82°
Sunny
0%
85
New Hanover County, NC · Atlantic Ocean
Wrightsville Beach
321 Causeway Dr, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
A 4-mile barrier-island beach 15 minutes east of Wilmington — one of the cleanest beaches in the Southeast (consistently rated A+ by NRDC). Restaurants and rentals on the south end, quieter residential on the north end. The dawn surfing scene is real.
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 77. South wind 5 to 9 mph.
Weather
- 82°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
85 /100
ideal
85 Swim
83 Sunbathe
87 Walk
74 Fish
82 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.6 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
Partly Cloudy
Wind
10 mph
SE
Rain
0%
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
82°F
Swimming weather
Wave Height
2.6 ft
7s · SE swell
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:50 AM
Sunset
7:27 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:24 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 6:18 AM | High | 4.6 ft |
| 12:31 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 6:44 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:12 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 7:08 AM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 1:24 PM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 7:30 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:57 AM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 7:54 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 2:14 PM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 8:15 PM | High | 5.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:40 AM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 8:41 AM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 3:01 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:00 PM | High | 4.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:20 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:29 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 3:46 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 9:46 PM | High | 4.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:59 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:18 AM | High | 5.1 ft |
| 4:30 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 10:34 PM | High | 4.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:37 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 11:08 AM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 5:15 PM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 11:22 PM | High | 4.0 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8658163, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
84°
Sunny
13%
80
86°
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
32%
36
84°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
53%
26
84°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
49%
30
85°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
32%
39
84°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
17%
47
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — 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).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Major
10:40 PM - 12:40 AM
Minor
4:40 AM - 5:40 AM
Major
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Minor
6:20 PM - 7:20 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Paid public lots at major accesses; metered street parking on Lumina Ave. App-based payment.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited entirely on the beach April 1 – September 30 (24 hours). Leashed access October 1 – March 31.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
321 Causeway Dr, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Wrightsville Beach today?
Wrightsville 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 Wrightsville Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited entirely on the beach April 1 – September 30 (24 hours). Leashed access October 1 – March 31.
Is there an entry fee at Wrightsville Beach?
Entry to Wrightsville Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Wrightsville Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Wrightsville Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Wrightsville Beach?
Amenities at Wrightsville Beach include lifeguards, public restrooms, showers, restaurants nearby, piers (Crystal Pier and Johnnie Mercer's).
When is the water warmest at Wrightsville 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 Wrightsville Beach located?
Wrightsville Beach is in New Hanover County, NC, at 321 Causeway Dr, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS