Corolla Beach

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

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.

Eats & Drinks 14

Ideal for swimming.

80°F water · 81°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 81. South wind around 13 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South wind 13 to 16 mph.

Weather

  • 81°F air — ideal beach weather
  • Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

  • 80°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
84 /100
great
86 Swim
80 Sunbathe
86 Walk
81 Photo

Best for swimming today

Air Temp
81°F
Sunny
Wind
13 mph
S
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
Sunny
Water Temp
80°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
7:33 PM
1.5 ft · in 16m
Wave Height
1.6 ft
11s · E swell
Sunrise
6:41 AM
Sunset
7:20 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Time Type Height
1:38 AM Low 0.5 ft
7:06 AM High 1.3 ft
1:33 PM Low 0.4 ft
7:33 PM High 1.5 ft

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

Today Sep 9
81°

Sunny

0%
84
Thu Sep 10
87°

Sunny

1%
80
Fri Sep 11
84°

Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

28%
40
Sat Sep 12
83°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

55%
27
Sun Sep 13
84°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

43%
34
Mon Sep 14
83°

Mostly Sunny

11%
84
Tue Sep 15
83°

Sunny

4%
86
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 80°F

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

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

lifeguards at staffed accessespublic restroomslighthousehorse tours nearby
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.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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