Simple Tides / Guides / Washington DC Tides
Washington Tide Chart
Washington — the nation’s capital on the tidal Potomac — feels a three-foot semidiurnal tide; the NOAA station sits on the downtown waterfront, a short walk from the Tidal Basin and its cherry blossoms.
Upcoming tides in Washington
Live NOAA predictions for station 8594900 (Washington).
| Day | Time | Tide | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loading live tide predictions… | |||
Heights in feet above MLLW, station local time. See the full interactive tide map.
The pattern
Two highs and two lows daily with around three feet of range — the Chesapeake’s tide traveling up the tidal Potomac. High water here runs hours behind the Bay, and a stiff wind can pile water up or push it out.
Blossoms and river fishing
The station sits on the downtown waterfront, a short walk from the Tidal Basin — the basin’s gates use the tide to flush it. The river gives up striped bass, largemouth, and monster blue catfish; see our best time to fish tides guide.
Boating
The tidal Potomac is busy urban water — bridges, security zones, and tour boats. Kayakers launch at the Tidal Basin and Georgetown; mind the current on the ebb. For the region, see our Chesapeake Bay tides guide.