A mile-long barrier spit that curls around the mouth of Popponesset Bay, backed by low dunes and rimmed with piping plover habitat. Most of it is only reachable by boat or a long walk, and the public strand is a narrow strip fronting Nantucket Sound.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
Birdwatching
Allowed year-round
Managed by
Town of Mashpee (public-access section)
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Popponesset Spit by month, in °F| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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| Water °F | 39° | 37° | 41° | 48° | 56° | 66° | 73° | 74° | 70° | 62° | 54° | 44° |
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Monthly averages from NOAA, Woods Hole (2022 to 2024). Today's reading is in the conditions above.
Common questions
Is Popponesset Spit in Mashpee open today?
Popponesset Spit 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 Popponesset Spit?
Water at Popponesset Spit averages about 37°F in February and 74°F in August, based on NOAA readings at Woods Hole from 2022 to 2024. For today's temperature, see the conditions above.
What rules should I know at Popponesset Spit?
Walking onto the spit itself is restricted during shorebird nesting season to protect piping plovers, roseate, common, and least terns.
Can you swim at Popponesset Spit?
There is no MA DPH swim status for Popponesset Spit 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.