86°
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
50%
29
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
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · 50% rain · 82°F water
Full NWS forecast for Today
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Southwest wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms likely before 8pm, then showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77. East wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Weather
- 86°F air — ideal beach weather
- 50% rain — rain likely at some point
Water
- 82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
27 /100
skip
22 Swim
45 Sunbathe
13 Walk
36 Fish
28 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
86°F
Clear
Wind
6 to 10 mph
SW
Rain
50%
Today
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 02 PM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 12 PM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
83°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
82°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
6:23 PM
5.3 ft · in 3.2h
Barometer
30.09 inHg
1019 hPa
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:08 AM
Sunset
8:24 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:07 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 5:46 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 11:53 AM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 6:23 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:05 AM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 6:44 AM | High | 3.9 ft |
| 12:52 PM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 7:16 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:59 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 7:39 AM | High | 4.1 ft |
| 1:50 PM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 8:08 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:50 AM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 8:33 AM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 2:46 PM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 9:00 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:37 AM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 9:29 AM | High | 4.3 ft |
| 3:38 PM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 9:53 PM | High | 5.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:23 AM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 10:25 AM | High | 4.4 ft |
| 4:29 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 10:46 PM | High | 4.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:09 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 11:20 AM | High | 4.5 ft |
| 5:23 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 11:38 PM | High | 4.5 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8658163, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
83°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
54%
29
84°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
61%
24
85°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
19%
47
87°
Sunny
3%
80
87°
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
15%
45
85°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
26%
38
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
- optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 50% rain chance
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
10:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Minor
3:20 AM - 4:20 AM
Major
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minor
6:50 PM - 7:50 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