85°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
72%
16
Hyde County, NC · Atlantic Ocean
Ocracoke Beach
Sixteen miles of pristine, undeveloped barrier-island beach on Ocracoke Island — accessible only by ferry. The village at the south end is one of the most charming on the East Coast. Pony pen with the descendants of the Banker ponies. National Geographic and Dr. Beach have repeatedly named this a top US beach.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
72% rain · Thunderstorms · 84°F water
Full NWS forecast for Today
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11am, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 11am and 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Northeast wind 7 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77. East wind around 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Weather
- 85°F air — ideal beach weather
- 72% rain — wet day — beach day is off
Water
- 84°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- 3.6ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
18 /100
skip
6 Swim
28 Sunbathe
0 Walk
30 Fish
23 Photo
Best for fishing 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.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
85°F
Partly Cloudy
Wind
7 to 13 mph
NE
Rain
72%
Today
UV Peak
6 High
Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~33m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 12 PM
Tomorrow
85°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
84°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
7:13 PM
1.4 ft · in 4.0h
Wave Height
3.6 ft
6s · SSW swell
Barometer
30.05 inHg
1018 hPa
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:58 AM
Sunset
8:19 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
85°
Showers And Thunderstorms
87%
5
87°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
70%
13
88°
Sunny
13%
80
88°
Sunny
5%
80
89°
Sunny
12%
79
88°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
30%
36
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 6 — high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 7 to 13 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 84°F
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 72% 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
9:50 PM - 11:50 PM
Minor
3:10 AM - 4:10 AM
Major
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minor
6:50 PM - 7:50 PM
Beach Info
Parking
NPS lots at the lifeguarded beach. ORV access elsewhere with permit.
Dogs
Leashed at all times. Prohibited on protected sections during plover nesting.
Entry Fee
No beach entry fee. Free Hatteras–Ocracoke ferry; Cedar Island & Swan Quarter ferries $15-30/vehicle.
Address
NC-12, Ocracoke, NC 27960
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Ocracoke Beach today?
Ocracoke 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 Ocracoke Beach dog-friendly?
Leashed at all times. Prohibited on protected sections during plover nesting.
Is there an entry fee at Ocracoke Beach?
No beach entry fee. Free Hatteras–Ocracoke ferry; Cedar Island & Swan Quarter ferries $15-30/vehicle.
Are there lifeguards at Ocracoke Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Ocracoke Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Ocracoke Beach?
Amenities at Ocracoke Beach include lifeguards (one staffed beach), restrooms, ferry access, village restaurants & shops, pony pen.
When is the water warmest at Ocracoke 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 Ocracoke Beach located?
Ocracoke Beach is in Hyde County, NC, at NC-12, Ocracoke, NC 27960.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS