80°
Mostly Sunny
0%
82
Northampton County, VA · Chesapeake Bay
Cape Charles Beach
Bay Ave, Cape Charles, VA 23310
Half-mile sandy beach fronting the historic Eastern Shore town of Cape Charles. Renovated waterfront, restaurants, a working harbor, and genuinely spectacular Chesapeake sunsets. One of the most underrated small beach towns on the Bay.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
High nettle risk · 80°F air · 71°F water
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. South wind 7 to 16 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South wind 15 to 20 mph.
Weather
- 80°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Water
- 71°F water — swimmable, refreshing
- High nettle risk — 160% probability — reconsider swimming
65 /100
good
46 Swim
83 Sunbathe
87 Walk
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
80°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
7 to 16 mph
S
Rain
0%
Today
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
86°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
71°F
Refreshing
Next High Tide
7:07 PM
2.6 ft · in 4.4h
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
160% probability · York Spit buoy
Water Quality
Clean
175 cfu/100mL · E. coli
USGS · sampled 6w ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:44 AM
Sunset
8:28 PM
Moon · 80%
Waxing Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:48 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 6:35 AM | High | 2.0 ft |
| 12:30 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 7:07 PM | High | 2.6 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
86°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
16%
50
85°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
60%
31
81°
Mostly Sunny
12%
82
80°
Sunny
2%
82
83°
Sunny
2%
82
86°
Sunny
8%
82
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 7 to 16 mph wind
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Free street and lot parking.
Dogs
Dogs permitted on leash.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Bay Ave, Cape Charles, VA 23310
Amenities
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Cape Charles Beach.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Cape Charles Beach from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
Is Cape Charles Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs permitted on leash.
Is there an entry fee at Cape Charles Beach?
Entry to Cape Charles Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Cape Charles Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Cape Charles Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Cape Charles Beach?
Amenities at Cape Charles Beach include lifeguards, restrooms, restaurants walkable, playground, fishing pier nearby.
When is the water warmest at Cape Charles Beach?
The Chesapeake warms quickly — water temperatures peak in late July and August, typically 78-82°F. Swimming comfortable from mid-June through September.
Where is Cape Charles Beach located?
Cape Charles Beach is in Northampton County, VA, at Bay Ave, Cape Charles, VA 23310.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS