Merkel Beach is a Harwich Port town beach with no parking; a bike rack is the only amenity the town lists.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
Hours
Harwich beaches close midnight to 6am, and beach lots close 10pm to 6am.
Dogs
Pets are banned from Harwich beaches, landings, and public ponds May 1 through September 15; leashed dogs are fine the rest of the year.
Allowed now · ban starts May 1Getting in
Parking
No town parking
Spaces0
the town's beach brochure lists no parking spaces here
Access points along this beach
Snow Inn Road entrance
marked only by a small handmade sign
What's here
Not here
No restrooms
the town's beach brochure lists no restroom here
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Merkel Beach by month, in °F| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|
| Water °F | 40° | 39° | 42° | 49° | 55° | 63° | 69° | 68° | 66° | 60° | 50° | 44° |
|---|
Monthly averages from NOAA, Chatham (2022 to 2024). Today's reading is in the conditions above.
Common questions
Is Merkel Beach in Harwich open today?
Merkel Beach is not monitored right now. MA DPH samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day and posts no advisories or all-clears off-season, so there is no swim status to report. Swimming off-season is at your own risk.
What's the water temperature at Merkel Beach?
Water at Merkel Beach averages about 39°F in February and 69°F in July, based on NOAA readings at Chatham from 2022 to 2024. For today's temperature, see the conditions above.
What rules should I know at Merkel Beach?
No lifeguard on duty. No dogs on any Harwich beach between Memorial Day and Labor Day; off-season dogs are allowed on the sand. Red River Beach is the only exception, with on-leash dog walking permitted in the parking lot dawn-9am and 4:30pm-dusk in season.
Can you swim at Merkel Beach?
There is no MA DPH swim status for Merkel Beach off-season: the state samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swimming off-season is at your own risk; check conditions posted at the beach.
Are dogs allowed at Merkel Beach?
Pets are banned from Harwich beaches, landings, and public ponds May 1 through September 15; leashed dogs are fine the rest of the year.