Seasons and sky
Neap Tide
Direct answer
Neap Tide: A Neap Tide is a period of smaller tidal range near first- and third-quarter Moon when lunar and solar tide-producing forces act roughly at right angles.
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At a glance
- Found in
- Seasons & Earth Almanac
- Related
- Astronomical Season, Meteorological Season, Equinox, Solstice
A Neap Tide has a smaller tidal range near quarter-Moon geometry.
A Sun-Earth orientation for seasonal, atmospheric, tidal, and terrestrial terms.
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The story behind Neap Tide
The term has long described the moderated tidal range that follows spring-tide periods.
Why Neap Tide matters
Neap tides form the lower-range counterpart to spring tides in the recurring lunar-month tidal pattern.
How to read Neap Tide
Neap Tide speaks to general timing context and pair it with official station predictions for navigation or coastal decisions.
Neap Tide in practice: an example
During a neap period, high tides are often lower and low tides higher than during the surrounding spring-tide period.
Where readings of Neap Tide go wrong
It is a mistake to call neap tides universally weak or safe; local bathymetry and weather can still produce hazardous conditions.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- NOAA Ocean Service: What Are Spring and Neap Tides? - Official explanation of lunar-solar alignment and spring and neap tidal ranges.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Seasons & Earth Almanac
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
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Common questions
What is a Neap Tide?
A Neap Tide is a period of smaller tidal range near first- and third-quarter Moon when lunar and solar tide-producing forces act roughly at right angles.
What do people get wrong about a Neap Tide?
It is a mistake to call neap tides universally weak or safe; local bathymetry and weather can still produce hazardous conditions.
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