90°
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
56%
16
Westmoreland County, VA · Potomac River
Colonial Beach
Virginia town on the Potomac with two miles of sandy beach — the state's second-longest public beach after Virginia Beach. Small-town vibe, classic Virginia waterfront, boardwalk, and family-friendly shore swimming (no ocean surf).
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · High nettle risk · 56% rain
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 5pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90. Heat index values as high as 101. Southwest wind around 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7pm and midnight. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 78. Southwest wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Weather
- 90°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- 56% rain — rain likely at some point
Water
- 84°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- High nettle risk — 80% probability — reconsider swimming
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- NWS alert active — severe thunderstorm watch issued july 18 at 4:33pm edt until july 18 at 9:00pm edt by nws baltimore md/washington dc
8 /100
skip
0 Swim
25 Sunbathe
2 Walk
21 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Water level 0.9 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.
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued July 18 at 7:48AM EDT until July 18 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Southwest winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt. * WHERE...Tidal Potomac River from Key Bridge to Cobb Island MD, and Chesapeake Bay and adjoining estuaries north of Drum Point MD. * WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 11 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Weather alert in effect
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 4:33PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Special Marine Warning issued July 18 at 4:04PM EDT until July 18 at 5:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Atmosphere
Air Temp
90°F
Partly Cloudy
Wind
16 mph
SW
Rain
56%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
83°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
84°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
11:55 PM
0.3 ft · in 3.0h
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
80% probability · Gooses Reef buoy
Water Quality
Clean
10 cfu/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 3mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:58 AM
Sunset
8:29 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:11 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 11:37 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 5:41 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 11:55 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 12:26 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 6:36 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:51 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 6:50 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 1:14 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 7:31 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:48 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 7:43 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 2:02 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 8:27 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:45 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 8:38 AM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 2:52 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 9:23 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:43 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 9:35 AM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 3:44 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:17 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:41 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 10:28 AM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 4:37 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 11:08 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8635750, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
83°
Mostly Sunny
14%
83
81°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
23%
78
84°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
74%
15
82°
Rain Showers Likely
71%
42
77°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
17%
76
79°
Sunny
9%
85
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 16 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 84°F
- optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 56% rain chance
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 90°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Metered street parking.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on beach and boardwalk April 1 – September 30. Leashed dogs allowed Oct 1 – March 31.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Colonial Beach, VA 22443
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Colonial Beach today?
Colonial 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 Colonial Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on beach and boardwalk April 1 – September 30. Leashed dogs allowed Oct 1 – March 31.
Is there an entry fee at Colonial Beach?
Entry to Colonial Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Colonial Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Colonial Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Colonial Beach?
Amenities at Colonial Beach include lifeguards, boardwalk, restrooms, restaurants, golf cart rentals.
When is the water warmest at Colonial Beach?
The tidal Potomac peaks in late July and August at 78-82°F. Swimmable from mid-June into September.
Where is Colonial Beach located?
Colonial Beach is in Westmoreland County, VA, at Colonial Beach, VA 22443.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS