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West Beach, Whitstable

Canterbury, South East
Excellent Water Quality
Data last verified: 12 Nov 2026

West Beach in Whitstable boasts a picturesque shingle shoreline, where the Environment Agency consistently rates the water quality as Excellent. During the summer months, the water temperature here typically ranges from 17-19°C, making it perfect for swimming and water activities. The scenic views of the English Channel and surrounding coastline add to the charm of this popular beach.

9.5°C
Air Temp
20.9 mph
Wind Speed
High Tide (5.12m)
in 35m (01:35) • Spring Tide
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Live Water Quality

95
Excellent
Safe for swimming
• Updated 10 mins ago
Today's Conditions • Updated 10 mins ago

Lifeguards

Unknown
Help us verify

Air Temp

9.5°C
Comfortable

Weather

Partly cloudy
9.5°C

Tide

High Tide (5.12m)
in 35m (01:35) • Spring Tide

Water Quality

Excellent
Safe for swimming

Pollution Alerts

None
No alerts today

Quick Overview

Shingle beach
Family friendly
Dog friendly
(year-round)
Parking nearby
Toilets
Café
Verified Information

Beach Information View all details

Beach Type
Shingle
Water Quality
Excellent
Avg. Air Temp
9.5°C
Swimming
Highly recommended

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The Larder (Whitstable)
cafe
4.8 • 120m away
Harbour Grind
coffee shop
4.8 • 120m away
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HatHats Coffee South Quay Shed (Whitstable Harbour)
coffee shop
4.8 • 120m away
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Reference Information

🌊 Live Tide Curve, Tidal Range & 7-Day Schedule

Harmonic astronomical predictions, tidal coefficients & flow rate

Spring Tide • Coeff 89
Current Water Level
Rising ↑ (5.03m)
91% through current tide cycle (LAT)
Upcoming High & Low
▲ High: 01:35 (5.12m • in 35m)
▼ Low: 07:41 (0.85m • in 6h 41m)
Tidal Range & Coefficient
Range: 4.27m (Coeff 89/120)
Large tidal range — faster tidal currents and higher high water.
Current Tidal Flow
Moderate Flooding Flow
Rule of Twelfths: fastest flow occurs in mid-tide hours 3 & 4.
📈 24-Hour Harmonic Tide Curve (LAT)
Station: Whitstable (8.06 km)
5.8m 3.1m 0.3m 23:3003:3007:3011:3015:3019:30 High 01:35 (5.1m)Low 07:41 (0.8m)High 13:55 (5.0m)Low 20:00 (1.1m) NOW
📅 7-Day High & Low Tide Table
Day High & Low Tides (Local Time) Tidal Range Coeff / Phase
Wed 11 Nov ▲ High 13:21 (5.22m)▼ Low 19:26 (0.90m) 4.32m Spring (91)
Today ▲ High 01:35 (5.12m)▼ Low 07:41 (0.85m)▲ High 13:55 (4.99m)▼ Low 20:00 (1.07m) 4.27m Spring (89)
Fri 13 Nov ▲ High 02:06 (4.95m)▼ Low 08:17 (0.92m)▲ High 14:29 (4.75m)▼ Low 20:36 (1.22m) 4.03m Coeff 82
Sat 14 Nov ▲ High 02:37 (4.79m)▼ Low 08:55 (1.00m)▲ High 15:03 (4.54m)▼ Low 21:14 (1.36m) 3.79m Coeff 75
Sun 15 Nov ▲ High 03:11 (4.64m)▼ Low 09:38 (1.08m)▲ High 15:40 (4.35m)▼ Low 21:58 (1.47m) 3.56m Coeff 68
Mon 16 Nov ▲ High 03:49 (4.48m)▼ Low 10:25 (1.15m)▲ High 16:27 (4.20m)▼ Low 22:50 (1.56m) 3.33m Coeff 61
Tue 17 Nov ▲ High 04:37 (4.33m)▼ Low 11:19 (1.20m)▲ High 17:26 (4.08m)▼ Low 23:47 (1.61m) 3.13m Coeff 55
Reference Station: Whitstable • Model: FES2022 Global Ocean Model • Datum: LAT Tide predictions via TidesAtlas
Next 4 Tides
Spring Tide
High 01:35 5.12m
Low 07:41 0.85m
High 13:55 4.99m
Low 20:00 1.07m
Current: Rising (5.03m) • Moderate Flooding Flow
Sediment Type
Shingle

The shoreline consists primarily of shingle. Sediment type dictates underfoot comfort, wave energy absorption, and the water's clarity when currents stir up the seabed.

Annual Rating
Excellent

Water quality is classified as excellent, meeting the highest cleanliness standards. Bacterial counts (E. coli & Intestinal Enterococci) are consistently low, posing negligible health risks.

Rainfall Impact
Low Risk

This bathing water is generally resilient and has a low risk of quality degradation after heavy summer storm events.

Monitoring Authority
Environment Agency

Tested weekly by the Environment Agency England for bacteria levels (E. coli & Intestinal Enterococci) between May and September.

Water Body Type
Coastal Beach

Monitored as a coastal beach. Coastal beaches are subject to tidal flows and marine dilution, whereas inland lakes/rivers suffer from low water circulation, meaning bacteria can linger longer.

Sewerage Provider
Southern Water Services Limited

Southern Water Services Limited is the regional utility responsible for waste water treatment, sewage infrastructure, and storm overflow management in this catchment area.

Designated Year
1988

Officially designated as a protected bathing water site in 1988. This designation mandates regular public health monitoring.

County / District
Canterbury

Governed under local district sanitation and environmental safety regulations in the Canterbury area.

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