90°
Sunny
3%
68
Pender County, NC · Atlantic Ocean
Topsail Beach
820 S Anderson Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC 28445
The quietest of the three Topsail Island towns, Topsail Beach occupies the south end of the island and is almost entirely residential, with a small marina, a few restaurants, and uncrowded beaches favored by families and shellers. The beach is part of a documented sea turtle nesting area.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 85°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 90. Heat index values as high as 103. South wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 80. Heat index values as high as 100. Southwest wind 13 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.
Weather
- 90°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- 20 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 85°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- NWS alert active — heat advisory issued july 18 at 2:52pm edt until july 18 at 8:00pm edt by nws wilmington nc
51 /100
ok
37 Swim
58 Sunbathe
75 Walk
72 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.8 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.
Beach Hazard Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 2:41AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wilmington NC
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Strong south to north longshore current. * WHERE...In North Carolina, Coastal Pender and Coastal New Hanover Counties. In South Carolina, Coastal Horry and Coastal Georgetown Counties. * WHEN...Today. * IMPACTS...Longshore currents can sweep swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties, and other hazardous areas. It may sweep swimmers off their feet, making it difficult to return to shore.
Weather alert in effect
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:52PM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wilmington NC
Atmosphere
Air Temp
90°F
Clear
Wind
20 mph
S
Rain
3%
This Afternoon
Tomorrow
92°F
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
85°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
11:38 PM
4.5 ft · in 2.5h
Wave Height
3.3 ft
5s · S swell
Barometer
29.99 inHg
1016 hPa
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:11 AM
Sunset
8:21 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:09 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 11:20 AM | High | 4.5 ft |
| 5:23 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 11:38 PM | High | 4.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:57 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 12:13 PM | High | 4.5 ft |
| 6:21 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:26 AM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 6:49 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 1:04 PM | High | 4.4 ft |
| 7:27 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:14 AM | High | 3.8 ft |
| 7:45 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 1:56 PM | High | 4.3 ft |
| 8:33 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:03 AM | High | 3.5 ft |
| 8:41 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 2:50 PM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 9:33 PM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:55 AM | High | 3.2 ft |
| 9:31 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 3:48 PM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 10:25 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:54 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 10:18 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 4:46 PM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 11:13 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8658163, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
92°
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
38%
14
89°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
60%
15
89°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
37%
17
88°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
49%
11
84°
Showers And Thunderstorms
80%
16
85°
Chance Rain Showers
53%
56
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
- recommended Beach shelter or anchored canopy 20 mph wind — umbrellas will flip
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 85°F
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 90°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Paid parking in season at public beach accesses and the south-end lot, managed via SurfCAST by Otto Connect.
Dogs
Dogs allowed year-round. Leashed (max 20 ft) May 15 – September 30; off-leash under voice command October 1 – May 14. CBRS Unit L07 area requires leash April 1 – September 30. $100 fine for violations.
Entry Fee
Free beach access; paid parking in season
Address
820 S Anderson Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC 28445
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Topsail Beach today?
Topsail 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 Topsail Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs allowed year-round. Leashed (max 20 ft) May 15 – September 30; off-leash under voice command October 1 – May 14. CBRS Unit L07 area requires leash April 1 – September 30. $100 fine for violations.
Is there an entry fee at Topsail Beach?
Entry to Topsail Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Topsail Beach?
No lifeguards are stationed at Topsail Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Topsail Beach?
Amenities at Topsail Beach include restrooms, showers, public access ramps, beach wheelchairs (borrow from PD), marina.
When is the water warmest at Topsail 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 Topsail Beach located?
Topsail Beach is in Pender County, NC, at 820 S Anderson Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC 28445.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS