Sunset Beach tides today
- Tide now 4.1 ft ↓ falling · low 5:02 am (0.1 ft)
- Best time to fish 4:50–6:50 pm good day · 7/10
- Beach day 2:00–6:00 pm Fair beach day · 5/10
- Waves · water 4.3 ft · 68 °F moderate · 6.4 s from the east-southeast
- Wind · air 6 mph · 63 °F from the NE, gusts 17 · partly cloudy
- Sun 7:31 am–6:24 pm 10 h 53 min of daylight
- Moon 84% · 9:17 pm waning gibbous · rises at 9:17 pm
- Best time to dive 5:20–6:20 pm great day · 9/10
- Small Craft Advisory: winds or seas hazardous to small boats. Until 12:00 am tomorrow. NWS Wilmington NC
- Coastal Flood Advisory: minor flooding along the shore at high tide. From 9:00 am today to 12:00 pm today. NWS Wilmington NC
Today in Sunset Beach there are high tides at 10:59 am (6.3 ft) and 11:17 pm (4.9 ft) and low tides at 5:02 am and 5:54 pm. Tide coefficient 82. Right now the tide is falling toward the low tide at 5:02 am. The sun rises at 7:31 am and sets at 6:24 pm: 10 h 53 min of daylight. The moon is 84% illuminated (waning gibbous) and rises at 9:17 pm. Major solunar periods run from 2:53 am to 4:53 am and from 3:26 pm to 5:26 pm. The next spring tides arrive from November 9 to 11. The sea is moderate, with 4.3 ft waves. There's a light breeze from the northeast (6 mph). Partly cloudy, 63 °F.
Fishing in Sunset Beach today
Best time to fish
Solunar activity today: medium- Low tide at 5:54 pm
- Major period 3:26–5:26 pm
- Sunset at 6:24 pm, golden hour from 5:50 pm
- Falling pressure (−0.10 inHg in 24 h), almost no wind and some swell (3.3 ft waves) to stir the water
- Waning gibbous: a bit more activity than at the quarters
- Highest tide coefficient today: 82 (average tides)
Your day at a glance
The best window, 4:50 pm to 6:50 pm, combines the 5:54 pm low tide, a major period, sunset, falling pressure and some swell. Also good from 4:00 am to 4:50 am, with the 5:02 am low tide, a major period and some swell. Also good from 11:10 am to 12:00 pm, with the 10:59 am high tide, moonset and some swell.
Species with the most records nearby: spot, mahi-mahi, Atlantic croaker and southern kingfish. October is one of the months when these are seen most: black sea bass. What you can catch
Beach day in Sunset Beach
Is it a beach day?
Rip current risk today: low · tomorrow: low (NWS)
Rip currents can still form near jetties, piers and reefs: swim near a lifeguard.
- Mostly sunny
- Feels like 81 °F: beach weather
- UV 4 (moderate): SPF 30 sunscreen
- Water at 68 °F (cool)
- Low tide at 5:54 pm: more sand
- Light offshore wind (8 mph): it blows floats and inflatables out to sea
Today, hour by hour
- Swimming Use care · 3.4 ft
3.4 ft waves every 7 s: swim with care and stay where you can stand. Always follow the lifeguard's flags.
- Water 68 °F
Cool: refreshing on a hot day.
- Sun & sunscreen UV 5 · SPF 30
Max UV 5 (moderate): SPF 30 sunscreen, reapplied every 2 hours.
- Wind 9 mph
Offshore breeze (9 mph). Watch floats and inflatables: offshore wind carries them out to sea.
- Tide & sand 5:02 am
Low tide at 5:02 am and 5:54 pm: that's when there's the most sand. High tide at 10:59 am and 11:17 pm.
The best window, 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, brings sunshine, beach weather and low tide at 5:54 pm, though with light offshore wind and some waves.
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 Sunset Beach
Map: OpenFreeMap · © OpenMapTiles · © OpenStreetMap contributors
- Bald Beach 0.9 mi · SE
- Sunset Beach 1.0 mi · S
- Lifeguard
- Restrooms
- Parking
- Waites Island Beach 4.2 mi · SW
- Ocean Isle Beach 5.4 mi · E
- Showers
- Parking
Water quality: check the official beach advisories for North Carolina (N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program).
Named beaches within 6.2 mi, nearest first. Amenities from OpenStreetMap: some may be missing or out of date. View on OpenStreetMap · Add or fix on OpenStreetMap
Beaches and amenities: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Webcams near Sunset Beach
Webcams provided by windy.com — add a webcam
Tides in Sunset Beach
Today's high and low tides
- ▼ Next low tide 5:02 am 0.1 ft
- ▲ High tide 10:59 am 6.3 ft · coef. 82
- ▼ Low tide 5:54 pm 0.3 ft
- ▲ High tide 11:17 pm 4.9 ft · coef. 79
↓ Falling The tide is falling. 4 h 45 min to low tide at 5:02 am.
Tide coefficient 82 for the 10:59 am high tide and 79 for the 11:17 pm high tide. Average coefficient. The water rises and falls 6.2 ft between the highest high and the lowest low: a large range for this place. 70 is an average tide here; 90 and above means spring tides; below 45, neap tides. What is the tide coefficient?
2026 extremes: the highest tide of the year is on October 27 (6.4 ft) and the lowest, on December 25 (-0.9 ft).
Semidiurnal: two high and two low tides a day, of similar height.
Heights above mean lower low water (MLLW), the zero of US nautical charts. Astronomical prediction: wind and air pressure can raise or lower the water by a few inches, and more in a storm. Not for navigation. MLLW
Tide coefficient and range in October
The biggest tides of the month came from October 26 to 28 (coefficient 88, 6.4 ft range). The smallest, from October 18 to 19 (coefficient 43, 3.5 ft).
Tide and solunar table · this week
| Day | Sun | Tide 1 | Tide 2 | Tide 3 | Tide 4 | Coef. | Moon | Major periods | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today, Thu 29 | 7:31 am · 6:24 pm | Low tide 5:02 am · 0.1 ft | High tide 10:59 am · 6.3 ft | Low tide 5:54 pm · 0.3 ft | High tide 11:17 pm · 4.9 ft | Coef. 82 | 84% | Major periods 2:53 am · 3:26 pm | Medium |
| Fri 30 | 7:32 am · 6:23 pm | Low tide 5:55 am · 0.2 ft | High tide 12:00 pm · 6.1 ft | Low tide 6:50 pm · 0.5 ft | — | Coef. 76 | 74% | Major periods 3:58 am · 4:30 pm | Medium |
| Sat 31 | 7:33 am · 6:22 pm | High tide 12:22 am · 4.7 ft | Low tide 6:54 am · 0.4 ft | High tide 1:06 pm · 5.8 ft | Low tide 7:50 pm · 0.6 ft | Coef. 74 | 63% | Major periods 5:00 am · 5:30 pm | Medium |
| Sun 1 | 6:33 am · 5:21 pm | High tide 1:30 am · 4.7 ft | Low tide 6:58 am · 0.6 ft | High tide 1:10 pm · 5.7 ft | Low tide 7:54 pm · 0.7 ft | Coef. 69 | Last quarter | Major periods 4:58 am · 5:25 pm | Medium |
| Mon 2 | 6:34 am · 5:20 pm | High tide 1:36 am · 4.7 ft | Low tide 8:09 am · 0.7 ft | High tide 2:11 pm · 5.5 ft | Low tide 8:59 pm · 0.7 ft | Coef. 67 | 41% | Major periods 5:51 am · 6:16 pm | Medium |
| Tue 3 | 6:35 am · 5:20 pm | High tide 2:38 am · 4.9 ft | Low tide 9:24 am · 0.7 ft | High tide 3:09 pm · 5.4 ft | Low tide 9:59 pm · 0.6 ft | Coef. 69 | 30% | Major periods 6:40 am · 7:03 pm | Medium |
| Wed 4 | 6:36 am · 5:19 pm | High tide 3:37 am · 5.1 ft | Low tide 10:31 am · 0.6 ft | High tide 4:05 pm · 5.3 ft | Low tide 10:50 pm · 0.4 ft | Coef. 71 | 21% | Major periods 7:25 am · 7:47 pm | Medium |
▲ high tide · ▼ low tide · heights above MLLW. Major periods: start time; they last 2 hours. Activity: based on the moon phase and the solunar periods.
Where this tide comes from
Tides from the Sunset Beach Bridge station (NOAA), 0.1 mi from Sunset Beach. Times and heights are its predictions. It is a NOAA subordinate station: its times and heights come from the Springmaid Pier reference station with the official corrections.
Station data attribution: Slackwater database (https://github.com/openwatersio/slackwater-database)
The sea at Sunset Beach
Sea stateSea state: moderate
The waves you may find
- Most commonMost common2.2 ft
- Significant4.3 ft
- Highest expectedHighest8.8 ft
One wave in seven is higher than the significant height, and about 3 times a day one reaches 8.8 ft. Before heading out, expect waves of up to 8.8 ft.
Wind on the coast and offshore
Cross-offshore wind. The coast faces south 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 Thursday 29: 4.5 ft with a period of 6 s, from the east (moderate).
Water temperature
Water temperature →Water temperature changes how fish behave: in very cold or very warm water they feed less. The water warms over the next few days: about 69.2 °F by Wednesday 4.
Water colder than normal for late October (−3.7 °F).
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 12:16 am (local time).
Nearest marine station
This is a real measurement of the sea, not a forecast. Data from station MROS1, NOAA National Data Buoy Center (public domain).
Surf in Sunset Beach today
Surf today
Fair- 2.5–3.8 ft surf at the shore, a fun size for most surfers
- 3.7 ft swell at 7 s from the east-southeast, short: weak, messy waves
- Light offshore wind (6 mph): it holds up and grooms the waves
- First or last light of the day
- Rising tide (high tide at 10:59 am)
Rip current risk today: low · tomorrow: low (NWS)
Rip currents can still form near jetties, piers and reefs: swim near a lifeguard.
Surf height from the NWS, today: 1.0–3.0 ft
- Light: First light 7:05 am · sunrise 7:31 am · sunset 6:24 pm · last light 6:50 pm
- Tide: low 5:02 am (0.1 ft), high 10:59 am (6.3 ft), low 5:54 pm (0.3 ft) and high 11:17 pm (4.9 ft). Every break has its own tide: some work at low tide and others at high tide. The tide doesn’t change the score here.
- Water at 67.5 °F: a springsuit or a 2 mm fullsuit.
- Energy: 106 kJ · Medium power
Today’s surf at a glance
The best window, 7:05 am to 11:00 am, has a good size and light offshore wind, though with a short-period swell.
An estimate for this stretch of coast, not for a specific break: every beach or reef works its own way (its tide, bottom and angle). Check it when you get there.
Diving in Sunset Beach today
Diving and snorkeling today
Likely visibility: good- Slack water around low tide (5:54 pm): little current from 5:30 pm to 6:20 pm
- 3.1 ft swell at 6 s from the east-southeast: some surge on the bottom
- Almost no wind
- 0.1 mph current toward the north, weak (model)
- Daylight
- Slack water today: low tide 5:02 am (4:30–5:20 am), high tide 10:59 am (10:40–11:30 am), low tide 5:54 pm (5:30–6:20 pm) and high tide 11:17 pm (10:50 pm–12:00 am)
- Likely visibility: good. Swell (up to 3.9 ft at 6 s) over the last few days has stirred up the water. Based on the last 24 hours of data.
- Water at 67.5 °F: a 5 mm wetsuit.
- Snorkeling: better not, with these waves, wind or current.
- Night dive: dark from 6:50 pm. Waning gibbous (84%), rising at 9:17 pm: a bright night.
Your diving day at a glance
The best window, 5:20 pm to 6:20 pm, combines slack water at low tide, light wind and weak current. Also worth a look from 10:20 am to 12:00 pm, with slack water at high tide, light wind, weak current and the sun high, though with some swell.
Slack water comes from the tide: in inlets, channels and between islands the water can keep running for an hour or two after. Ask the local dive shop.
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). Artificial reefs: NOAA and BOEM (MarineCadastre.gov), a U.S. Government work.
Weather in Sunset Beach
Now in Sunset Beach
- Low / high
- 62 / 78 °F
- Rain
- 0.03 in · 18%
- Clouds
- 68%
- Humidity
- 89%
- Dew pointDew point
- 60 °F
- Visibility
- 8.9 mi
- UV indexUV
- 0 · low
- Air qualityAir
- Good · 40
- 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 (−0.02 inHg in 3 hours). It barely changes over the next 48 hours. 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 | Mainly clear | Clear | Clear sky | Clear sky | Mainly clear | Mainly clear | Clear |
| Temperature | 63° | 63° | 64° | 64° | 70° | 78° | 75° | 65° |
| Wind (mph) | 6 NE | 7 NNE | 9 NNE | 7 NNE | 9 NE | 7 NE | 2 ESE | 3 NE |
| Gusts | 17 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 17 | 9 | 8 | 7 |
| Waves | 4.3 ft | 4.4 ft | 4.3 ft | 3.9 ft | 3.6 ft | 3.3 ft | 3.3 ft | 3.2 ft |
| Rain | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.02 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in |
- 12:00 am 63° 6 NE 4.3 ft
- 3:00 am 63° 7 NNE 4.4 ft
- 6:00 am 64° 9 NNE 4.3 ft
- 9:00 am 64° 7 NNE 3.9 ft
- 12:00 pm 70° 9 NE 3.6 ft
- 3:00 pm 78° 7 NE 3.3 ft
- 6:00 pm 75° 2 ESE 3.3 ft
- 9:00 pm 65° 3 NE 3.2 ft
Next 14 daysComing days
| Day | Sky | Low / high | Max wind | Max wave | High tides |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today · 29 | 62 / 78 °F | 9 mph NE | 4.5 ft | 10:59 am · 11:17 pm | |
| Fri 30 | 57 / 78 °F | 7 mph NNE | 3.1 ft | 12:00 pm | |
| Sat 31 | 57 / 72 °F | 11 mph NE | 3.7 ft | 12:22 am · 1:06 pm | |
| Sun 1 | 55 / 74 °F | 12 mph NE | 3.9 ft | 1:30 am · 1:10 pm | |
| Mon 2 | 58 / 74 °F | 12 mph NE | 4.1 ft | 1:36 am · 2:11 pm | |
| Tue 3 | 59 / 76 °F | 13 mph NE | 4.4 ft | 2:38 am · 3:09 pm | |
| Wed 4 | 60 / 77 °F | 11 mph ENE | 4.4 ft | 3:37 am · 4:05 pm | |
| Thu 5 | 61 / 75 °F | 10 mph ESE | 3.7 ft | 4:32 am · 4:57 pm | |
| Fri 6 | 57 / 73 °F | 9 mph SW | 3.3 ft | 5:23 am · 5:46 pm | |
| Sat 7 | 53 / 70 °F | 8 mph WNW | 3.7 ft | 6:09 am · 6:32 pm | |
| Sun 8 | 50 / 69 °F | 11 mph NNW | 3.3 ft | 6:52 am · 7:15 pm | |
| Mon 9 | 51 / 66 °F | 11 mph N | 3.2 ft | 7:31 am · 7:55 pm | |
| Tue 10 | 48 / 69 °F | 8 mph NNE | 2.5 ft | 8:08 am · 8:34 pm | |
| Wed 11 | 53 / 72 °F | 6 mph NNW | 2.0 ft | 8:45 am · 9:13 pm |
- Fri 30 Overcast 57° / 78° 3.1 ft
- Sat 31 Overcast 57° / 72° 3.7 ft
- Sun 1 Overcast 55° / 74° 3.9 ft
- Mon 2 Overcast 58° / 74° 4.1 ft
- Tue 3 Mainly clear 59° / 76° 4.4 ft
- Wed 4 Partly cloudy 60° / 77° 4.4 ft
- Thu 5 Overcast 61° / 75° 3.7 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. High tides: our own tide calculation.
- The models They agree · high confidence for the next few days. See the models →
- Outlook Next few weeks, compared with normal: a bit warmer, a bit wetter and a near-normal sea. See the outlook →
- Normal Today, warmer than normal for late October (+5.3 °F; normal high: 73 °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 12:16 am (local time).
The sun in Sunset Beach
Sunrise and sunset
- First light 6:36 am
- Full dark 7:19 pm
- Civil dawn 7:05 am
- Civil dusk 6:50 pm
- Solar noon 12:58 pm (43° high)
- Daylight 10 h 53 min (−2 min)
- Evening golden hour 5:50 pm
- Full dark 7:19 pm
Golden hour and the day-night map
Today the sun is 92,330,286 mi away and looks 32′ 11″ across.
The moon in Sunset Beach
Moon phase and position
Today the moon is 226,746 mi away and looks 32′ 44″ across.
Solunar periods
Today's activity: medium- 2:53–4:53 am Major · the moon passes overhead · high activity
- 3:26–5:26 pm Major · the moon passes underfoot · high activity
- 11:05 am–12:05 pm Minor · moonset · medium activity
- 8:47–9:47 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 · 3:29 pmNov 1 in 3 days
- New moon Mon, Nov 9 · 2:03 amNov 9 in 11 days
- First quarter Tue, Nov 17 · 6:48 amNov 17 in 19 days
- Full moon Tue, Nov 24 · 9:54 amNov 24 in 26 days
Next perigee (the moon at its closest to Earth): November 25, 223,281 mi away.
Where to fish in Sunset Beach
Piers, ramps and tackle shops nearby
Map: OpenFreeMap · © OpenMapTiles · © OpenStreetMap contributors
- Sunset Beach Fishing Pier 1.1 mi
- Ocean Isle Beach Pier 4.4 mi
- Futch Pier 6.2 mi
- Cherry Grove Pier 7.8 mi
- Boat ramp 0.1 mi
- Boat ramp 1.3 mi
- Boat ramp 2.1 mi
- Boat ramp 2.9 mi
- Boat ramp 3.0 mi
- Marina 2.9 mi
- Ocean Isle Boat Harbor 4.3 mi
- Fish On Outfitters 8.2 mi
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
Shallow, gradualShallow, gradual bottom: you need to go 2.9 mi out for 33 ft of water.
From the shoreline (1 mi from Sunset Beach) out to sea, heading south.
How far from shore
- 16 ft deep1,100 ft
- 33 ft deep2.9 mi
- 66 ft deepnot within 3.1 mi
- 164 ft deepnot within 3.1 mi
For fishing, swimming and diving
- Shore fishing. Shallow, gradual bottom (16 ft at 1,100 ft): cast far from the beach and fish the high tide, when there is more water close in.
- Swimming. The water gets deeper little by little, but a few dozen yards out you can no longer stand.
- Diving. Shallow near shore: you only reach 33 ft at 2.9 mi. For dives deeper than 33 ft, go by boat.
Source: NOAA U.S. Coastal Relief Model (public domain), cells of about 300 ft; depth below mean sea level. For reference only: not for navigation or anchoring.
Tides near Sunset BeachTides nearby
- Calabash3.3 mi
- Ocean Isle Beach5.0 mi
- Little River5.9 mi
- Cherry Grove Beach8.3 mi
- Shallotte9.7 mi
- North Myrtle Beach11 mi
- Crescent Beach12 mi
- Holden Beach12 mi
- Atlantic Beach13 mi
- Oak Island20 mi
Sunset Beach at a glance
- Town or city of about 3,801 people. Coordinates: 33.881° N, 78.512° W.
- It is 86 mi southwest of Jacksonville, the main place in North Carolina. The sun rises 3 min later and sets 6 min later than in Jacksonville.
- The nearest tide station, Sunset Beach Bridge, is 0.1 mi to the northeast.
- Its coast faces south.
- Beaches and harbors nearby: Bald Beach (0.9 mi), Pelican Pointe Marina (2.4 mi), Ocean Isle Beach (4.3 mi).
Questions about Sunset BeachQuestions
What time is high tide today in Sunset Beach?
Today in Sunset Beach there are high tides at 10:59 am (6.3 ft) and 11:17 pm (4.9 ft) and low tides at 5:02 am and 5:54 pm. Tide coefficient 82.
What time is sunset today in Sunset Beach?
At 6:24 pm. There is light until the end of civil twilight, at 6:50 pm.
What time is sunrise tomorrow in Sunset Beach?
At 7:32 am. First light comes at 6:37 am.
What phase is the moon today?
Waning gibbous, 84% illuminated. New moon on Mon, Nov 9 · 2:03 am.
When are the next spring tides?
From November 9 to 11.
What are today's solunar periods?
Major 2:53–4:53 am, Minor 11:05 am–12:05 pm, Major 3:26–5:26 pm, Minor 8:47–9:47 pm. Today's activity is medium.
What's the weather like today in Sunset Beach?
Partly cloudy, from 62 °F to 78 °F, with a light breeze from the northeast (6 mph) and a 18% chance of rain.
How is the sea today in Sunset Beach?
Moderate (Douglas 4): 4.3 ft waves with a period of 6.4 s from the east-southeast. The water is 67.6 °F.
When is the best time to visit Sunset Beach?
The best time to visit Sunset Beach is from April to May and in October: highs of 74 °F to 82 °F, about 9 rainy days a month and 7 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
Tide: NOAA station Sunset Beach Bridge (public domain), via Slackwater database. Sun and moon: our own calculation with astronomy-engine. Places: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Coastline: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).