60°
Sunny
0%
47
Northampton County, VA · Chesapeake Bay
Cape Charles Beach
Bay Ave, Cape Charles, VA 23310
Half-mile sandy beach fronting the historic Eastern Shore town of Cape Charles. Renovated waterfront, restaurants, a working harbor, and genuinely spectacular Chesapeake sunsets. One of the most underrated small beach towns on the Bay.
Today's Conditions
Decent day for a beach walk.
6.6ft waves · 60°F air · 70°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 60. Northwest wind 14 to 17 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 49. Northwest wind 14 to 17 mph.
Weather
- 60°F air — chilly for a beach day
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 70°F water — swimmable, refreshing
Safety
- 6.6ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
47 /100
ok
37 Swim
46 Sunbathe
69 Walk
69 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.6 ft above predicted
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
60°F
Partly Cloudy
Wind
14 to 17 mph
NW
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
28 Good
Ozone · Hampton Roads
UV Peak
3 Moderate
Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~67m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 02 PM
Tomorrow
61°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
70°F
Refreshing
Next High Tide
7:43 PM
2.5 ft · in 1.2h
Water Quality
No recent sample
Last reading 6w ago: above threshold
USGS · not a current condition
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:34 AM
Sunset
5:00 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:05 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 7:32 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 1:54 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 7:43 PM | High | 2.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:47 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:13 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 2:38 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 8:25 PM | High | 2.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:27 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:51 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 3:18 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 9:04 PM | High | 2.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:04 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 9:27 AM | High | 3.0 ft |
| 3:55 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 9:42 PM | High | 2.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:39 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:03 AM | High | 2.9 ft |
| 4:32 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 10:20 PM | High | 2.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:13 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 10:41 AM | High | 2.8 ft |
| 5:10 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 11:01 PM | High | 2.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:50 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 11:20 AM | High | 2.7 ft |
| 5:51 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 11:44 PM | High | 2.1 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8638610, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
61°
Sunny
0%
61
62°
Sunny
0%
62
65°
Sunny
0%
68
64°
Sunny
0%
70
62°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
22%
57
57°
Chance Rain Showers
29%
33
What to Bring Today
Nothing unusual - conditions are unremarkable today.
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Free street and lot parking.
Dogs
Dogs permitted on leash.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Bay Ave, Cape Charles, VA 23310
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Cape Charles Beach today?
Cape Charles Beach 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 Cape Charles Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs permitted on leash.
Is there an entry fee at Cape Charles Beach?
Entry to Cape Charles Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Cape Charles Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Cape Charles Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Cape Charles Beach?
Amenities at Cape Charles Beach include lifeguards, restrooms, restaurants walkable, playground, fishing pier nearby.
When is the water warmest at Cape Charles Beach?
The Chesapeake warms quickly — water temperatures peak in late July and August, typically 78-82°F. Swimming comfortable from mid-June through September.
Where is Cape Charles Beach located?
Cape Charles Beach is in Northampton County, VA, at Bay Ave, Cape Charles, VA 23310.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS