82°
Sunny
0%
83
Brunswick County, NC · Atlantic Ocean
Sunset Beach (North Carolina)
700 Sunset Blvd N, Sunset Beach, NC 28468
The southernmost barrier-island town in North Carolina, Sunset Beach is reached by a short bridge and is known for its laid-back atmosphere, the historic Kindred Spirit mailbox on Bird Island Reserve at the west end, and broad, flat sands.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
82°F water · 82°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 82. Southeast wind around 10 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. South wind 3 to 9 mph.
Weather
- 82°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
83 /100
great
83 Swim
82 Sunbathe
87 Walk
82 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.8 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
82°F
Clear
Wind
10 mph
SE
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
84°F
Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Water
Water Temp
82°F
Swimming weather
Wave Height
2.6 ft
7s · SE swell
Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference
No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (AMZ252)
The ILM office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.
- NCZ106 Coastal Pender — Surf City and Topsail Beach n/a
- NCZ108 Coastal New Hanover — Wrightsville Beach, Masonboro Island, n/a
- NCZ110 Coastal Brunswick — Bald Head Island, Oak Island, Holden Beach, n/a
- SCZ054 Coastal Horry — Cherry Grove, North Myrtle Beach, n/a
- SCZ056 Coastal Georgetown — Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach, n/a
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:53 AM
Sunset
7:29 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:39 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 6:31 AM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 12:41 PM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 6:53 PM | High | 6.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:25 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 7:22 AM | High | 6.0 ft |
| 1:33 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 7:41 PM | High | 6.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:09 AM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 8:10 AM | High | 6.2 ft |
| 2:23 PM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 8:25 PM | High | 6.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:50 AM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 8:55 AM | High | 6.3 ft |
| 3:09 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:07 PM | High | 5.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:30 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:38 AM | High | 6.2 ft |
| 3:54 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 9:48 PM | High | 5.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:08 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 10:22 AM | High | 6.0 ft |
| 4:38 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 10:31 PM | High | 5.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:46 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 11:08 AM | High | 5.8 ft |
| 5:22 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 11:18 PM | High | 4.8 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8661070, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
84°
Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
18%
81
85°
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
32%
39
84°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
58%
25
85°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
52%
29
86°
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
39%
36
85°
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
24%
44
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — 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).
Beach Info
Parking
Paid parking managed via SurfCast (910-200-1497) 9am–5pm. Off-hours and off-island issues handled by Police Department.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on the beach 9am–6pm from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Outside that window, allowed all day. Leash required at all times when off owner property (max 10 ft, no electronic leashes). $100 fine.
Entry Fee
Free beach access; paid parking in season
Address
700 Sunset Blvd N, Sunset Beach, NC 28468
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Sunset Beach (North Carolina) today?
Sunset Beach (North Carolina) 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 Sunset Beach (North Carolina) dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on the beach 9am–6pm from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Outside that window, allowed all day. Leash required at all times when off owner property (max 10 ft, no electronic leashes). $100 fine.
Is there an entry fee at Sunset Beach (North Carolina)?
Entry to Sunset Beach (North Carolina) is free.
Are there lifeguards at Sunset Beach (North Carolina)?
No lifeguards are stationed at Sunset Beach (North Carolina). Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Sunset Beach (North Carolina)?
Amenities at Sunset Beach (North Carolina) include restrooms, showers, fishing pier, beach wheelchairs and walkers.
When is the water warmest at Sunset Beach (North Carolina)?
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 Sunset Beach (North Carolina) located?
Sunset Beach (North Carolina) is in Brunswick County, NC, at 700 Sunset Blvd N, Sunset Beach, NC 28468.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS