Northumberland County, VA · Chesapeake Bay

Smith Point Beach

Small sandy public beach at the northernmost tip of Virginia's Northern Neck, where the Potomac empties into the Bay. Across the water from Point Lookout in Maryland. Largely unknown to non-locals and blissfully quiet.

Today's Conditions

Skip the beach today.

Thunderstorms · 60% rain · High nettle risk

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 5pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 107. Southwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms likely before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 11pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11pm and 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 78. Heat index values as high as 102. Southwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Weather

94°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
60% rain — rain likely at some point

Water

84°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
High nettle risk — 71% probability — reconsider swimming

Safety

Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
NWS alert active — severe thunderstorm watch issued july 18 at 2:14pm edt until july 18 at 9:00pm edt by nws wakefield va

5 /100

skip

0 Swim

20 Sunbathe

0 Walk

0 Fish

20 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.

NOAA station 8635750 · Observed 2.43 ft · Predicted 1.49 ft

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

Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 9:28AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

94°F

Thunderstorms and Rain and Fog/Mist

Wind

10 mph

Rain

60%

This Afternoon

UV Peak

9 Very High

High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m

Burn-free before 09 AM & after 04 PM

Tomorrow

87°F

Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

Water

Water Temp

84°F

Swimming weather

Next Low Tide

11:55 PM

0.3 ft · in 3.0h

Sea Nettles

High nettle risk

71% probability · Potomac buoy

Water Quality

Clean

25 cfu/100mL · Fecal Coliform

USGS · sampled 3mo ago

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

5:56 AM

Sunset

8:25 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

Today Jul 18

94°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

60%

Sun Jul 19

87°

Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

22%

Mon Jul 20

85°

Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

26%

Tue Jul 21

90°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

71%

Wed Jul 22

87°

Showers And Thunderstorms

78%

Thu Jul 23

82°

Chance Rain Showers

26%

Fri Jul 24

84°

Sunny

14%

What to Bring Today

critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 84°F
recommended Rain cover + dry bag 60% chance of rain
critical Extra water / electrolytes 94°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

10:10 AM - 11:10 AM

Major

3:50 PM - 5:50 PM

Beach Info

Parking

Limited free parking.

Dogs

Dogs permitted on leash.

Entry Fee

Free

Address

Smith Point Rd, Reedville, VA 22539

Amenities

restroomspicnic areafishing

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at Smith Point Beach today?

Smith Point 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 Smith Point Beach dog-friendly?

Dogs permitted on leash.

Is there an entry fee at Smith Point Beach?

Entry to Smith Point Beach is free.

Are there lifeguards at Smith Point Beach?

No lifeguards are stationed at Smith Point Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.

What amenities are at Smith Point Beach?

Amenities at Smith Point Beach include restrooms, picnic area, fishing.

When is the water warmest at Smith Point Beach?

The Chesapeake warms quickly — water temperatures peak in late July and August, typically 78-82°F. Swimming comfortable from mid-June through September.

Where is Smith Point Beach located?

Smith Point Beach is in Northumberland County, VA, at Smith Point Rd, Reedville, VA 22539.