Currituck County, NC · Atlantic Ocean

Corolla Beach

The end of the paved road on the OBX — and the start of the 4WD-only Carova beaches where the wild Spanish mustang herd roams. Quietest of the developed Outer Banks villages, large vacation rentals, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, and the Whalehead historic site.

Today's Conditions

Skip the beach today.

Thunderstorms · 63% rain · NWS alert active

Full NWS forecast for Today

Showers and thunderstorms likely before 5pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Northeast wind 6 to 15 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 2am, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 2am and 4am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 4am and 5am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77. East wind around 18 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Weather

80°F air — ideal beach weather
63% rain — rain likely at some point

Water

80°F water — warm — full-day swim weather

Safety

Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued july 12 at 6:58am edt until july 13 at 7:00pm edt by nws wakefield va

11 /100

skip

0 Swim

34 Sunbathe

3 Walk

24 Photo

Best for sunbathing 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.

NOAA station 8652587 · Observed 0.88 ft · Predicted 0.22 ft

Small Craft Small Craft Advisory

Small Craft Advisory issued July 12 at 6:58AM EDT until July 13 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA

NWS · In effect through Jul 13, 11:00 PM

Full NWS statement

* WHAT...East winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt expected. * WHERE...Currituck Sound. * WHEN...From 7 PM this evening to 7 PM EDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

80°F

Cloudy

Wind

6 to 15 mph

Rain

63%

Today

UV Peak

2 Low

Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~100m

Burn-free before 10 AM & after 12 PM

Tomorrow

80°F

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

Water

Water Temp

80°F

Swimming weather

Next High Tide

7:13 PM

1.4 ft · in 4.0h

Wave Height

1.6 ft

11s · ESE swell

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

5:54 AM

Sunset

8:22 PM

Moon · 5%

Waning Crescent

Spring tides — bigger range

Tides

Time	Type	Height
1:14 AM	Low	0.4 ft
6:20 AM	High	1.0 ft
12:34 PM	Low	0.1 ft
7:13 PM	High	1.4 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:19 AM	Low	0.3 ft
7:21 AM	High	1.0 ft
1:35 PM	Low	0.1 ft
8:05 PM	High	1.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:17 AM	Low	0.3 ft
8:19 AM	High	1.0 ft
2:35 PM	Low	0.1 ft
8:56 PM	High	1.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:12 AM	Low	0.3 ft
9:15 AM	High	1.0 ft
3:35 PM	Low	0.2 ft
9:46 PM	High	1.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
5:03 AM	Low	0.2 ft
10:10 AM	High	1.1 ft
4:35 PM	Low	0.2 ft
10:36 PM	High	1.4 ft

Time	Type	Height
5:53 AM	Low	0.2 ft
11:06 AM	High	1.1 ft
5:34 PM	Low	0.3 ft
11:26 PM	High	1.3 ft

Time	Type	Height
6:40 AM	Low	0.3 ft
12:02 PM	High	1.1 ft
6:31 PM	Low	0.3 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 8652587, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Jul 12

80°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

63%

Mon Jul 13

80°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

57%

Tue Jul 14

81°

Chance Rain Showers

40%

Wed Jul 15

85°

Sunny

Thu Jul 16

88°

Sunny

Fri Jul 17

88°

Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

20%

Sat Jul 18

88°

Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

28%

What to Bring Today

recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 6 to 15 mph wind
optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 80°F
recommended Rain cover + dry bag 63% chance of rain

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Beach Info

Parking

Public accesses with parking along NC-12. 4WD access to Carova requires deflating tires; horse tours run from Corolla village.

Dogs

Dogs allowed leashed year-round; no off-leash permitted on Corolla beaches per Currituck County code.

Entry Fee

Free

Address

Ocean Trail (NC-12), Corolla, NC 27927

Amenities

lifeguards at staffed accessespublic restroomslighthousehorse tours nearby

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at Corolla Beach today?

Corolla 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 Corolla Beach dog-friendly?

Dogs allowed leashed year-round; no off-leash permitted on Corolla beaches per Currituck County code.

Is there an entry fee at Corolla Beach?

Entry to Corolla Beach is free.

Are there lifeguards at Corolla Beach?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Corolla Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.

What amenities are at Corolla Beach?

Amenities at Corolla Beach include lifeguards at staffed accesses, public restrooms, lighthouse, horse tours nearby.

When is the water warmest at Corolla 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 Corolla Beach located?

Corolla Beach is in Currituck County, NC, at Ocean Trail (NC-12), Corolla, NC 27927.