Chichester Tide Times

About Chichester Tide Times

Chichester is a cathedral city positioned at the northern edge of Chichester Harbour, a shallow tidal inlet on the West Sussex coast. The harbour dries significantly at low water, exposing extensive mudflats and sandbanks that are important for overwintering wildfowl. Tidal range is moderate, typically 4-5 metres on spring tides. The city itself sits inland from the water; access to the harbour is via the Chichester Channel, a narrow navigable passage. Sailing enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and small boat operators use the harbour regularly. The mudflats attract serious birders, while the city's Roman street grid and cathedral draw historical tourists. Summer sees increased recreational sailing and watersports activity.. The tide predictions shown above cover 7 days of high and low tide times, updated daily using professional-grade harmonic tidal analysis. Tide heights are displayed in metres above Chart Datum (CD), the standard reference level used in marine navigation charts.

Tidal patterns at Chichester are driven by the gravitational forces of the Moon and Sun acting on the local ocean. The timing and height of each tide depends on the shape of the local coastline, water depth, and the position of celestial bodies relative to Earth. Like all coastal locations, Chichester experiences a full tidal cycle approximately every 24 hours and 50 minutes.

Spring tides — which occur at new moon and full moon — produce the largest tidal ranges at Chichester, with higher high tides and lower low tides than average. Neap tides, at the quarter moons, produce the smallest ranges. This fortnightly cycle is an important consideration for anyone planning coastal activities in the area.

What to Do at Chichester

Chichester is located in West Sussex, South East.

Who Uses Tide Predictions for Chichester?

How to Read the Chichester Tide Chart

The tide chart above plots predicted water height (in metres) against time for Chichester. The curved line rises to peaks (high tide) and falls to troughs (low tide). The height shown is measured above Chart Datum — a reference level set near the lowest predicted astronomical tide level for the area.

• HWHigh Water — the peak of the tide. This is when the sea is at its highest level. The exact time and height changes each day.
• LWLow Water — the trough of the tide. The sea is at its lowest level, often exposing rocks, sand, and mudflats.
• ↑Flood tide — the period when the tide is rising from low water to high water. Currents flow onshore or up estuaries during this phase.
• ↓Ebb tide — the period when the tide is falling from high water to low water. Currents flow offshore or down estuaries during this phase.

All times shown are in the local timezone for Chichester (Europe/London). Remember that tide times advance by roughly 50 minutes each day, so always check the chart for your specific visit date.

Frequently Asked Questions — Chichester Tides