Sunset Beach

700 Sunset Blvd N, Sunset Beach, NC 28468

The southernmost barrier-island town in North Carolina, Sunset Beach is reached by a short bridge and is known for its laid-back atmosphere, the historic Kindred Spirit mailbox on Bird Island Reserve at the west end, and broad, flat sands.

Great day for sunbathing.

Thunderstorms · 82°F water · 84°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. South wind around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 80. Southwest wind around 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Weather

  • 84°F air — ideal beach weather

Water

  • 82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather

Safety

  • Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
  • UV 11 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
49 /100
ok
37 Swim
75 Sunbathe
44 Walk
36 Photo

Best for sunbathing today

Air Temp
84°F
Clear
Wind
13 mph
S
Rain
17%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
11 Extreme
High 11 AM–04 PM · burn in ~18m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
84°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water Temp
82°F
Swimming weather
Barometer
30.14 inHg
1021 hPa

Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference

No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (AMZ252)

The ILM office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.

  • NCZ106 Coastal Pender — Surf City and Topsail Beach n/a
  • NCZ108 Coastal New Hanover — Wrightsville Beach, Masonboro Island, n/a
  • NCZ110 Coastal Brunswick — Bald Head Island, Oak Island, Holden Beach, n/a
  • SCZ054 Coastal Horry — Cherry Grove, North Myrtle Beach, n/a
  • SCZ056 Coastal Georgetown — Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach, n/a

NWS SRF · ILM · Issued Jun 26, 2:42 PM

Sunrise
6:04 AM
Sunset
8:28 PM
Moon · 89%
Waxing Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
7-day chart →
Time Type Height
5:26 AM High 4.0 ft
11:38 AM Low 0.5 ft
6:03 PM High 5.3 ft
Today Jun 26
84°

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

17%
53
Sat Jun 27
84°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

40%
34
Sun Jun 28
87°

Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

29%
46
Mon Jun 29
86°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

55%
35
Tue Jun 30
87°

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Sunny

15%
53
Wed Jul 1
86°

Sunny

3%
85
Thu Jul 2
88°

Sunny

3%
85
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 11 — very high
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 82°F

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

Parking

Paid parking managed via SurfCast (910-200-1497) 9am–5pm. Off-hours and off-island issues handled by Police Department.

Dogs

Dogs prohibited on the beach 9am–6pm from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Outside that window, allowed all day. Leash required at all times when off owner property (max 10 ft, no electronic leashes). $100 fine.

Entry Fee

Free beach access; paid parking in season

Address

700 Sunset Blvd N, Sunset Beach, NC 28468

restroomsshowersfishing pierbeach wheelchairs and walkers
Is Sunset Beach dog-friendly?

Dogs prohibited on the beach 9am–6pm from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Outside that window, allowed all day. Leash required at all times when off owner property (max 10 ft, no electronic leashes). $100 fine.

Is there an entry fee at Sunset Beach?

Entry to Sunset Beach is free.

Are there lifeguards at Sunset Beach?

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

What amenities are at Sunset Beach?

Amenities at Sunset Beach include restrooms, showers, fishing pier, beach wheelchairs and walkers.

When is the water warmest at Sunset 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 Sunset Beach located?

Sunset Beach is in Brunswick County, NC, at 700 Sunset Blvd N, Sunset Beach, NC 28468.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

esc