83°
Mostly Sunny
0%
85
Carteret County, NC · Atlantic Ocean
Emerald Isle Beach
7500 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
Occupying the western 12 miles of Bogue Banks, Emerald Isle is a family-focused beach town with broad public accesses featuring picnic pavilions, volleyball courts, kayak launches, and playgrounds. The town runs a free trolley on holiday weekends.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
82°F water · 83°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Southeast wind around 9 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind around 9 mph.
Weather
- 83°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Water
- 82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
85 /100
ideal
85 Swim
83 Sunbathe
87 Walk
73 Fish
82 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
83°F
Mostly Clear
Wind
9 mph
SE
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
85°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
82°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
7:21 PM
4.1 ft · in 4m
Wave Height
2.6 ft
7s · SE swell
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:46 AM
Sunset
7:24 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
85°
Sunny
3%
82
85°
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
32%
37
84°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
39%
34
85°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
55%
27
85°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
25%
44
85°
Sunny
13%
83
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 82°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Major
10:40 PM - 12:40 AM
Minor
4:40 AM - 5:40 AM
Major
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Minor
6:20 PM - 7:20 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Paid parking April 1 – September 30, 8am–6pm at Eastern and Western Ocean Regional Accesses: $5/hour, max $25/day. Pay via Passport Parking app or kiosk.
Dogs
Dogs allowed year-round but must be leashed at all times (max 16-ft leash), including in the surf zone. $50 civil fine for violations.
Entry Fee
Free beach access; paid parking April 1 – Sept 30
Address
7500 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Emerald Isle Beach today?
Emerald Isle 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. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Emerald Isle Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs allowed year-round but must be leashed at all times (max 16-ft leash), including in the surf zone. $50 civil fine for violations.
Is there an entry fee at Emerald Isle Beach?
Entry to Emerald Isle Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Emerald Isle Beach?
No lifeguards are stationed at Emerald Isle Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Emerald Isle Beach?
Amenities at Emerald Isle Beach include restrooms, showers, picnic pavilions, kayak launches, volleyball courts, playgrounds, holiday trolley.
When is the water warmest at Emerald Isle 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 Emerald Isle Beach located?
Emerald Isle Beach is in Carteret County, NC, at 7500 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS