86°
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
72%
18
Carteret County, NC · Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Beach (NC)
125 W Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
The easternmost town on Bogue Banks and the gateway to Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach is the busiest Crystal Coast beach town, anchored by the Circle area with its boardwalk, paid parking, bathhouses, and one of the few NC beaches with seasonal lifeguards.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
72% rain · Thunderstorms · 82°F water
Full NWS forecast for Today
Showers and thunderstorms likely between 1pm and 5pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Northeast wind 3 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Weather
- 86°F air — ideal beach weather
- 72% rain — wet day — beach day is off
Water
- 82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- 3.6ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
14 /100
skip
8 Swim
30 Sunbathe
0 Walk
32 Fish
23 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
86°F
Partly Cloudy
Wind
5 to 10 mph
SE
Rain
72%
Today
UV Peak
6 High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~33m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
84°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
82°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
7:00 PM
4.1 ft · in 3.7h
Wave Height
3.6 ft
6s · SSW swell
Barometer
30.05 inHg
1018 hPa
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:02 AM
Sunset
8:21 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:32 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 6:15 AM | High | 2.8 ft |
| 12:13 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 7:00 PM | High | 4.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:32 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 7:14 AM | High | 2.9 ft |
| 1:14 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 7:56 PM | High | 4.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:28 AM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 8:12 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 2:14 PM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 8:49 PM | High | 4.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:19 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 9:08 AM | High | 3.2 ft |
| 3:09 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 9:41 PM | High | 4.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:07 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 10:03 AM | High | 3.3 ft |
| 4:03 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 10:32 PM | High | 3.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:54 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 10:58 AM | High | 3.3 ft |
| 4:57 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 11:21 PM | High | 3.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:41 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 11:52 AM | High | 3.4 ft |
| 5:54 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8656483, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
84°
Showers And Thunderstorms
89%
13
87°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
64%
21
85°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
18%
47
87°
Sunny
7%
81
87°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
24%
43
86°
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
33%
35
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 6 — high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 82°F
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 72% chance of rain
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Major
10:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Minor
3:20 AM - 4:20 AM
Major
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minor
6:50 PM - 7:50 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Paid parking April 1 – September 30. The Circle Regional Beach Access has 300+ paid spaces. Season passes via ab-ncparking.com.
Dogs
Carteret County rule: dogs must be leashed (max 6 feet). Dogs not allowed in lifeguard-protected swim areas during beach season.
Entry Fee
Free beach access; paid parking April 1 – Sept 30
Address
125 W Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Atlantic Beach (NC) today?
Atlantic Beach (NC) shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Atlantic Beach (NC) dog-friendly?
Carteret County rule: dogs must be leashed (max 6 feet). Dogs not allowed in lifeguard-protected swim areas during beach season.
Is there an entry fee at Atlantic Beach (NC)?
Entry to Atlantic Beach (NC) is free.
Are there lifeguards at Atlantic Beach (NC)?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Atlantic Beach (NC) during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Atlantic Beach (NC)?
Amenities at Atlantic Beach (NC) include lifeguards (seasonal), restrooms, showers, boardwalk, three bathhouses, playground, fishing.
When is the water warmest at Atlantic Beach (NC)?
Atlantic water temperatures peak in August. Northern beaches (ME, NH, MA) run cool — typically 60-68°F at the summer peak. Mid-Atlantic (NJ, DE, MD, VA) hits 74-76°F. The Carolinas and Florida Atlantic warm into the 80s and stay swimmable from May through October.
Where is Atlantic Beach (NC) located?
Atlantic Beach (NC) is in Carteret County, NC, at 125 W Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS