60°
Sunny
0%
47
Accomack County, VA · Atlantic Ocean
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Beach
8231 Beach Rd, Chincoteague, VA 23336
The Virginia half of Assateague Island, accessed through Chincoteague. Miles of wild Atlantic beach, the iconic Chincoteague ponies (different herd from the Maryland side), and the annual July pony swim. Limited amenities by design — this is wildlife refuge first.
Today's Conditions
Decent day for a beach walk.
60°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 60. Northwest wind 14 to 17 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 47. Northwest wind around 14 mph.
Weather
- 60°F air — chilly for a beach day
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 63°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
- 4.6ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
47 /100
ok
38 Swim
46 Sunbathe
69 Walk
69 Photo
Best for walking 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
60°F
Clear
Wind
14 to 17 mph
NW
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
29 Good
Ozone · Lower Eastern Shore
UV Peak
3 Moderate
Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~67m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 02 PM
Tomorrow
61°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
63°F
Cold
Next High Tide
6:47 PM
4.0 ft · in 15m
Wave Height
4.6 ft
10s · ESE swell
Barometer
29.88 inHg
1012 hPa · buoy 44009
Water Quality
No recent sample
Last reading 6w ago: clean
USGS · not a current condition
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:33 AM
Sunset
4:57 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:08 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 6:35 AM | High | 4.8 ft |
| 12:47 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 6:47 PM | High | 4.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:51 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 7:18 AM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 1:34 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 7:29 PM | High | 3.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:33 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:02 AM | High | 4.8 ft |
| 2:18 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 8:11 PM | High | 3.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:14 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 8:44 AM | High | 4.7 ft |
| 2:59 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 8:53 PM | High | 3.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:52 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 9:26 AM | High | 4.6 ft |
| 3:39 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 9:34 PM | High | 3.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:29 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 10:06 AM | High | 4.4 ft |
| 4:18 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 10:14 PM | High | 3.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:04 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 10:47 AM | High | 4.3 ft |
| 4:59 PM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 10:54 PM | High | 3.4 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8631044, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
61°
Sunny
0%
57
61°
Sunny
0%
49
64°
Sunny
0%
60
63°
Sunny
0%
63
61°
Mostly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
27%
48
55°
Chance Rain Showers
31%
25
What to Bring Today
- recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 63°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Refuge lot, $25/vehicle 7-day pass.
Dogs
Dogs are not permitted in the refuge.
Entry Fee
$25/vehicle 7-day, or America the Beautiful pass
Address
8231 Beach Rd, Chincoteague, VA 23336
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Beach today?
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge 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 Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs are not permitted in the refuge.
Is there an entry fee at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Beach?
$25/vehicle 7-day, or America the Beautiful pass
Are there lifeguards at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Beach?
Amenities at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Beach include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, visitor center.
When is the water warmest at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge 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 Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Beach located?
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Beach is in Accomack County, VA, at 8231 Beach Rd, Chincoteague, VA 23336.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS