82°
Mostly Sunny
0%
80
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
Ideal for a beach walk.
82°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. South wind around 8 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. South wind 9 to 13 mph.
Weather
- 82°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
80 /100
great
84 Sunbathe
87 Walk
74 Fish
82 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
82°F
Clear
Wind
8 mph
S
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
7 High
High 12 PM–01 PM · burn in ~29m
Burn-free before 11 AM & after 02 PM
Tomorrow
82°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
—
Next High Tide
7:33 PM
1.5 ft · in 16m
Wave Height
1.6 ft
11s · E swell
Barometer
30.29 inHg
Steady · buoy 41025
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
6:40 AM
Sunset
7:18 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:38 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 7:06 AM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 1:33 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 7:33 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:26 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 7:54 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 2:28 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 8:21 PM | High | 1.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:11 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 8:39 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 3:20 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 9:07 PM | High | 1.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:54 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 9:22 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 4:10 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 9:53 PM | High | 1.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:36 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 10:04 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 4:58 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 10:37 PM | High | 1.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:17 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 10:46 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 5:45 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 11:22 PM | High | 1.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:58 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 11:29 AM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 6:31 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8652587, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
82°
Sunny
4%
73
83°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
17%
39
83°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
53%
24
83°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
61%
21
82°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny
35%
33
83°
Sunny
6%
80
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 7 — high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
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
10:30 PM - 12:30 AM
Minor
4:30 AM - 5:30 AM
Major
10:50 AM - 12:50 PM
Minor
6:10 PM - 7:10 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