROGRAMMES – various data

Locally produced tables for Woodbridge Tide Mill, useful for Deben. Note that Waldringfield times are about halfway between Woodbridge and Woodbridge Haven times. Woodbridge Tide Mill tide tables.

Associated British Ports | Ipswich (abports.co.uk) Ipswich Tide Tables

Tidal differences on the East Coast. might be of use up and down the coast.

Xtide gives tides for anywhere at any time and can be added to a calendar. Not as accurate as Easytide. Xtide online – any date/ port and calendar.

Tidal Co-efficients at Brest for up to a year ahead will show the days when strongest and weakest tides occur, good for planning. 120 is really strong, 70 is average, 30 is really weak.

Cross Channel types might want this one for Dover Marina guide includes tide tables for the year. or if starting the other side SHOM – french UKHO. Cherbourg Tide Tables. are useful with the Reeves Fowkes Atlas.

Live tide information

Locally Harwich Haven Authority gives tide height at Harwich together with any +/-surge (which will affect tidal stream as well as height. It also gives the Wave height out at sea.

Tidal level at Woodbridge – East Coast Curious

Port of London gives similar data for Walton (beware GMT only) as well as for Harwich.

The Felixstowe CEFAS Wave Rider Buoy about 2 miles offshore gives sea temperature and wave height. It will also give a wave height forecast and other data if you learn how to use it.

Bawdsey Tide and Temperature.

The NTLSF gives real-time tide height data for Harwich or any port (it may share the Harwich Gauge). Lowestoft may be useful for up the coast.

Here are surge forecasts for Felixstowe for 48 hours ahead.