Topsail Beach tides today
- Tide now 0.6 ft ↓ falling · low 5:16 am (0.1 ft)
- Best time to fish 5:50–6:50 pm good day · 7/10
- Beach tomorrow 1:00–6:00 pm Fair beach day · 6/10
- Waves · water 4.9 ft · 68 °F moderate · 7.0 s from the east-southeast
- Wind · air 10 mph · 61 °F from the NNE, gusts 21 · clear
- Sun 7:28 am–6:20 pm 10 h 52 min of daylight
- Moon 84% · 9:11 pm waning gibbous · rises at 9:11 pm
- Best time to dive 10:30 am–12:30 pm good day · 8/10
- Rip Current Statement: dangerous rip currents at the beaches: swimming is risky. From 6:00 am today to 8:00 pm today. NWS Wilmington NC
- 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 Topsail Beach there are high tides at 11:29 am (4.7 ft) and 11:46 pm (3.4 ft) and low tides at 5:16 am and 6:13 pm. Tide coefficient 79. Right now the tide is falling toward the low tide at 5:16 am. The sun rises at 7:28 am and sets at 6:20 pm: 10 h 52 min of daylight. The moon is 84% illuminated (waning gibbous) and rises at 9:11 pm. Major solunar periods run from 2:50 am to 4:50 am and from 3:22 pm to 5:22 pm. The next spring tides arrive from November 9 to 11. The sea is moderate, with 4.9 ft waves. There's a gentle breeze from the north-northeast (10 mph). Clear, 61 °F.
Fishing in Topsail Beach today
Best time to fish
Solunar activity today: medium- Low tide at 6:13 pm
- Sunset at 6:20 pm, golden hour from 5:45 pm
- Steady pressure (30.15 inHg), light onshore wind (7 mph) and some swell (3.8 ft waves) to stir the water
- Waning gibbous: a bit more activity than at the quarters
- Highest tide coefficient today: 79 (average tides)
Your day at a glance
The best window, 5:50 pm to 6:50 pm, combines the 6:13 pm low tide, sunset, a light onshore breeze and some swell. Also good from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, with the 11:29 am high tide, moonset and some swell.
Species with the most records nearby: mahi-mahi, bluefish, spot and summer flounder. October is one of the months when these are seen most: summer flounder and black sea bass. What you can catch
Beach day in Topsail Beach
Is it a beach day?
- Official statement: Rip Current Statement (NWS Wilmington NC)
Rip current risk today: high (statement in effect) · tomorrow: moderate (NWS)
Stay out of the water: rip currents can pull even strong swimmers out to sea. If one catches you, don't swim against it: swim parallel to the shore and wave for help.
- Mostly sunny
- Feels like 78 °F: pleasant
- Cross-shore breeze (11 mph)
- UV 5 (moderate): SPF 30 sunscreen
- Water at 68 °F (cool)
- Low tide at 6:13 pm: more sand
Today, hour by hour
- Swimming Use care · 4.5 ft
4.5 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 11 mph
Cross-shore breeze (11 mph).
- Tide & sand 5:16 am
Low tide at 5:16 am and 6:13 pm: that's when there's the most sand. High tide at 11:29 am and 11:46 pm.
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 Topsail Beach
We don't know of any named beaches within 6.2 mi of Topsail Beach.
Missing one? Beaches come from OpenStreetMap: you can add it there. Add or fix on OpenStreetMap
Beaches and amenities: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Webcams near Topsail Beach
Webcams provided by windy.com — add a webcam
Tides in Topsail Beach
Today's high and low tides
- ▼ Next low tide 5:16 am 0.1 ft
- ▲ High tide 11:29 am 4.7 ft · coef. 79
- ▼ Low tide 6:13 pm 0.6 ft
- ▲ High tide 11:46 pm 3.4 ft · coef. 77
↓ Falling The tide is falling. 1 h 19 min to low tide at 5:16 am.
Tide coefficient 79 for the 11:29 am high tide and 77 for the 11:46 pm high tide. Average coefficient. The water rises and falls 4.5 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 June 14 (4.8 ft) and the lowest, on December 26 (-0.9 ft).
Mixed: two high and two low tides a day, but of quite different heights.
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 82, 4.6 ft range). The smallest, from October 17 to 19 (coefficient 49, 2.9 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 | 7:28 am · 6:20 pm | Low tide 5:16 am · 0.1 ft | High tide 11:29 am · 4.7 ft | Low tide 6:13 pm · 0.6 ft | High tide 11:46 pm · 3.4 ft | Coef. 79 | 84% | Major periods 2:50 am · 3:22 pm | Medium |
| Fri 30 | 7:29 am · 6:19 pm | Low tide 6:09 am · 0.2 ft | High tide 12:27 pm · 4.6 ft | Low tide 7:09 pm · 0.6 ft | — | Coef. 75 | 74% | Major periods 3:54 am · 4:26 pm | Medium |
| Sat 31 | 7:30 am · 6:18 pm | High tide 12:46 am · 3.4 ft | Low tide 7:07 am · 0.3 ft | High tide 1:26 pm · 4.5 ft | Low tide 8:08 pm · 0.7 ft | Coef. 74 | 63% | Major periods 4:56 am · 5:26 pm | Medium |
| Sun 1 | 6:31 am · 5:17 pm | High tide 1:45 am · 3.4 ft | Low tide 7:10 am · 0.4 ft | High tide 1:23 pm · 4.3 ft | Low tide 8:06 pm · 0.7 ft | Coef. 72 | Last quarter | Major periods 4:54 am · 5:21 pm | Medium |
| Mon 2 | 6:32 am · 5:16 pm | High tide 1:42 am · 3.5 ft | Low tide 8:15 am · 0.4 ft | High tide 2:17 pm · 4.2 ft | Low tide 9:02 pm · 0.6 ft | Coef. 71 | 41% | Major periods 5:47 am · 6:12 pm | Medium |
| Tue 3 | 6:32 am · 5:15 pm | High tide 2:39 am · 3.6 ft | Low tide 9:18 am · 0.4 ft | High tide 3:11 pm · 4.0 ft | Low tide 9:53 pm · 0.5 ft | Coef. 72 | 30% | Major periods 6:36 am · 6:59 pm | Medium |
| Wed 4 | 6:33 am · 5:14 pm | High tide 3:38 am · 3.8 ft | Low tide 10:17 am · 0.4 ft | High tide 4:06 pm · 3.9 ft | Low tide 10:41 pm · 0.4 ft | Coef. 74 | 21% | Major periods 7:22 am · 7:44 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 Hampstead station (NOAA), 4.7 mi from Topsail Beach. Times and heights are its predictions.
Station data attribution: Slackwater database (https://github.com/openwatersio/slackwater-database)
The sea at Topsail Beach
Sea stateSea state: moderate
The waves you may find
- Most commonMost common2.4 ft
- Significant4.9 ft
- Highest expectedHighest9.9 ft
One wave in seven is higher than the significant height, and about 3 times a day one reaches 9.9 ft. Before heading out, expect waves of up to 9.9 ft.
Wind on the coast and offshore
Cross-offshore wind. The coast faces southeast 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 Wednesday 4: 5.1 ft with a period of 8 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 69.1 °F by Wednesday 4.
Water colder than normal for late October (−3.6 °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 3:57 am (local time).
Nearest buoy
This is a real measurement of the sea, not a forecast. Data from stations 41110 and 41038, courtesy of CDIP (Coastal Data Information Program, Scripps Institution of Oceanography), via the NOAA National Data Buoy Center.
Surf in Topsail Beach today
Surf today
Good- 2.9–4.5 ft surf at the shore, a good size with some punch
- 4.3 ft swell at 6 s from the east-southeast, short: weak, messy waves
- Light offshore wind (9 mph): it holds up and grooms the waves
- Rising tide (high tide at 11:29 am)
Rip current risk today: high (statement in effect) · tomorrow: moderate (NWS)
Stay out of the water: rip currents can pull even strong swimmers out to sea. If one catches you, don't swim against it: swim parallel to the shore and wave for help.
Surf height from the NWS, today: 3.0–4.0 ft
- Light: First light 7:02 am · sunrise 7:28 am · sunset 6:20 pm · last light 6:46 pm
- Tide: low 5:16 am (0.1 ft), high 11:29 am (4.7 ft), low 6:13 pm (0.6 ft) and high 11:46 pm (3.4 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 67.8 °F: a springsuit or a 2 mm fullsuit.
- Energy: 138 kJ · Medium power
Today’s surf at a glance
The best window, 7:02 am to 9:00 am, has a good size and light offshore wind, though with a short-period swell. 11:00 am to 1:00 pm can also work, with a good size, 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 Topsail Beach today
Diving and snorkeling today
Likely visibility: good- Slack water around high tide (11:29 am): little current from 11:10 am to 11:50 am
- 3.9 ft swell at 6 s from the east-southeast: some surge on the bottom
- Light cross-shore wind (10 mph)
- 0.2 mph current toward the southwest, weak (model)
- Sun high: more light underwater
- Slack water today: low tide 5:16 am (5:00–5:31 am), high tide 11:29 am (11:10–11:50 am), low tide 6:13 pm (5:50–6:30 pm) and high tide 11:46 pm (11:20 pm–12:10 am)
- Likely visibility: good. Swell (up to 4.4 ft at 6 s) over the last few days has stirred up the water. Based on the last 24 hours of data.
- Water at 67.8 °F: a 5 mm wetsuit.
- Snorkeling: better not, with these waves, wind or current.
- Night dive: dark from 6:46 pm. Waning gibbous (84%), rising at 9:11 pm: a bright night.
Your diving day at a glance
The best window, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, combines slack water at high tide, light wind, weak current and the sun high, though with some swell. Also worth a look from 5:40 pm to 6:20 pm, with slack water at low tide, light wind and weak current, 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
- Dallas Rock Fish seen: Spottail Pinfish, Tomtate, Mackerel Scad, Slippery Dick 9.3 mi
- AR-362 Tom Boyette Fish seen: Tomtate, Spottail Pinfish, Slippery Dick, Belted Sandbass 10 mi
- AR-360 1.9 mi
- AR-364 9.5 mi
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). Sites and fish: Reef Life Survey / IMOS NRMN, CC BY 4.0; fish names, Wikidata. Artificial reefs: NOAA and BOEM (MarineCadastre.gov), a U.S. Government work.
Weather in Topsail Beach
Now in Topsail Beach
- Low / high
- 60 / 76 °F
- Rain
- 0.00 in · 1%
- Clouds
- 15%
- Humidity
- 90%
- Dew pointDew point
- 58 °F
- Visibility
- 8.5 mi
- UV indexUV
- 0 · low
- Air qualityAir
- Good · 43
- 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 (+0.01 inHg in 3 hours). Over the next 48 hours: +0.04 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 | Overcast | Mainly clear | Clear | Clear sky | Mainly clear | Overcast | Partly cloudy | Clear |
| Temperature | 64° | 62° | 60° | 64° | 74° | 76° | 71° | 68° |
| Wind (mph) | 9 NNE | 9 NNE | 9 NNE | 11 NE | 10 NE | 9 ENE | 7 E | 9 ENE |
| Gusts | 23 | 21 | 22 | 21 | 13 | 11 | 13 | 18 |
| Waves | 4.9 ft | 4.9 ft | 4.7 ft | 4.4 ft | 4.1 ft | 3.9 ft | 3.8 ft | 3.7 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 |
- 3:00 am 62° 9 NNE 4.9 ft
- 6:00 am 60° 9 NNE 4.7 ft
- 9:00 am 64° 11 NE 4.4 ft
- 12:00 pm 74° 10 NE 4.1 ft
- 3:00 pm 76° 9 ENE 3.9 ft
- 6:00 pm 71° 7 E 3.8 ft
- 9:00 pm 68° 9 ENE 3.7 ft
- 12:00 am 63° 6 NE 3.7 ft
Next 14 daysComing days
| Day | Sky | Low / high | Max wind | Max wave | High tides |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today · 29 | 60 / 76 °F | 11 mph NE | 4.9 ft | 11:29 am · 11:46 pm | |
| Fri 30 | 58 / 76 °F | 7 mph NNE | 3.7 ft | 12:27 pm | |
| Sat 31 | 58 / 71 °F | 15 mph NE | 3.8 ft | 12:46 am · 1:26 pm | |
| Sun 1 | 56 / 72 °F | 15 mph NE | 3.7 ft | 1:45 am · 1:23 pm | |
| Mon 2 | 60 / 72 °F | 14 mph NE | 3.9 ft | 1:42 am · 2:17 pm | |
| Tue 3 | 61 / 74 °F | 15 mph NE | 4.8 ft | 2:39 am · 3:11 pm | |
| Wed 4 | 62 / 74 °F | 13 mph NE | 5.1 ft | 3:38 am · 4:06 pm | |
| Thu 5 | 63 / 74 °F | 12 mph ESE | 5.2 ft | 4:36 am · 4:59 pm | |
| Fri 6 | 59 / 72 °F | 9 mph W | 3.9 ft | 5:30 am · 5:49 pm | |
| Sat 7 | 55 / 69 °F | 10 mph NNW | — | 6:19 am · 6:35 pm | |
| Sun 8 | 51 / 69 °F | 9 mph N | — | 7:03 am · 7:19 pm | |
| Mon 9 | 46 / 72 °F | 7 mph SW | — | 7:46 am · 8:02 pm | |
| Tue 10 | 52 / 75 °F | 10 mph SW | — | 8:28 am · 8:45 pm | |
| Wed 11 | 52 / 69 °F | 6 mph N | — | 9:10 am · 9:28 pm |
- Fri 30 Mainly clear 58° / 76° 3.7 ft
- Sat 31 Overcast 58° / 71° 3.8 ft
- Sun 1 Overcast 56° / 72° 3.7 ft
- Mon 2 Overcast 60° / 72° 3.9 ft
- Tue 3 Overcast 61° / 74° 4.8 ft
- Wed 4 Light drizzle 62° / 74° 5.1 ft
- Thu 5 Showers 63° / 74° 5.2 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 slightly cooler sea. See the outlook →
- Normal Today, warmer than normal for late October (+4.3 °F; normal high: 72 °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 3:57 am (local time).
The sun in Topsail Beach
Sunrise and sunset
- First light 6:33 am
- Full dark 7:15 pm
- Civil dawn 7:02 am
- Civil dusk 6:46 pm
- Solar noon 12:54 pm (42° high)
- Daylight 10 h 52 min (−2 min)
- Evening golden hour 5:45 pm
- Full dark 7:15 pm
Golden hour and the day-night map
Today the sun is 92,330,345 mi away and looks 32′ 11″ across.
The moon in Topsail Beach
Moon phase and position
Today the moon is 226,746 mi away and looks 32′ 44″ across.
Solunar periods
Today's activity: medium- 2:50–4:50 am Major · the moon passes overhead · high activity
- 3:22–5:22 pm Major · the moon passes underfoot · high activity
- 11:03 am–12:03 pm Minor · moonset · medium activity
- 8:41–9:41 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 Topsail Beach
Piers, ramps and tackle shops nearby
Map: OpenFreeMap · © OpenMapTiles · © OpenStreetMap contributors
- Jolly Roger Pier 0.2 mi
- Surf City Pier 6.2 mi
- Surf City Ocean Pier, Inc 6.4 mi
- Boat ramp 0.1 mi
- Boat ramp 0.9 mi
- Boat ramp 1.4 mi
- Boat ramp 1.5 mi
- Boat ramp 1.6 mi
- Boat ramp 1.9 mi
- Bush Marina 0.1 mi
- Harbour Village Marina 1.5 mi
- Eastern Outfitters 4.9 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
Gentle slopeThe bottom slopes gently: 16 ft deep 0.4 mi from shore and 33 ft at 0.75 mi.
From the shoreline (500 ft from Topsail Beach) out to sea, heading southeast.
How far from shore
- 16 ft deep0.4 mi
- 33 ft deep0.75 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 0.4 mi): cast far from the beach and fish the high tide, when there is more water close in.
- 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 near shore: you only reach 33 ft at 0.75 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 Topsail BeachTides nearby
- Hampstead4.6 mi
- Surf City6.4 mi
- North Topsail Beach14 mi
- Wrightsville Beach14 mi
- Seagate16 mi
- Masonboro18 mi
- Sneads Ferry19 mi
- Myrtle Grove21 mi
- Sea Breeze26 mi
- Carolina Beach27 mi
Topsail Beach at a glance
- Town or city of about 414 people. Coordinates: 34.365° N, 77.631° W.
- It is 29 mi southwest of Jacksonville, the main place in North Carolina. The sun rises at the same time and sets 1 min later than in Jacksonville.
- The nearest tide station, Hampstead, is 4.7 mi to the west.
- Its coast faces southeast.
Questions about Topsail BeachQuestions
What time is high tide today in Topsail Beach?
Today in Topsail Beach there are high tides at 11:29 am (4.7 ft) and 11:46 pm (3.4 ft) and low tides at 5:16 am and 6:13 pm. Tide coefficient 79.
What time is sunset today in Topsail Beach?
At 6:20 pm. There is light until the end of civil twilight, at 6:46 pm.
What time is sunrise tomorrow in Topsail Beach?
At 7:29 am. First light comes at 6:33 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 2:50–4:50 am, Minor 11:03 am–12:03 pm, Major 3:22–5:22 pm, Minor 8:41–9:41 pm. Today's activity is medium.
What's the weather like today in Topsail Beach?
Overcast, from 60 °F to 76 °F, with a gentle breeze from the north-northeast (10 mph) and a 1% chance of rain.
How is the sea today in Topsail Beach?
Moderate (Douglas 4): 4.9 ft waves with a period of 7.0 s from the east-southeast. The water is 68.0 °F.
When is the best time to visit Topsail Beach?
The best time to visit Topsail Beach is from April to May and in October: highs of 74 °F to 80 °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 Hampstead (public domain), via Slackwater database. Sun and moon: our own calculation with astronomy-engine. Places: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Coastline: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).