83°
Mostly Sunny
3%
85
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.
81°F water · 83°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Southeast wind 3 to 9 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. South wind 5 to 8 mph.
Weather
- 83°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
81 /100
great
80 Swim
81 Sunbathe
87 Walk
80 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.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
83°F
Clear
Wind
3 to 9 mph
SE
Rain
3%
Today
UV Peak
10 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~20m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
84°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
81°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
5:17 PM
5.3 ft · in 2.5h
Barometer
30.09 inHg
1019 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
6:04 AM
Sunset
8:28 PM
Moon · 80%
Waxing Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:37 AM | High | 4.0 ft |
| 10:55 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 5:17 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 11:47 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
84°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
15%
53
86°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
56%
34
88°
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
48%
34
85°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
32%
46
85°
Sunny
5%
85
86°
Sunny
3%
85
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 10 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 81°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