86°
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
79%
16
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
Skip the beach today.
79% rain · Thunderstorms · 82°F water
Full NWS forecast for Today
Showers and thunderstorms likely between 1pm and 5pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. South wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Weather
- 86°F air — ideal beach weather
- 79% rain — wet day — beach day is off
Water
- 82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
15 /100
skip
12 Swim
27 Sunbathe
0 Walk
29 Fish
23 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
86°F
Partly Cloudy
Wind
5 to 9 mph
S
Rain
79%
Today
UV Peak
7 High
High 11 AM–02 PM · burn in ~29m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 04 PM
Tomorrow
83°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
82°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
7:00 PM
4.1 ft · in 3.7h
Barometer
30.09 inHg
1019 hPa
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:04 AM
Sunset
8:22 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:32 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 6:15 AM | High | 2.8 ft |
| 12:13 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 7:00 PM | High | 4.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:32 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 7:14 AM | High | 2.9 ft |
| 1:14 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 7:56 PM | High | 4.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:28 AM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 8:12 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 2:14 PM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 8:49 PM | High | 4.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:19 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 9:08 AM | High | 3.2 ft |
| 3:09 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 9:41 PM | High | 4.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:07 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 10:03 AM | High | 3.3 ft |
| 4:03 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 10:32 PM | High | 3.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:54 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 10:58 AM | High | 3.3 ft |
| 4:57 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 11:21 PM | High | 3.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:41 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 11:52 AM | High | 3.4 ft |
| 5:54 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8656483, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
83°
Showers And Thunderstorms
83%
15
83°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
57%
27
86°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
17%
46
88°
Sunny
6%
81
88°
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
23%
43
86°
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
32%
36
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 7 — high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 82°F
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 79% chance of rain
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
10:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Minor
3:20 AM - 4:20 AM
Major
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minor
6:50 PM - 7:50 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