Tide times: apps for the beach, fishing or walks so as not to be surprised by the sea

It is essential to know the tides when you are on vacation by the sea, and not only for foot fishing. Surfers, bathers or simple walkers must be vigilant. Let’s see how to follow this on iPhone or Android smartphones.

It is from September that we will find the biggest tides after this summer. With close coefficients or above 100, the heights are exceptional, but not only. The discovery is also at its maximum: the higher the coefficient, the more the sea rises high at high tide and retires far at low tide.

Why are there tides?

The tides are caused by the gravitational attraction of the moon on the oceans. The moon attracts water to it, creating a bulge of water: it is the high tide on the nearest coast. At the same time, the earth is also attracted slightly to the moon, which causes a high tide on the other side of the globe. Between these two areas, the water is withdrawn: it is the low tide. As the earth turns on itself, these effects follow one another in a cycle of about 12 h 25 min, which explains the daily alternation of two tall tides and two low tides.

Understand the tidal coefficient

The coefficient expresses the amplitude between the open sea and the lower sea. It varies from 20 (weak tide) to 120 (exceptional tide). The higher it is, the more the amplitude between low tide and high tide is important. From 100, we speak of great tides. This figure makes it possible to anticipate sea level variations.

The heavy tides are conducive to the observation of the waves, from the sea to high tide, but also to the fishing on foot or the exploration of the coast at low tide. To easily monitor these phenomena, simply install an application on your smartphone. It will give you the specific day’s coefficient at each port or coast and will allow you to plan your stays in advance.

In general, the tides are available for free on the internet, for example on Maree.info. The site is also accessible on smartphone from a mobile browser, but if you are a regular user, here are three examples of applications to install for iPhone, Android or Windows Phone.

tide.info

The Marée.info application is like the site, with a simple interface to handle, but complete. The free version gives access to the day tides and those of the current year. Consultation is possible without internet connection, which gives meaning to the application. For advanced users or sea professionals, options are available on subscription.

tide.info

See timetables, heights and coefficients of the tides for 140 ports from France and the Anglo-Norman Islands. Official data © SHOM, clear interface, offline access and advanced functions for coastal navigation.

• License:
  Free
• Operating systems:
  Online service, Android, iOS iPad
• Categories:
  Leisure, travel

Tides near me

The tides near me covers more than 7000 stations around the world. It displays tidal timetables, lunar phases, local weather and a precipitation radar. It can operate offline and is compatible with the Apple Watch.

Tides near me

Tide forecasts in more than 7000 stations worldwide, with lunar data, weather, precipitation radar and offline display. Intuitive application, ideal for preparing your nautical or outdoor activities, even without network.

• License:
  Free
• Operating systems:
  Android, iOS iPad
• Categories:
  Leisure, travel

Navy weather

And why not kill two strokes with this app that provides the weather near the coast. It also makes it possible to consult the states of the sea and the tidal coefficients of many ports.

Navy weather

Weather information, in a simple and clear way

• License:
  Free license
• Author :
  Meteo Consult
• Operating systems:
  Online service, Android, iOS iPhone / iPad
• Categories:
  Information, travel

Great tides: the dates to come in 2025

These applications will allow you to know when to observe the sea when it is the highest or conversely when it is discovered the most, that is to say during the large coefficients. As soon as the coefficient exceeds 100, we speak of great tides.

In 2025, there will be no big tides in July and August, even if we approach it between August 11 and 13 (coefficients from 93 to 95). To cross the 100 bar, you will have to wait until September.

September
Monday 08: 101
Tuesday 09: 104/106
Wednesday 10: 106/104
Thursday 11: 101

October
Tuesday 07: 103/107
Wednesday 08: 109/110
Thursday 09: 109/106
Friday 10: 102

November
Wednesday 05: 101/104
Thursday 06: 106/106
Friday 07: 105/102

Good safety reflexes at low tide

Some safety recommendations must be observed, avoid venturing alone and too far at low tide or getting close to the banks at high tide. It is also useful to consult the weather of the day, because atmospheric pressure also has an effect on sea level. In bad weather (depression, wind) the high tide effect will be accentuated compared to more lenient weather conditions.

The sea sometimes retires, but it can also go up very quickly. Here are some simple rules to keep in mind to enjoy the coast safe:

• Provide your return before the righteousness of the waters
• Locate fixed points on the coast (headlights, buildings, etc.)
• Take a watch and a loaded phone. The emergency telephone number to use for sea emergency services is 196.
• Do not go alone too far on the foreshore, that is to say the sea zone discovered at low tide and covered with high tide. This is where you practice fishing on foot.