84°
Sunny
0%
60
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
Ideal for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 82°F water · 84°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 84. Southwest wind around 15 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 76. South wind 13 to 18 mph.
Weather
- 84°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- Moderate nettle risk — 59% probability — expect some stings
Safety
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued september 9 at 12:18pm edt until september 10 at 4:00am edt by nws baltimore md/washington dc
60 /100
good
40 Swim
77 Sunbathe
85 Walk
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.5 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.
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued September 9 at 12:18PM EDT until September 10 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...South winds 10 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt expected. * WHERE...Tidal Potomac River from Key Bridge to Cobb Island MD. * WHEN...Until 4 AM EDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
84°F
Sunny
Wind
15 mph
SW
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 12 PM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
87°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
82°F
Swimming weather
Sea Nettles
Moderate nettle risk
59% probability · Gooses Reef buoy
Water Quality
No recent sample
Last reading 2mo ago: clean
USGS · not a current condition
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:44 AM
Sunset
7:26 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:25 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 6:46 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 12:40 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 6:58 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:14 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 7:33 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 1:31 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 7:49 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:00 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 8:17 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 2:19 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 8:37 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:44 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 8:59 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 3:05 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 9:24 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:27 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 9:41 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 3:50 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 10:11 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:10 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 10:23 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 4:33 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 10:58 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:53 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 11:06 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 5:17 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 11:47 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8635750, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
87°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
24%
40
80°
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
37%
71
81°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
71%
19
83°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
30%
42
83°
Mostly Sunny
6%
86
84°
Mostly Sunny
8%
85
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 15 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 82°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