90°
Sunny
3%
76
Brunswick County, NC · Atlantic Ocean
Oak Island Beach
4601 E Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
With 65 public beach access points—more than any other coastal community in the Carolinas—Oak Island offers easy beach entry along its full 8-mile length. The town has a fishing pier, a calm family vibe, and unusually generous off-season dog rules.
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 103. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 82. Heat index values as high as 100. Southwest wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Weather
- 90°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 85°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued july 18 at 2:32pm edt until july 19 at 11:00pm edt by nws wilmington nc
59 /100
good
43 Swim
70 Sunbathe
80 Walk
53 Fish
77 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.7 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 2:32PM EDT until July 19 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Wilmington NC
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and seas 4 to 6 ft expected. * WHERE...Southeast North Carolina coastal waters out 20 NM. * WHEN...From 4 PM this afternoon to 11 PM EDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
90°F
Clear
Wind
15 mph
S
Rain
3%
This Afternoon
Tomorrow
90°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Sunny
Water
Water Temp
85°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
11:45 PM
5.3 ft · in 2.6h
Wave Height
3.3 ft
5s · S swell
Barometer
29.99 inHg
1016 hPa
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:14 AM
Sunset
8:22 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:22 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 11:34 AM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 5:34 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 11:45 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:07 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 12:30 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 6:27 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:38 AM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 6:52 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 1:24 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 7:22 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:29 AM | High | 4.5 ft |
| 7:39 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 2:14 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 8:22 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:19 AM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 8:29 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 3:04 PM | High | 5.1 ft |
| 9:25 PM | Low | 1.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:09 AM | High | 4.0 ft |
| 9:23 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 3:53 PM | High | 5.1 ft |
| 10:25 PM | Low | 1.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:01 AM | High | 3.9 ft |
| 10:17 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 4:44 PM | High | 5.1 ft |
| 11:16 PM | Low | 1.1 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8661070, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
90°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Sunny
15%
35
89°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
33%
32
88°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
40%
24
87°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
57%
11
84°
Showers And Thunderstorms
78%
15
84°
Rain Showers Likely
56%
55
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 15 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 parking April 1 – September 30, 9am–5pm; 2-hour free parking at Oak Island Pier Complex.
Dogs
Leashed (physical leash, no e-collars) required March 16 – October 15. Off-leash allowed October 15 – March 15 from 6am–8pm at marked beach accesses under voice/visual control. $100 first violation, escalating.
Entry Fee
Free beach access; paid parking April 1 – Sept 30
Address
4601 E Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Oak Island Beach today?
Oak Island 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. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Oak Island Beach dog-friendly?
Leashed (physical leash, no e-collars) required March 16 – October 15. Off-leash allowed October 15 – March 15 from 6am–8pm at marked beach accesses under voice/visual control. $100 first violation, escalating.
Is there an entry fee at Oak Island Beach?
Entry to Oak Island Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Oak Island Beach?
No lifeguards are stationed at Oak Island Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Oak Island Beach?
Amenities at Oak Island Beach include restrooms, showers, fishing pier, 65 public access ramps, beach wheelchairs (9 available, free, via Parks & Rec).
When is the water warmest at Oak Island 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 Oak Island Beach located?
Oak Island Beach is in Brunswick County, NC, at 4601 E Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS