88°
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
38%
34
Brunswick County, NC · Atlantic Ocean
Sunset Beach
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
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · 82°F water · 88°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Heat index values as high as 101. Southwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 8pm and midnight, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between midnight and 2am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2am and 5am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. West wind 2 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Weather
- 88°F air — ideal beach weather
- 38% rain — pop-up showers possible
Water
- 82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
31 /100
skip
24 Swim
50 Sunbathe
20 Walk
30 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
88°F
Clear
Wind
6 to 9 mph
SW
Rain
38%
Today
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
85°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
82°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
6:26 PM
6.4 ft · in 3.1h
Barometer
30.09 inHg
1019 hPa
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
6:12 AM
Sunset
8:26 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:15 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 5:57 AM | High | 4.7 ft |
| 12:04 PM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 6:26 PM | High | 6.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:12 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 6:57 AM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 1:02 PM | Low | -0.7 ft |
| 7:24 PM | High | 6.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:08 AM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 7:54 AM | High | 5.1 ft |
| 2:00 PM | Low | -0.8 ft |
| 8:18 PM | High | 6.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00 AM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 8:48 AM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 2:56 PM | Low | -0.7 ft |
| 9:10 PM | High | 6.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:49 AM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 9:42 AM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 3:50 PM | Low | -0.6 ft |
| 10:00 PM | High | 6.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:36 AM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 10:37 AM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 4:42 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 10:52 PM | High | 5.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:22 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 11:34 AM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 5:34 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 11:45 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8661070, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
85°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
53%
30
86°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
69%
20
87°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
23%
45
90°
Sunny
3%
80
90°
Sunny
8%
79
88°
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
29%
39
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
- optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 38% rain chance
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 88°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
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 today?
Sunset 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 Sunset Beach 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?
Entry to Sunset Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Sunset Beach?
No lifeguards are stationed at Sunset Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Sunset Beach?
Amenities at Sunset Beach include restrooms, showers, fishing pier, beach wheelchairs and walkers.
When is the water warmest at Sunset 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 Sunset Beach located?
Sunset Beach is in Brunswick County, NC, at 700 Sunset Blvd N, Sunset Beach, NC 28468.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS