80°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
73%
15
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
Skip the beach today.
73% rain · Thunderstorms · NWS alert active
Full NWS forecast for Today
Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 80. East wind 9 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. East wind around 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Weather
- 80°F air — ideal beach weather
- 73% rain — wet day — beach day is off
Water
- 80°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- NWS alert active — coastal flood statement issued july 12 at 4:03am edt until july 13 at 1:00am edt by nws wakefield va
8 /100
skip
0 Swim
25 Sunbathe
0 Walk
21 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Coastal Flooding Coastal Flood Statement
Coastal Flood Statement issued July 12 at 4:03AM EDT until July 13 at 1:00AM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Up to one half foot of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE...In Maryland, Dorchester, Wicomico and Somerset Counties. In Virginia, Accomack and Northampton Counties. * WHEN...From this evening through late tonight. * IMPACTS...Shallow flooding is possible in the most vulnerable locations near the waterfront and shoreline.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
80°F
Light Drizzle
Wind
9 to 16 mph
E
Rain
73%
Today
UV Peak
4 Moderate
Peaks 02 PM · burn in ~50m
Burn-free before 12 PM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
80°F
Chance Rain Showers
Water
Water Temp
80°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
8:10 PM
3.1 ft · in 5.0h
Sea Nettles
No nettles expected
5% probability · York Spit buoy
Water Quality
Clean
10 cfu/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 2mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:53 AM
Sunset
8:25 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
80°
Chance Rain Showers
41%
55
81°
Mostly Sunny
9%
84
88°
Sunny
3%
82
89°
Sunny
3%
81
89°
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
15%
46
89°
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
20%
43
What to Bring Today
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 9 to 16 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 80°F
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 73% chance of rain
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