When do neap tides occur?

Neap tides occur around the first and last quarter phases of the Moon. This is due to the relative positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun at these phases. During neap tides, the gravitational pull of the Moon is perpendicular to that of the Sun, which results in a smaller tidal range. The high tides are lower, and the low tides are higher compared to spring tides, which occur during the new and full moon phases when the Sun and Moon are aligned.

The context of the lunation cycle helps to identify when these tides are expected. Since neap tides happen during the first and last quarter phases, they are characterized by this decreased amplitude due to the competing gravitational influences. This timing is distinct from spring tides, which produce the highest highs and lowest lows when the Earth, Moon, and Sun align either during the new or full moons.