WXTide32 is a free, lightweight Windows software program designed for offline tide and tidal current predictions. It is a popular, independent port of the open-source Linux program XTide, created to provide mariners, fishers, and coastal researchers with precise global oceanographic data.
Because it operates entirely offline, it remains a favorite legacy tool for sailors navigating remote or unfamiliar waters without internet access. Core Capabilities and Features
Massive Global Database: The software can project tides for over 9,500 coastal stations worldwide, with specialized coverage of over 300 tidal current stations across North America.
Time Horizon: It calculates historical and future tidal predictions ranging from 1970 through 2037.
Ultra-Lightweight Profile: The application is highly efficient, requiring less than 1.53 MB to download and taking up fewer than 10 MB of total disk space. It consumes roughly 5 MB of RAM while active.
Visual & Textual Tools: Users can switch between graphic displays—like a real-time tide clock or scrolling prediction graphs—and data exports. It outputs text files, monthly calendars, and CSV spreadsheets.
Customization: It includes a Station Manager tool that allows users to manually add custom geographic coordinates and subordinate tide stations. System Requirements and Interface
WXTide32 was natively built for older Windows environments (Windows 95, XP, 2000). However, modern users can still run it on Windows 10 and 11 by right-clicking the application and choosing “Run as Administrator” or using Windows Compatibility Mode.
The user interface relies on traditional dropdown menus. Users select a station from a world map or list, set their desired date range, and instantly view the high and low tide amplitudes. You can download versions of the software through historical repositories like Apponic or Free Downloads Center. Important Navigation Disclaimer
While highly accurate for trip planning, photography, and general fishing, WXTide32 relies on fixed harmonic data tables. Because it does not account for real-time, unpredictable weather variables like storm surges, high winds, or unexpected barometric pressure shifts, it carries an official “Not for Navigation” warning. Official government hydrographic charts should always be used for critical maritime safety.
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