88°
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
43%
32
New Hanover County, NC · Atlantic Ocean
Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach Ave N, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
A working-class North Carolina beach south of Wilmington with a 1950s amusement boardwalk vibe — Britt's Donuts (open since 1939), a fishing pier, and Carolina Beach State Park with its native Venus flytraps. Less polished than Wrightsville, more affordable, more character.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · 43% rain · 82°F water
Full NWS forecast for Today
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Southwest wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms likely before 8pm, then showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77. East wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Weather
- 88°F air — ideal beach weather
- 43% rain — rain likely at some point
Water
- 82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
28 /100
skip
22 Swim
47 Sunbathe
17 Walk
34 Fish
29 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
88°F
Clear
Wind
5 to 9 mph
SW
Rain
43%
Today
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 12 PM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
84°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
82°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
6:23 PM
5.3 ft · in 3.2h
Barometer
30.09 inHg
1019 hPa
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:09 AM
Sunset
8:24 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:07 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 5:46 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 11:53 AM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 6:23 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:05 AM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 6:44 AM | High | 3.9 ft |
| 12:52 PM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 7:16 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:59 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 7:39 AM | High | 4.1 ft |
| 1:50 PM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 8:08 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:50 AM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 8:33 AM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 2:46 PM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 9:00 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:37 AM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 9:29 AM | High | 4.3 ft |
| 3:38 PM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 9:53 PM | High | 5.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:23 AM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 10:25 AM | High | 4.4 ft |
| 4:29 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 10:46 PM | High | 4.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:09 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 11:20 AM | High | 4.5 ft |
| 5:23 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 11:38 PM | High | 4.5 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8658163, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
84°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
52%
30
85°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
57%
27
86°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
20%
46
89°
Sunny
3%
79
90°
Sunny
13%
76
88°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
24%
39
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 82°F
- optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 43% rain chance
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 88°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
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
10:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Minor
3:30 AM - 4:30 AM
Major
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minor
6:50 PM - 7:50 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Paid public lots and metered street parking near the boardwalk.
Dogs
Dogs allowed on the beach April 1 – September 30 only before 9 AM and after 5 PM (leashed). Year-round leash required. Prohibited entirely on the Boardwalk District.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Carolina Beach Ave N, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Carolina Beach today?
Carolina 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 Carolina Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs allowed on the beach April 1 – September 30 only before 9 AM and after 5 PM (leashed). Year-round leash required. Prohibited entirely on the Boardwalk District.
Is there an entry fee at Carolina Beach?
Entry to Carolina Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Carolina Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Carolina Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Carolina Beach?
Amenities at Carolina Beach include lifeguards, boardwalk, amusements, restaurants, pier (now restaurant), state park nearby.
When is the water warmest at Carolina Beach?
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 Carolina Beach located?
Carolina Beach is in New Hanover County, NC, at Carolina Beach Ave N, Carolina Beach, NC 28428.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS