Dunbar Tide Times

About Dunbar Tide Times

This historic East Lothian harbour town commands Scotland's southeastern coastline, where dramatic cliffs frame a working fishing port steeped in maritime tradition. Dunbar's sheltered harbour has sustained generations of fishermen, landing catches that supply markets across Scotland. The town's stone-built character reflects centuries of seafaring heritage, from its medieval castle ruins to Victorian waterfront developments. Tidal movements here dramatically reshape the shoreline, exposing sandy beaches and rocky foreshore that reveal the seabed's rich geology. Strategic positioning along major shipping routes has shaped Dunbar's fortunes through storms and prosperity alike.. 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 Dunbar 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, Dunbar 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 Dunbar, 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 Dunbar

Dunbar is located in East Lothian, Scotland East.

Who Uses Tide Predictions for Dunbar?

How to Read the Dunbar Tide Chart

The tide chart above plots predicted water height (in metres) against time for Dunbar. 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 Dunbar (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 — Dunbar Tides