91°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
30%
31
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
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · NWS alert active · 80°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 102. South wind around 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2am and 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 79. Southwest wind 15 to 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Weather
- 91°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- 30% rain — pop-up showers possible
Water
- 80°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- 3.6ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- UV 10 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
- NWS alert active — severe thunderstorm watch issued july 18 at 2:14pm edt until july 18 at 9:00pm edt by nws wakefield va
17 /100
skip
0 Swim
44 Sunbathe
21 Walk
28 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Weather alert in effect
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 2:14PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 9:28AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Atmosphere
Air Temp
91°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
14 mph
S
Rain
30%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
10 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~20m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
86°F
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
80°F
Swimming weather
Sea Nettles
No nettles expected
3% probability · York Spit buoy
Water Quality
Clean
10 cfu/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 2mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:57 AM
Sunset
8:22 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:37 AM | High | 2.8 ft |
| 6:58 AM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 1:13 PM | High | 2.8 ft |
| 7:27 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:26 AM | High | 2.6 ft |
| 7:45 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 2:03 PM | High | 2.7 ft |
| 8:25 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:13 AM | High | 2.3 ft |
| 8:32 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 2:53 PM | High | 2.7 ft |
| 9:24 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:01 AM | High | 2.2 ft |
| 9:19 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 3:44 PM | High | 2.6 ft |
| 10:22 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:53 AM | High | 2.0 ft |
| 10:07 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 4:40 PM | High | 2.6 ft |
| 11:21 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:53 AM | High | 1.9 ft |
| 10:59 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 5:39 PM | High | 2.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:15 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 5:57 AM | High | 1.9 ft |
| 11:52 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 6:33 PM | High | 2.5 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8638610, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
86°
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
54%
16
83°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
37%
37
88°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
58%
12
85°
Showers And Thunderstorms
81%
3
80°
Chance Rain Showers
37%
63
81°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
21%
75
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 10 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 14 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 80°F
- optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 30% rain chance
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 91°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
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
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Cape Charles Beach today?
Cape Charles 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 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