73°
Sunny
0%
77
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.
73°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 73. Northeast wind around 6 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 61. South wind 2 to 6 mph.
Weather
- 73°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 61°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
- 3.6ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
72 /100
great
58 Swim
85 Sunbathe
88 Walk
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.5 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
73°F
Mostly Clear
Wind
6 mph
NE
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
75°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
61°F
Cold
Sea Nettles
No nettles expected
13% probability · York Spit buoy
Water Quality
Clean
25 cfu/100mL · Fecal Coliform
USGS · sampled 2mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:44 AM
Sunset
8:19 PM
Moon · 88%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:55 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 11:56 AM | High | 2.2 ft |
| 5:44 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
75°
Sunny
1%
75
83°
Sunny
0%
75
87°
Mostly Sunny
1%
75
87°
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
27%
37
72°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
30%
28
72°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
18%
71
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 61°F
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