78°
Sunny
0%
82
New Hanover County, NC · Atlantic Ocean
Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach Ave N, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
A working-class North Carolina beach south of Wilmington with a 1950s amusement boardwalk vibe — Britt's Donuts (open since 1939), a fishing pier, and Carolina Beach State Park with its native Venus flytraps. Less polished than Wrightsville, more affordable, more character.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 6.6ft waves · 78°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 78. East wind around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 62. Northeast wind 3 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
Weather
- 78°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 73°F water — swimmable, refreshing
Safety
- 6.6ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
- NWS alert active — rip current statement issued june 3 at 2:51am edt until june 3 at 8:00pm edt by nws wilmington nc
53 /100
ok
22 Swim
83 Sunbathe
87 Walk
18 Fish
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 1.3 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.
Rip Currents Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued June 3 at 2:51AM EDT until June 3 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wilmington NC
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected. There will also be a strong north to south longshore current. * WHERE...Coastal New Hanover County. * WHEN...From 6 AM EDT this morning through this evening. * IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
78°F
Clear
Wind
13 mph
E
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 12 PM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
80°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
73°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
10:27 PM
4.2 ft · in 1.0h
Wave Height
6.6 ft
ENE swell
Barometer
30.18 inHg
1022 hPa
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:00 AM
Sunset
8:18 PM
Moon · 88%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:08 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 10:04 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 3:52 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 10:27 PM | High | 4.2 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
80°
Sunny
0%
82
82°
Sunny
0%
82
84°
Mostly Sunny
4%
82
83°
Mostly Sunny
8%
82
82°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
50%
31
78°
Chance Rain Showers
37%
72
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 13 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 73°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.
Minor
10:20 PM - 11:20 PM
Major
2:30 AM - 4:30 AM
Minor
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Major
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Paid public lots and metered street parking near the boardwalk.
Dogs
Dogs allowed on the beach April 1 – September 30 only before 9 AM and after 5 PM (leashed). Year-round leash required. Prohibited entirely on the Boardwalk District.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Carolina Beach Ave N, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Amenities
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Carolina Beach.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Carolina Beach from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
Is Carolina Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs allowed on the beach April 1 – September 30 only before 9 AM and after 5 PM (leashed). Year-round leash required. Prohibited entirely on the Boardwalk District.
Is there an entry fee at Carolina Beach?
Entry to Carolina Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Carolina Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Carolina Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Carolina Beach?
Amenities at Carolina Beach include lifeguards, boardwalk, amusements, restaurants, pier (now restaurant), state park nearby.
When is the water warmest at Carolina 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 Carolina Beach located?
Carolina Beach is in New Hanover County, NC, at Carolina Beach Ave N, Carolina Beach, NC 28428.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS