90°
Sunny
3%
73
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
Great day for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 85°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 90. Heat index values as high as 104. Southwest wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 82. Heat index values as high as 102. Southwest wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Weather
- 90°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 85°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- UV 10 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
- NWS alert active — heat advisory issued july 18 at 2:52pm edt until july 18 at 8:00pm edt by nws wilmington nc
51 /100
ok
34 Swim
62 Sunbathe
78 Walk
45 Fish
75 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.8 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.
Beach Hazard Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 2:41AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wilmington NC
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Strong south to north longshore current. * WHERE...In North Carolina, Coastal Pender and Coastal New Hanover Counties. In South Carolina, Coastal Horry and Coastal Georgetown Counties. * WHEN...Today. * IMPACTS...Longshore currents can sweep swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties, and other hazardous areas. It may sweep swimmers off their feet, making it difficult to return to shore.
Weather alert in effect
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:52PM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wilmington NC
Atmosphere
Air Temp
90°F
Clear
Wind
17 mph
SW
Rain
3%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
10 Very High
High 11 AM–04 PM · burn in ~20m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
91°F
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
85°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
11:38 PM
4.5 ft · in 2.6h
Wave Height
3.3 ft
5s · S swell
Barometer
29.99 inHg
1016 hPa
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:12 AM
Sunset
8:22 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| 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 |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:57 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 12:13 PM | High | 4.5 ft |
| 6:21 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:26 AM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 6:49 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 1:04 PM | High | 4.4 ft |
| 7:27 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:14 AM | High | 3.8 ft |
| 7:45 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 1:56 PM | High | 4.3 ft |
| 8:33 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:03 AM | High | 3.5 ft |
| 8:41 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 2:50 PM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 9:33 PM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:55 AM | High | 3.2 ft |
| 9:31 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 3:48 PM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 10:25 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:54 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 10:18 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 4:46 PM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 11:13 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8658163, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
91°
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
17%
30
90°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
39%
27
89°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
36%
22
86°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
56%
10
84°
Showers And Thunderstorms
78%
14
84°
Rain Showers Likely
55%
53
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 10 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 17 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 85°F
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 90°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
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
3:40 AM - 5:40 AM
Minor
10:20 AM - 11:20 AM
Major
4:00 PM - 6:00 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
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Carolina Beach today?
Carolina 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 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