76°
Sunny
0%
82
Brunswick County, NC · Atlantic Ocean
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.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 6.6ft waves · 76°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 76. Northeast wind around 12 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 63. Northeast wind 3 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
Weather
- 76°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 73°F water — swimmable, refreshing
Safety
- 6.6ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued june 3 at 2:39pm edt until june 4 at 2:00am edt by nws wilmington nc
53 /100
ok
22 Swim
83 Sunbathe
87 Walk
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 1.6 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 June 3 at 2:39PM EDT until June 4 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Wilmington NC
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Seas 4 to 6 ft. * WHERE...Southeast North Carolina coastal waters out 20 NM. * WHEN...Until 2 AM EDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
76°F
Clear
Wind
12 mph
NE
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 12 PM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
78°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
73°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
10:25 PM
5.1 ft · in 52m
Wave Height
6.6 ft
ENE swell
Barometer
30.18 inHg
1022 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
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:03 AM
Sunset
8:20 PM
Moon · 87%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:17 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 9:58 AM | High | 4.0 ft |
| 4:09 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 10:25 PM | High | 5.1 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
78°
Sunny
0%
82
79°
Sunny
0%
82
79°
Mostly Sunny
4%
82
82°
Mostly Sunny
8%
82
81°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
51%
31
78°
Chance Rain Showers
35%
72
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 12 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 73°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
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
Amenities
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Sunset Beach.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Sunset Beach from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
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.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS