80°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
61%
23
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
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · 61% rain · High nettle risk
Full NWS forecast for Today
A chance of rain showers before 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 1pm and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 80. East wind 8 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. East wind 6 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Weather
- 80°F air — ideal beach weather
- 61% rain — rain likely at some point
Water
- 84°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- High nettle risk — 69% probability — reconsider swimming
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
13 /100
skip
0 Swim
37 Sunbathe
5 Walk
26 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
80°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
8 to 13 mph
E
Rain
61%
Today
UV Peak
7 High
High 01 PM–03 PM · burn in ~29m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
77°F
Partly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
84°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
6:19 PM
0.1 ft · in 3.1h
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
69% probability · Gooses Reef buoy
Water Quality
Clean
10 cfu/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 3mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:54 AM
Sunset
8:32 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
77°
Partly Sunny
9%
82
82°
Sunny
1%
87
88°
Sunny
1%
83
88°
Sunny
3%
83
86°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
15%
49
87°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
22%
44
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 7 — high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 8 to 13 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 84°F
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 61% chance of rain
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