Carolina Beach Conditions Today
Live water temperature, tides, waves, and UV for Carolina Beach, North Carolina
Updated 7:03 AM EDT
Current conditions
Best time to go today
Morning now
6 AM – 11 AM
91/100
- 77°F, wind 7 mph
- Low UV (0)
Midday
11 AM – 3 PM
88/100
- 79°F, wind 9 mph
- Low UV (1)
Afternoon
3 PM – 7 PM
92/100
- 84°F, wind 9 mph
- Moderate UV (4)
- Golden hour before sunset
Best for
Rip current risk
NWS ILM Surf Zone Forecast, issued 2026-08-28. Always follow lifeguard instructions and posted flags.
Today's tide schedule
| Tide | Time EDT | Height |
|---|---|---|
| ⬇️ Low | 2:18 AM | 0.3 ft |
| ⬆️ High | 8:23 AM | 4.4 ft |
| ⬇️ Low | 2:17 PM | 0.2 ft |
| ⬆️ High | 8:43 PM | 5.1 ft |
Predictions from NOAA station Wilmington Beach · 0.4 km away.
About Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach sits on the North Carolina coast, where the water runs from about 52°F in January to 85°F in July.
The water averages above 70°F in May, June, July, August, September and October — 6 months of the year — peaking around 85°F in July and dropping to about 52°F in January.
Today it is 85°F. That is 1° above the August average of 84°F here.
Tide predictions come from NOAA station Wilmington Beach about 0.4 km away on the open coast.
Frequently asked questions
Is today a good beach day at Carolina Beach?
We score today 92 out of 100 — great. The best window is afternoon (3 PM – 7 PM).
How warm is the water at Carolina Beach?
About 85°F. That is 1° above the August average of 84°F here.
Are there rip currents at Carolina Beach today?
The National Weather Service rates the rip current risk at Carolina Beach as low for today. Low risk is not no risk: rip currents still form near groins, jetties and piers.
Where do the tide times on this page come from?
Tide predictions come from NOAA station Wilmington Beach about 0.4 km away on the open coast.