85°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
61%
21
Dare County, NC · Atlantic Ocean
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
46375 Lighthouse Rd, Buxton, NC 27920
70 miles of barrier-island beach from south of Nags Head to Ocracoke — the first national seashore (authorized 1937, established 1953). Wild, undeveloped sections between the villages, the iconic black-and-white-striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (currently closed for restoration through 2026), world-class surfing, and surf fishing for red drum and striped bass.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · 61% rain · 84°F water
Full NWS forecast for Today
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8am, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 8am and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Northeast wind 8 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. East wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Weather
- 85°F air — ideal beach weather
- 61% rain — rain likely at some point
Water
- 84°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
19 /100
skip
6 Swim
33 Sunbathe
4 Walk
28 Fish
24 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Water level 0.7 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
85°F
Partly Cloudy
Wind
8 to 14 mph
NE
Rain
61%
Today
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
84°F
Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
84°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
7:13 PM
1.4 ft · in 4.0h
Wave Height
3.6 ft
6s · SSW swell
Barometer
30.05 inHg
1018 hPa
Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference
No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (AMZ152)
The MHX office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.
- NCZ203 Northern Outer Banks — Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, n/a
- NCZ205 Hatteras Island — Rodanthe, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, n/a
- NCZ204 Ocracoke Island — Ocracoke n/a
- NCZ196 East Carteret — Cape Lookout National Seashore and n/a
- NCZ195 West Carteret — Fort Macon, Atlantic Beach, n/a
- NCZ199 Coastal Onslow — Hammocks Beach and North Topsail Beach n/a
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:56 AM
Sunset
8:18 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:14 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 6:20 AM | High | 1.0 ft |
| 12:34 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 7:13 PM | High | 1.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:19 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 7:21 AM | High | 1.0 ft |
| 1:35 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 8:05 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:17 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 8:19 AM | High | 1.0 ft |
| 2:35 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 8:56 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:12 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 9:15 AM | High | 1.0 ft |
| 3:35 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 9:46 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:03 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 10:10 AM | High | 1.1 ft |
| 4:35 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 10:36 PM | High | 1.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:53 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 11:06 AM | High | 1.1 ft |
| 5:34 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 11:26 PM | High | 1.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:40 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 12:02 PM | High | 1.1 ft |
| 6:31 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8652587, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
84°
Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
86%
5
86°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
67%
16
89°
Sunny
8%
80
87°
Sunny
4%
81
88°
Sunny
14%
78
87°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
26%
38
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 8 to 14 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 84°F
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 61% 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
9:50 PM - 11:50 PM
Minor
3:10 AM - 4:10 AM
Major
10:20 AM - 12:20 PM
Minor
6:50 PM - 7:50 PM
Beach Info
Parking
NPS lots at major accesses (Coquina Beach, Cape Point, Frisco). 4WD ORV permit required for ORV-zoned beaches.
Dogs
Leashed at all times; prohibited on protected piping plover beach during nesting season (April – August).
Entry Fee
No general entry fee. Lighthouse climb: $10/adult. ORV permit: $50/10-day, $120/annual.
Address
46375 Lighthouse Rd, Buxton, NC 27920
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Cape Hatteras National Seashore today?
Cape Hatteras National Seashore 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 Hatteras National Seashore dog-friendly?
Leashed at all times; prohibited on protected piping plover beach during nesting season (April – August).
Is there an entry fee at Cape Hatteras National Seashore?
No general entry fee. Lighthouse climb: $10/adult. ORV permit: $50/10-day, $120/annual.
Are there lifeguards at Cape Hatteras National Seashore?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Cape Hatteras National Seashore during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Cape Hatteras National Seashore?
Amenities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore include lifeguards at staffed accesses, restrooms, lighthouse climb, visitor centers, ORV access (permit).
When is the water warmest at Cape Hatteras National Seashore?
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 Cape Hatteras National Seashore located?
Cape Hatteras National Seashore is in Dare County, NC, at 46375 Lighthouse Rd, Buxton, NC 27920.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS