Sunset Beach NC Water Temperature & Swim Forecast
Family south-Brunswick beach.
Warm water with a light chop and a light breeze — great swimming conditions.
Model estimate · modelled, not a buoy measurement. How accurate is this?
Location
Sunset Beach NC on the map, with nearby beaches and live sea temperatures.
7-day forecast
Water, air, waves, wind and UV outlook for the week ahead.
No wetsuit
At 26.6°C the water is warm enough to swim and surf in just a swimsuit or boardshorts.
Recommendation tuned for Sunset Beach NC's current water temperature. Individual tolerance, wind chill, and session length all matter — when in doubt, size up.
Sunset Beach NC swimming conditions summary
- Water temperature
- 26.6°C
- Water feels
- Warm
- Swimmable today
- Yes — comfortable for most swimmers
- Swim conditions score
- 87/100 · Excellent
- Wetsuit needed
- No wetsuit
- Air temperature
- —
- Waves
- —
- Wind
- —
- UV index
- —
- Average sea temperature (September)
- 26.0 °C
- Warmest months to swim
- July, August, September
At 26.6°C the water is warm enough to swim and surf in just a swimsuit or boardshorts. Model estimate. Water, wave, wind and UV values are Open-Meteo marine/weather model estimates, refreshed hourly — not buoy measurements.
Frequently asked questions
Can I swim at Sunset Beach NC right now?
The sea at Sunset Beach NC is currently 26.6°C — excellent swimming conditions. Most swimmers will find the water comfortable when it's above 22°C; below 18°C feels fresh and a wetsuit is recommended.
What will the sea temperature be at Sunset Beach NC next week?
Based on long-term September averages and the latest marine model, expect the sea around Sunset Beach NC to sit close to 23.1°C over the next 7 days. Check the live 7-day chart above for the exact daily outlook.
When is the best month to swim at Sunset Beach NC?
July – August – September are typically the warmest months to swim at Sunset Beach NC, with sea temperatures at their seasonal peak.
Do I need a wetsuit at Sunset Beach NC?
With water currently at 26.6°C: above 22°C no wetsuit needed; 18–22°C a shorty is comfortable for long swims; 14–18°C a 3/2mm full suit; below 14°C a 4/3mm or thicker.
Can I swim at Sunset Beach NC today?
The sea is currently 26.6°C — excellent swimming conditions. Most swimmers will find it pleasant.
- • Located in North Carolina, United States (Atlantic Ocean).
- • Family friendly with calm, accessible water.
- • Live data refreshed hourly from Open-Meteo Marine.
Monthly sea temperature averages
Tap any month to see what to expect — based on regional climatology.
Best time to swim in Sunset Beach NC
The sea in Sunset Beach NC peaks in July, when the water averages around 27°C.
The main swimming season runs from May – October, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 6 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Shoulder months like April and November are noticeably cooler but often quieter, with fewer crowds and steadier weather.
Outside peak season the water drops toward 15°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.
The coldest month is typically January at around 11°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Sunset Beach NC sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Sunset Beach NC shows an annual mean sea temperature of 19°C, ranging from 11°C in winter to 27°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 16°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Sunset Beach NC, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Sunset Beach NC sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Sunset Beach NC?
July is the warmest month in Sunset Beach NC, when the sea averages about 27°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Sunset Beach NC?
The coldest month in Sunset Beach NC is typically January, when the water averages around 11°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Sunset Beach NC without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Sunset Beach NC runs from May – October — about 6 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Sunset Beach NC?
Outside peak summer the water in Sunset Beach NC drops toward 15°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable. In peak months most swimmers go without.
What is the average sea temperature in Sunset Beach NC?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Sunset Beach NC is about 19°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Sunset Beach NC?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Sunset Beach NC, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Year-round sea temperature
Best swim months: May – Jun – Jul – Aug – Sep – Oct
| Month | Sea | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 11°C | Cold |
| Feb | 11°C | Cold |
| Mar | 13°C | Cold |
| Apr | 16°C | Bracing |
| May | 21°C | Pleasant |
| Jun | 25°C | Warm |
| Jul ⭐ | 27°C | Hot |
| Aug | 27°C | Hot |
| Sep | 26°C | Hot |
| Oct | 22°C | Warm |
| Nov | 18°C | Pleasant |
| Dec | 14°C | Bracing |
Nearby beaches
The closest coastline, with live water temperatures.