Francis Street Beach is an ocean beach in Nantucket, Massachusetts.
What to expect
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
Nantucket lifeguards are on duty from late June through Labor Day, roughly 9am to 5pm, and vehicles are barred from the lifeguarded beaches during those hours. Posted hours at the entrance win if they differ.
From late JuneDogs
Leashed dogs permitted under the Town-wide leash law
Managed by
Town of Nantucket Natural Resources Department
508-228-7230 · WebsiteTides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Francis Street Beach by month, in °F| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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| Water °F | 39° | 38° | 42° | 50° | 57° | 67° | 76° | 75° | 69° | 61° | 51° | 42° |
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Monthly averages from NOAA, Nantucket Island (2022 to 2024). Today's reading is in the conditions above.
Common questions
Is Francis Street Beach in Nantucket open today?
Open, no advisory on record in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Is this the same as Francis Street Beach?
Yes. The Massachusetts bathing-beach monitoring program lists this harbor beach as "Washington Street," while locals commonly call it Francis Street Beach after the street it sits closest to.
What's the water temperature at Francis Street Beach?
Water at Francis Street Beach averages about 38°F in February and 76°F in July, based on NOAA readings at Nantucket Island from 2022 to 2024. For today's temperature, see the conditions above.
Can you swim at Francis Street Beach?
Yes. Francis Street Beach has no swimming advisory in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). Check again the morning you go.
Are dogs allowed at Francis Street Beach?
Leashed dogs permitted under the Town-wide leash law