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.

Eats & Drinks 22 Stay 20 Shops 11 Charters & Tours 7 Rentals 6

Today's Conditions

Ideal for a beach walk.

83°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Southeast wind around 8 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 78. South wind around 10 mph.

Weather

83°F air — ideal beach weather
Sunny skies — mostly sunny

79 /100

great

83 Sunbathe

87 Walk

72 Fish

82 Photo

Best for walking today

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

83°F

Clear

Wind

8 mph

Rain

This Afternoon

UV Peak

8 Very High

High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m

Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM

Tomorrow

84°F

Sunny

Water

Water Temp

—

Next High Tide

7:33 PM

1.5 ft · in 16m

Wave Height

1.6 ft

11s · E swell

Barometer

30.29 inHg

Steady · buoy 41025

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

6:42 AM

Sunset

7:20 PM

Moon · 5%

Waning Crescent

Spring tides — bigger range

Tides

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

Time	Type	Height
2:26 AM	Low	0.5 ft
7:54 AM	High	1.4 ft
2:28 PM	Low	0.4 ft
8:21 PM	High	1.4 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:11 AM	Low	0.5 ft
8:39 AM	High	1.4 ft
3:20 PM	Low	0.4 ft
9:07 PM	High	1.4 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:54 AM	Low	0.5 ft
9:22 AM	High	1.4 ft
4:10 PM	Low	0.4 ft
9:53 PM	High	1.3 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:36 AM	Low	0.5 ft
10:04 AM	High	1.4 ft
4:58 PM	Low	0.4 ft
10:37 PM	High	1.2 ft

Time	Type	Height
5:17 AM	Low	0.5 ft
10:46 AM	High	1.4 ft
5:45 PM	Low	0.5 ft
11:22 PM	High	1.2 ft

Time	Type	Height
5:58 AM	Low	0.6 ft
11:29 AM	High	1.3 ft
6:31 PM	Low	0.5 ft

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

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Sep 9

83°

Mostly Sunny

Thu Sep 10

84°

Sunny

Fri Sep 11

85°

Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

26%

Sat Sep 12

84°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

57%

Sun Sep 13

84°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

59%

Mon Sep 14

84°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny

34%

Tue Sep 15

84°

Sunny

What to Bring Today

critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind

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

10:30 PM - 12:30 AM

Minor

4:40 AM - 5:40 AM

Major

10:50 AM - 12:50 PM

Minor

6:10 PM - 7:10 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

lifeguards (one staffed beach)restroomsferry accessvillage restaurants & shopspony pen

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.