87°
Sunny
3%
74
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
Great day for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 85°F water · 87°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 87. Heat index values as high as 100. South wind around 18 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 82. Southwest wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Weather
- 87°F air — ideal beach weather
- 18 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 85°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- UV 10 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued july 18 at 2:32pm edt until july 19 at 11:00pm edt by nws wilmington nc
53 /100
ok
36 Swim
64 Sunbathe
80 Walk
75 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
87°F
Clear
Wind
18 mph
S
Rain
3%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
10 Very High
High 11 AM–04 PM · burn in ~20m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
88°F
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
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
6:15 AM
Sunset
8:24 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
88°
Sunny
14%
69
86°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
32%
36
86°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
35%
26
87°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
49%
17
84°
Showers And Thunderstorms
78%
15
85°
Rain Showers Likely
55%
55
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 10 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 18 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 85°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
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Sunset Beach today?
Sunset 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 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