75°
Sunny
0%
82
New Hanover County, NC · Atlantic Ocean
Wrightsville Beach
321 Causeway Dr, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
A 4-mile barrier-island beach 15 minutes east of Wilmington — one of the cleanest beaches in the Southeast (consistently rated A+ by NRDC). Restaurants and rentals on the south end, quieter residential on the north end. The dawn surfing scene is real.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 6.6ft waves · 75°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 75. East wind around 16 mph.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 64. Northeast wind 7 to 15 mph.
Weather
- 75°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 — rip current statement issued june 3 at 2:51am edt until june 3 at 8:00pm edt by nws wilmington nc
53 /100
ok
22 Swim
83 Sunbathe
87 Walk
11 Fish
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 1.3 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.
Rip Currents Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued June 3 at 2:51AM EDT until June 3 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wilmington NC
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected. There will also be a strong north to south longshore current. * WHERE...Coastal New Hanover County. * WHEN...From 6 AM EDT this morning through this evening. * IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
75°F
Mostly Clear
Wind
16 mph
E
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
76°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
73°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
10:27 PM
4.2 ft · in 1.0h
Wave Height
6.6 ft
ENE swell
Barometer
30.18 inHg
1022 hPa
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:00 AM
Sunset
8:18 PM
Moon · 88%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:08 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 10:04 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 3:52 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 10:27 PM | High | 4.2 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
76°
Sunny
0%
82
78°
Sunny
0%
82
79°
Mostly Sunny
4%
82
80°
Mostly Sunny
9%
82
78°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
52%
31
74°
Chance Rain Showers
37%
72
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 16 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 73°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Minor
10:20 PM - 11:20 PM
Major
2:30 AM - 4:30 AM
Minor
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Major
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Paid public lots at major accesses; metered street parking on Lumina Ave. App-based payment.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited entirely on the beach April 1 – September 30 (24 hours). Leashed access October 1 – March 31.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
321 Causeway Dr, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
Amenities
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Wrightsville Beach.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Wrightsville Beach from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
Is Wrightsville Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited entirely on the beach April 1 – September 30 (24 hours). Leashed access October 1 – March 31.
Is there an entry fee at Wrightsville Beach?
Entry to Wrightsville Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Wrightsville Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Wrightsville Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Wrightsville Beach?
Amenities at Wrightsville Beach include lifeguards, public restrooms, showers, restaurants nearby, piers (Crystal Pier and Johnnie Mercer's).
When is the water warmest at Wrightsville 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 Wrightsville Beach located?
Wrightsville Beach is in New Hanover County, NC, at 321 Causeway Dr, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS