Virginia Beach County, VA · Atlantic Ocean

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

4005 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456

A 9,250-acre USFWS refuge south of Sandbridge with roughly 3 miles of undeveloped Atlantic beach backed by dunes, marsh, and maritime forest. Managed for migratory waterfowl — the northernmost mile is closed to recreation year-round. No lifeguards, no swimming amenities; a walk-on wildlife refuge, not a resort beach.

Today's Conditions

Ideal for a beach walk.

NWS alert active · 80°F water · 82°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 82. South wind around 14 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 72. South wind around 16 mph.

Weather

82°F air — ideal beach weather
Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

80°F water — warm — full-day swim weather

Safety

NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued september 9 at 2:40pm edt until september 10 at 1:00pm edt by nws wakefield va

77 /100

great

55 Swim

79 Sunbathe

85 Walk

80 Photo

Best for walking today

Small Craft Small Craft Advisory

Small Craft Advisory issued September 9 at 2:40PM EDT until September 10 at 1:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA

NWS · In effect through Sep 10, 1:00 PM

Full NWS statement

* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt and seas 3 to 4 ft expected. * WHERE...Coastal Waters from Cape Charles Light to Virginia- North Carolina border out 20 NM. * WHEN...From 7 PM this evening to 1 PM EDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

82°F

Partly Cloudy

Wind

14 mph

Rain

This Afternoon

UV Peak

8 Very High

High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m

Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM

Tomorrow

90°F

Sunny

Water

Water Temp

80°F

Swimming weather

Next High Tide

7:32 PM

4.0 ft · in 15m

Wave Height

1.6 ft

11s · E swell

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

6:41 AM

Sunset

7:21 PM

Moon · 5%

Waning Crescent

Spring tides — bigger range

Tides

Time	Type	Height
1:10 AM	Low	0.3 ft
7:09 AM	High	3.6 ft
1:17 PM	Low	0.2 ft
7:32 PM	High	4.0 ft

Time	Type	Height
1:58 AM	Low	0.1 ft
8:00 AM	High	3.8 ft
2:12 PM	Low	0.2 ft
8:18 PM	High	4.0 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:38 AM	Low	0.1 ft
8:46 AM	High	4.0 ft
2:59 PM	Low	0.2 ft
9:01 PM	High	3.9 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:16 AM	Low	0.1 ft
9:28 AM	High	4.1 ft
3:44 PM	Low	0.2 ft
9:42 PM	High	3.7 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:53 AM	Low	0.2 ft
10:10 AM	High	4.1 ft
4:29 PM	Low	0.4 ft
10:23 PM	High	3.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:30 AM	Low	0.3 ft
10:52 AM	High	4.0 ft
5:16 PM	Low	0.6 ft
11:04 PM	High	3.3 ft

Time	Type	Height
5:10 AM	Low	0.5 ft
11:34 AM	High	3.9 ft
6:04 PM	Low	0.8 ft
11:46 PM	High	3.1 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 8638999, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Sep 9

82°

Sunny

Thu Sep 10

90°

Sunny

Fri Sep 11

85°

Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

29%

Sat Sep 12

84°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

60%

Sun Sep 13

86°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

51%

Mon Sep 14

84°

Mostly Sunny

10%

Tue Sep 15

84°

Mostly Sunny

What to Bring Today

critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 14 mph wind
optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 80°F

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Beach Info

Parking

Refuge parking lot at the visitor contact station off Sandpiper Rd; free with paid entry. Small lot; fills on spring/fall weekends and peak migration days.

Dogs

Pets prohibited year-round (since April 1, 2011). Service animals excepted.

Entry Fee

$5/vehicle Apr 1 – Oct 31; free Nov 1 – Mar 31. Federal interagency passes (America the Beautiful) accepted.

Address

4005 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456

Amenities

restroomspicnic area

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge today?

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge dog-friendly?

Pets prohibited year-round (since April 1, 2011). Service animals excepted.

Is there an entry fee at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge?

$5/vehicle Apr 1 – Oct 31; free Nov 1 – Mar 31. Federal interagency passes (America the Beautiful) accepted.

Are there lifeguards at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge?

No lifeguards are stationed at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.

What amenities are at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge?

Amenities at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge include restrooms, picnic area.

When is the water warmest at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge?

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 Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge located?

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is in Virginia Beach County, VA, at 4005 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456.