Raleigh today: waves, weather and sun
- Best time tomorrow 5:00–6:30 pm good day · 7/10
- Beach day Not today Not a beach day · 0/10
- Waves · water 3.9 ft · 39 °F slight · 6.3 s from the northwest
- Wind · air 16 mph · 37 °F from the W, gusts 30 · clear
- Sun 8:00 am–5:53 pm 9 h 53 min of daylight
- Moon 92% · 6:46 pm waning gibbous · rises at 6:46 pm
- Diving tomorrow 10:30 am–1:30 pm great day · 10/10
- Pressure 29.84 inHg steady · falling tomorrow
Today, Wednesday, October 28, in Raleigh the sun rises at 8:00 am and sets at 5:53 pm: 9 h 53 min of daylight. The moon is 92% illuminated (waning gibbous) and rises at 6:46 pm. Major solunar periods run from 1:44 am to 3:44 am and from 2:16 pm to 4:16 pm. The next spring tides arrive from October 26 to 28. The sea is slight, with 3.9 ft waves. There's a moderate breeze from the west (16 mph). Clear, 37 °F.
Fishing in Raleigh today
Best time to fish
Solunar activity today: high- Major period 2:16–4:16 pm
- Rising pressure (+0.30 inHg in 24 h), fresh cross-shore wind (21 mph) and some swell (4.3 ft waves) to stir the water
- Waning gibbous: a bit more activity than at the quarters
- A minor period lines up with sunset
Your day at a glance
The best window, 2:20 pm to 4:20 pm, combines a major period and some swell, though with rising pressure and fresh wind. Also worth a try from 5:20 pm to 6:30 pm, with moonrise, sunset and some swell, though with rising pressure and moderate wind. Also worth a try from 1:40 am to 3:40 am, with a major period and some swell, though with rising pressure and moderate wind.
We don't show the tide for Raleigh, so it doesn't count in the rating. How it works · Next 7 days · Fishing rules
Beach day in Raleigh
Is it a beach day?
- Sun and clouds
- Feels like 25 °F: chilly for the beach
- Fresh cross-shore wind (21 mph): blowing sand
- Swim with care: 4.1 ft waves every 7 s; moderate rip current risk
- Water at 39 °F (very cold)
Today, hour by hour
- Swimming Use care · 4.1 ft
4.1 ft waves every 7 s: swim with care and stay where you can stand. Moderate rip current risk. Always follow the lifeguard's flags.
- Water 39 °F
Very cold: ease in and keep swims short.
- Sun & sunscreen UV 1 · SPF 15
Max UV 1 (low): SPF 15 sunscreen.
- Wind 21 mph
Fresh cross-shore wind (21 mph): blowing sand.
- Tide & sand
We don't show the tide for Raleigh, so it doesn't count in the rating.
We don't have data on jellyfish, sargassum or beach closures: ask the lifeguard or check with the local beach authority. How it works · The next 7 days
Beaches near Raleigh
We don't know of any named beaches within 6.2 mi of Raleigh.
Missing one? Beaches come from OpenStreetMap: you can add it there. Add or fix on OpenStreetMap
Beaches and amenities: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Webcams near Raleigh
Webcams provided by windy.com — add a webcam
Tides in Raleigh
Tides in Raleigh: not available yet
There is no tide station near Raleigh, and we can't rely on the global tide model on this coast: for now we don't show its tide.
Meanwhile, see the tide in Big Brook · 18 mi
The sun, moon, solunar periods and spring tides on this page do apply to this place.
The sea at Raleigh
Sea stateSea state: slight
The waves you may find
- Most commonMost common2.0 ft
- Significant3.9 ft
- Highest expectedHighest8.1 ft
One wave in seven is higher than the significant height, and about 3 times a day one reaches 8.1 ft. Before heading out, expect waves of up to 8.1 ft.
Wind on the coast and offshore
Cross-offshore wind. The coast faces north and the wind comes off the land at an angle: calmer water near the shore, and bait and boats drift out to sea.
Wave height, next 7 daysWaves, next 7 days
Waves stay much the same all week. The biggest waves arrive on Tuesday 3: 4.6 ft with a period of 7 s, from the north (moderate).
Water temperature
Water temperature →Water temperature changes how fish behave: in very cold or very warm water they feed less. The water cools over the next few days: about 37.8 °F by Tuesday 3.
Water about normal for late October.
Satellite: NASA MUR (JPL MUR MEaSUREs, PO.DAAC), doi:10.5067/GHGMR-4FJ04. Sources and licenses
Water temperature →Forecast from Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0) with models from ECMWF, NOAA, Météo-France, DWD, Copernicus Marine and CAMS. Updated at 9:24 pm (local time).
Diving in Raleigh today
Diving and snorkeling today
Likely visibility: good- 2.4 ft swell at 10 s from the north-northeast: some surge on the bottom
- Moderate cross-shore wind (17 mph)
- 0.2 mph current toward the east, weak (model)
- Daylight
- Slack water today: none; the tide doesn't count here
- Likely visibility: good. Swell (up to 2.4 ft at 10 s) over the last few days has stirred up the water. Based on the last 24 hours of data.
- Water at 39.0 °F: a drysuit, with hood, gloves and booties.
- Snorkeling: better not, with these waves, wind or current.
- Night dive: dark from 6:28 pm. Waning gibbous (92%), rising at 6:46 pm: a bright night.
Your diving day at a glance
The best window, 8:00 am to 9:30 am, lines up with weak current, though with some swell and moderate wind. Also worth a look from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm, with weak current and the sun high, though with some swell and fresh wind.
We don't have a reliable tide for Raleigh, so slack water doesn't count in the rating.
Never dive alone and check with the local dive shop: this rating is a guide, not a substitute for a professional.
Dive sites, wrecks and dive shops nearby
Map: OpenFreeMap · © OpenMapTiles · © OpenStreetMap contributors
Within 12 mi. Some may be missing or closed; marine reserves usually need a permit. Open the map on OpenStreetMap · Missing one? Add it to OpenStreetMap
Wreck and reef positions are approximate and not for navigation; a wreck’s depth runs from the top of the hull to the seabed.
Sites: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Wrecks: EMODnet Human Activities (AND-International), from UK Hydrographic Office data, CC BY 4.0. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Weather in Raleigh
Now in Raleigh
- Low / high
- 29 / 39 °F
- Rain
- 0.00 in · 0%
- Clouds
- 2%
- Humidity
- 60%
- Dew pointDew point
- 24 °F
- Visibility
- 15 mi
- UV indexUV
- 0 · low
- Air qualityAir
- Fair · 29
- Saharan dust
- No
Pressure and fishing
- ↗ RisingRising Anglers say fish bite less for a while
- → SteadySteady · now Anglers expect normal activity
- ↘ FallingFalling Anglers say fish feed more before the change
Steady now (−0.00 inHg in 3 hours). Over the next 48 hours: −0.19 inHg. Steady pressure: anglers expect normal activity. Fast changes, either way, tend to affect fishing.
Today, hour by hourHour by hour
Bars: mean wind. Dashed line: gusts. Arrows point where the wind blows to.
| Time | 12:00 am | 3:00 am | 6:00 am | 9:00 am | 12:00 pm | 3:00 pm | 6:00 pm | 9:00 pm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sky | Partly cloudy | Clear | Clear | Clear sky | Partly cloudy | Partly cloudy | Mainly clear | Clear |
| Temperature | 33° | 30° | 29° | 29° | 34° | 38° | 38° | 37° |
| Wind (mph) | 15 WNW | 15 WNW | 15 WNW | 17 WNW | 20 WNW | 21 WNW | 17 W | 16 W |
| Gusts | 28 | 29 | 29 | 32 | 40 | 43 | 34 | 30 |
| Waves | 3.1 ft | 3.3 ft | 3.8 ft | 4.1 ft | 4.3 ft | 4.3 ft | 4.0 ft | 3.9 ft |
| Rain | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in |
- 9:00 pm 37° 16 W 3.9 ft
- 12:00 am 35° 14 W 3.7 ft
- 3:00 am 35° 15 W 3.5 ft
- 6:00 am 34° 15 W 3.5 ft
- 9:00 am 35° 13 W 3.4 ft
- 12:00 pm 37° 12 W 3.1 ft
- 3:00 pm 40° 14 WSW 3.2 ft
- 6:00 pm 38° 12 WSW 3.4 ft
Next 14 daysComing days
| Day | Sky | Low / high | Max wind | Max wave |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today · 28 | 29 / 39 °F | 21 mph WNW | 4.5 ft | |
| Thu 29 | 34 / 40 °F | 15 mph W | 3.7 ft | |
| Fri 30 | 37 / 48 °F | 16 mph SW | 3.5 ft | |
| Sat 31 | 31 / 36 °F | 11 mph N | 4.5 ft | |
| Sun 1 | 27 / 36 °F | 14 mph WNW | 3.9 ft | |
| Mon 2 | 28 / 38 °F | 17 mph WSW | 4.2 ft | |
| Tue 3 | 27 / 32 °F | 15 mph W | 4.6 ft | |
| Wed 4 | 27 / 35 °F | 18 mph S | 3.3 ft | |
| Thu 5 | 35 / 39 °F | 18 mph SSW | 3.1 ft | |
| Fri 6 | 36 / 43 °F | 10 mph SSW | 2.8 ft | |
| Sat 7 | 34 / 43 °F | 11 mph NE | 3.1 ft | |
| Sun 8 | 34 / 38 °F | 17 mph NE | 5.6 ft | |
| Mon 9 | 33 / 36 °F | 20 mph NNW | 7.2 ft | |
| Tue 10 | 28 / 33 °F | 15 mph WNW | 5.8 ft |
- Thu 29 Overcast 34° / 40° 3.7 ft
- Fri 30 Light drizzle 37° / 48° 3.5 ft
- Sat 31 Light snow 31° / 36° 4.5 ft
- Sun 1 Overcast 27° / 36° 3.9 ft
- Mon 2 Snow 28° / 38° 4.2 ft
- Tue 3 Clear sky 27° / 32° 4.6 ft
- Wed 4 Snow 27° / 35° 3.3 ft
Each day comes from the best model covering this spot: regional ones first (HRRR and NBM in the U.S., AROME, ICON-EU), then ECMWF; day 16, NOAA GFS. Waves: Météo-France up to day 10, then ECMWF WAM, coarser and further offshore.
- The models Partly agree · medium confidence: unsure about wind tomorrow. See the models →
- Outlook The next few weeks look normal for the time of year. See the outlook →
- Normal Today, cooler than normal for late October (−5.3 °F; normal high: 44 °F). Climate by month →
Forecast from Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0) with models from ECMWF, NOAA, Météo-France, DWD, Copernicus Marine and CAMS. Updated at 9:24 pm (local time).
The sun in Raleigh
Sunrise and sunset
- First light 6:46 am
- Full dark 7:07 pm
- Civil dawn 7:25 am
- Civil dusk 6:28 pm
- Solar noon 12:57 pm (25° high)
- Daylight 9 h 53 min (−4 min)
- Evening golden hour 5:04 pm
- Full dark 7:07 pm
Golden hour and the day-night map
Today the sun is 92,356,079 mi away and looks 32′ 11″ across.
The moon in Raleigh
Moon phase and position
Today the moon is 226,434 mi away and looks 32′ 47″ across.
Solunar periods
Today's activity: high- 1:44–3:44 am Major · the moon passes overhead · high activity
- 2:16–4:16 pm Major · the moon passes underfoot · high activity
- 11:11 am–12:11 pm Minor · moonset · medium activity
- 6:16–7:16 pm Minor · moonrise · medium activity
According to solunar theory, fish feed more when the moon passes overhead or underfoot (major periods, about 2 h) and when it rises or sets (minor periods, 1 h). It works best around new and full moon.
Upcoming moon phases
2026 moon calendar →- Last quarter Sun, Nov 1 · 4:59 pmNov 1 in 4 days
- New moon Mon, Nov 9 · 3:33 amNov 9 in 12 days
- First quarter Tue, Nov 17 · 8:18 amNov 17 in 20 days
- Full moon Tue, Nov 24 · 11:24 amNov 24 in 27 days
Perigee on October 28, 226,426 mi away, coinciding with the spring tides from October 26 to 28: they will be stronger than usual.
Where to fish in Raleigh
Piers, ramps and tackle shops nearby
Map: OpenFreeMap · © OpenMapTiles · © OpenStreetMap contributors
Within 9.3 mi. A spot may be missing or closed. Open the map on OpenStreetMap · Missing one? Add it to OpenStreetMap
Spots: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) and Overture Maps.
Water depth
Very shallowVery shallow and flat: even 3.1 mi from shore the water is less than 16 ft deep.
From the shoreline out to sea, heading north.
How far from shore
- 16 ft deepnot within 3.1 mi
- 33 ft deepnot within 3.1 mi
- 66 ft deepnot within 3.1 mi
- 164 ft deepnot within 3.1 mi
For fishing, swimming and diving
- Shore fishing. Very shallow: the water doesn't reach 16 ft within 3.1 mi. Cast far from the beach, ideally around high tide.
- Swimming. A very gentle way in with plenty of shallow water, good for kids. At low tide the water can be far out.
- Diving. Shallow: the water doesn't reach 33 ft within 3.1 mi. For deeper dives, take a boat farther out.
Inside bays, estuaries and harbors the bottom changes a lot from spot to spot (channels and shoals): use this only as a rough guide.
Source: EMODnet Bathymetry DTM 2024 (CC BY 4.0), cells of about 380 ft; depth at the lowest astronomical tide. For reference only: not for navigation or anchoring.
Tides near RaleighTides nearby
- Cook's Harbour6.2 mi
- St. Lunaire-Griquet12 mi
- Great Brehat14 mi
- St. Anthony15 mi
- Main Brook29 mi
- Red Bay32 mi
- Green Island Brook36 mi
Raleigh at a glance
- Town or city of about 150 people. Coordinates: 51.567° N, 55.731° W.
- It is 308 mi northwest of St. John's, the main place in Newfoundland and Labrador. The sun rises 21 min later and sets 3 min later than in St. John's.
- Its coast faces north.
- Beaches and harbors nearby: Little Harbour (4.9 mi).
Questions about RaleighQuestions
What time is sunset today in Raleigh?
At 5:53 pm. There is light until the end of civil twilight, at 6:28 pm.
What time is sunrise tomorrow in Raleigh?
At 8:01 am. First light comes at 6:47 am.
What phase is the moon today?
Waning gibbous, 92% illuminated. New moon on Mon, Nov 9 · 3:33 am.
When are the next spring tides?
From October 26 to 28, together with the lunar perigee: they will be stronger than usual.
What are today's solunar periods?
Major 1:44–3:44 am, Minor 11:11 am–12:11 pm, Major 2:16–4:16 pm, Minor 6:16–7:16 pm. Today's activity is high.
What's the weather like today in Raleigh?
Overcast, from 29 °F to 39 °F, with a moderate breeze from the west (16 mph) and a 0% chance of rain.
How is the sea today in Raleigh?
Slight (Douglas 3): 3.9 ft waves with a period of 6.3 s from the northwest. The water is 39.0 °F.
When is the best time to visit Raleigh?
The best time to visit Raleigh is from July to August: highs of 64 °F to 66 °F, about 12 rainy days a month and 6 hours of sunshine a day.
Can I use this data for navigation?
No. These are predictions for fishing and leisure; for navigation, use the official publications.
Where this data comes from
Sun and moon: our own calculation with astronomy-engine. Places: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Coastline: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).