60°
Sunny
0%
43
Westmoreland County, VA · Potomac River
Colonial Beach
Virginia town on the Potomac with two miles of sandy beach — the state's second-longest public beach after Virginia Beach. Small-town vibe, classic Virginia waterfront, boardwalk, and family-friendly shore swimming (no ocean surf).
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 60°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 60. Northwest wind around 15 mph.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 46. 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
Safety
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued november 7 at 8:36am est until november 8 at 6:00pm est by nws baltimore md/washington dc
43 /100
ok
27 Swim
51 Sunbathe
71 Walk
71 Photo
Best for walking today
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued November 7 at 8:36AM EST until November 8 at 6:00PM EST by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Northwest winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 25 kt. * WHERE...Tidal Potomac River from Key Bridge to Cobb Island MD. * WHEN...Until 6 PM EST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
60°F
Clear
Wind
15 mph
NW
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
31 Good
Ozone · Northern Virginia and DC
UV Peak
3 Moderate
Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~67m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 02 PM
Tomorrow
63°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
63°F
Cold
Water Quality
No recent sample
Last reading 4w ago: clean
USGS · not a current condition
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:40 AM
Sunset
5:02 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:40 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 11:52 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 6:18 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:12 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 6:21 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 12:34 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 7:01 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:54 AM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 7:01 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 1:14 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 7:43 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:36 AM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 7:41 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 1:54 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 8:23 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:16 AM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 8:20 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 2:34 PM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 9:04 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:57 AM | High | 1.2 ft |
| 9:01 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 3:15 PM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 9:46 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:38 AM | High | 1.2 ft |
| 9:43 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 3:58 PM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 10:30 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8635750, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
63°
Sunny
0%
62
63°
Sunny
0%
57
67°
Sunny
0%
67
65°
Sunny
0%
66
60°
Chance Light Rain
39%
38
52°
Chance Light Rain
43%
17
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
Metered street parking.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on beach and boardwalk April 1 – September 30. Leashed dogs allowed Oct 1 – March 31.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Colonial Beach, VA 22443
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Colonial Beach today?
Colonial 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 Colonial Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on beach and boardwalk April 1 – September 30. Leashed dogs allowed Oct 1 – March 31.
Is there an entry fee at Colonial Beach?
Entry to Colonial Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Colonial Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Colonial Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Colonial Beach?
Amenities at Colonial Beach include lifeguards, boardwalk, restrooms, restaurants, golf cart rentals.
When is the water warmest at Colonial Beach?
The tidal Potomac peaks in late July and August at 78-82°F. Swimmable from mid-June into September.
Where is Colonial Beach located?
Colonial Beach is in Westmoreland County, VA, at Colonial Beach, VA 22443.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS