84°
Sunny
0%
84
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
Ideal for a beach walk.
82°F water · 84°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 84. Southeast wind around 9 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind 3 to 7 mph.
Weather
- 84°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
84 /100
great
84 Swim
82 Sunbathe
87 Walk
72 Fish
82 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.6 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
84°F
Sunny
Wind
9 mph
SE
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
87°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
82°F
Swimming weather
Wave Height
2.6 ft
7s · SE swell
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:50 AM
Sunset
7:27 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:24 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 6:18 AM | High | 4.6 ft |
| 12:31 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 6:44 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:12 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 7:08 AM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 1:24 PM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 7:30 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:57 AM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 7:54 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 2:14 PM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 8:15 PM | High | 5.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:40 AM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 8:41 AM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 3:01 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:00 PM | High | 4.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:20 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:29 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 3:46 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 9:46 PM | High | 4.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:59 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:18 AM | High | 5.1 ft |
| 4:30 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 10:34 PM | High | 4.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:37 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 11:08 AM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 5:15 PM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 11:22 PM | High | 4.0 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8658163, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
87°
Mostly Sunny
14%
80
88°
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
29%
37
87°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
56%
25
86°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
47%
31
86°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
30%
40
85°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
18%
47
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 82°F
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
10:40 PM - 12:40 AM
Minor
4:50 AM - 5:50 AM
Major
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Minor
6:20 PM - 7:20 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