Emerald Isle Beach Conditions Today
Live water temperature, tides, waves, and UV for Emerald Isle Beach, North Carolina
Updated 4:00 AM EDT
Current conditions
Best time to go today
Morning
6 AM – 11 AM
84/100
- 64°F, wind 5 mph
- Low UV (3)
Midday
11 AM – 3 PM
97/100
- 75°F, wind 6 mph
Afternoon
3 PM – 7 PM
99/100
- 75°F, wind 6 mph
- Moderate UV (5)
- Clear skies
Best for
Rip current risk
NWS MHX Surf Zone Forecast, issued 2026-10-13. Always follow lifeguard instructions and posted flags.
Today's tide schedule
| Tide | Time EDT | Height |
|---|---|---|
| ⬇️ Low | 5:28 AM | 0.5 ft |
| ⬆️ High | 11:34 AM | 2.3 ft |
| ⬇️ Low | 6:25 PM | 0.8 ft |
| ⬆️ High | 11:40 PM | 1.8 ft |
Predictions from NOAA station Swansboro, East Corbett Ave. Bridge · 7.1 km away. This station sits on the Intracoastal Waterway, so times and heights differ from the open beach.
About Emerald Isle Beach
Emerald Isle 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 76°F. That is 4° above the October average of 72°F here.
Tide predictions come from NOAA station Swansboro, East Corbett Ave. Bridge about 7.1 km away on the Intracoastal Waterway.
Frequently asked questions
Is today a good beach day at Emerald Isle Beach?
We score today 99 out of 100 — great. The best window is afternoon (3 PM – 7 PM).
How warm is the water at Emerald Isle Beach?
About 76°F. That is 4° above the October average of 72°F here.
Are there rip currents at Emerald Isle Beach today?
The National Weather Service rates the rip current risk at Emerald Isle 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 Swansboro, East Corbett Ave. Bridge about 7.1 km away on the Intracoastal Waterway.