Currituck County, NC · Atlantic Ocean

Corolla Beach

The end of the paved road on the OBX — and the start of the 4WD-only Carova beaches where the wild Spanish mustang herd roams. Quietest of the developed Outer Banks villages, large vacation rentals, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, and the Whalehead historic site.

Today's Conditions

Great day for a beach walk.

NWS alert active · 81°F water · 88°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind around 15 mph.

Tonight

A chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 80. Southwest wind 16 to 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Weather

88°F air — ideal beach weather
Sunny skies — mostly sunny

Water

81°F water — warm — full-day swim weather

Safety

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

61 /100

good

47 Swim

70 Sunbathe

81 Walk

78 Photo

Best for walking today

Water level 1.2 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.

NOAA station 8652587 · Observed 1.63 ft · Predicted 0.41 ft

Small Craft Small Craft Advisory

Small Craft Advisory issued July 18 at 12:44PM EDT until July 19 at 7:00AM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA

NWS · In effect through Jul 19, 11:00 AM

Full NWS statement

* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt and waves 1 to 2 ft expected. * WHERE...Currituck Sound. * WHEN...Until 7 AM EDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

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

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

88°F

Clear

Wind

15 mph

Rain

This Afternoon

UV Peak

10 Very High

High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~20m

Burn-free before 08 AM & after 06 PM

Tomorrow

87°F

Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

Water

Water Temp

81°F

Swimming weather

Wave Height

2.3 ft

13s · ESE swell

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

5:58 AM

Sunset

8:19 PM

Moon · 18%

Waxing Crescent

Neap tides — smaller range

Tides

Time	Type	Height
6:40 AM	Low	0.3 ft
12:02 PM	High	1.1 ft
6:31 PM	Low	0.3 ft

Time	Type	Height
12:17 AM	High	1.2 ft
7:26 AM	Low	0.3 ft
12:59 PM	High	1.1 ft
7:28 PM	Low	0.4 ft

Time	Type	Height
1:09 AM	High	1.1 ft
8:10 AM	Low	0.3 ft
1:57 PM	High	1.1 ft
8:25 PM	Low	0.4 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:06 AM	High	1.0 ft
8:54 AM	Low	0.3 ft
2:54 PM	High	1.1 ft
9:24 PM	Low	0.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:06 AM	High	0.9 ft
9:38 AM	Low	0.3 ft
3:50 PM	High	1.1 ft
10:25 PM	Low	0.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:08 AM	High	0.9 ft
10:25 AM	Low	0.3 ft
4:45 PM	High	1.1 ft
11:27 PM	Low	0.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
5:05 AM	High	0.9 ft
11:13 AM	Low	0.3 ft
5:36 PM	High	1.1 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 8652587, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Jul 18

88°

Mostly Sunny

Sun Jul 19

87°

Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

75%

Mon Jul 20

83°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

58%

Tue Jul 21

88°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

57%

Wed Jul 22

85°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms

76%

Thu Jul 23

80°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

61%

Fri Jul 24

80°

Chance Rain Showers

38%

What to Bring Today

critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 10 — very high
recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 15 mph wind
optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 81°F
critical Extra water / electrolytes 88°F - heat risk
recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Beach Info

Parking

Public accesses with parking along NC-12. 4WD access to Carova requires deflating tires; horse tours run from Corolla village.

Dogs

Dogs allowed leashed year-round; no off-leash permitted on Corolla beaches per Currituck County code.

Entry Fee

Free

Address

Ocean Trail (NC-12), Corolla, NC 27927

Amenities

lifeguards at staffed accessespublic restroomslighthousehorse tours nearby

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at Corolla Beach today?

Corolla 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 Corolla Beach dog-friendly?

Dogs allowed leashed year-round; no off-leash permitted on Corolla beaches per Currituck County code.

Is there an entry fee at Corolla Beach?

Entry to Corolla Beach is free.

Are there lifeguards at Corolla Beach?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Corolla Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.

What amenities are at Corolla Beach?

Amenities at Corolla Beach include lifeguards at staffed accesses, public restrooms, lighthouse, horse tours nearby.

When is the water warmest at Corolla 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 Corolla Beach located?

Corolla Beach is in Currituck County, NC, at Ocean Trail (NC-12), Corolla, NC 27927.