82°
Sunny
0%
73
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
Great day for a beach walk.
82°F water · 82°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 82. South wind 13 to 16 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South wind 16 to 22 mph.
Weather
- 82°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- Moderate nettle risk — 49% probability — expect some stings
73 /100
great
67 Swim
75 Sunbathe
84 Walk
79 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
82°F
Sunny
Wind
13 to 16 mph
S
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 12 PM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
87°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
82°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
8:44 PM
3.2 ft · in 1.5h
Sea Nettles
Moderate nettle risk
49% probability · York Spit buoy
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:41 AM
Sunset
7:22 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:17 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 8:20 AM | High | 2.9 ft |
| 2:28 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 8:44 PM | High | 3.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:05 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 9:12 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 3:23 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 9:31 PM | High | 3.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:48 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 9:58 AM | High | 3.2 ft |
| 4:12 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 10:14 PM | High | 3.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:27 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 10:42 AM | High | 3.3 ft |
| 4:58 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:55 PM | High | 2.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:04 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 11:23 AM | High | 3.3 ft |
| 5:42 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 11:35 PM | High | 2.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:41 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 12:04 PM | High | 3.2 ft |
| 6:27 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:16 AM | High | 2.7 ft |
| 6:18 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 12:45 PM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 7:14 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8638610, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
87°
Sunny
3%
71
82°
Mostly Sunny
12%
82
82°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
59%
22
84°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
51%
30
83°
Mostly Sunny
11%
84
83°
Sunny
3%
85
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 13 to 16 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 82°F
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