Where is the sea coldest in North Carolina in May?

Wrightsville Beach in United States has the coldest sea in North Carolina in May, averaging about 21.0 °C. Carolina Beach (21.0 °C) and Kure Beach are the next coolest.

How many beaches in North Carolina are warm enough to swim in May?

None of the top 24 ranked beaches in North Carolina reach 22 °C in May, so a wetsuit is recommended for anything longer than a quick dip.

How are these May sea temperatures calculated?

Each figure is a long-term monthly average sea surface temperature for that location, so it reflects a typical May rather than today's reading. Open a beach page for the live water temperature and 7-day forecast.

Seasonal ranking

Coldest sea temperature in North Carolina in May

Where the sea is coolest across North Carolina during May, ranked by long-term monthly average water temperature. Wrightsville Beach (North Carolina, United States) is the coolest at around 21°C. Open any spot for today's live water temperature and a 7-day swim forecast.

1
Wrightsville Beach
North Carolina · United States · Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
21°C
May average
2
Carolina Beach
North Carolina · United States · Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
21°C
May average
3
Kure Beach
North Carolina · United States · Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
21°C
May average
4
Topsail Beach
North Carolina · United States · Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
21°C
May average
5
Surf City NC
North Carolina · United States · Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
21°C
May average
6
Emerald Isle
North Carolina · United States · Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
21°C
May average
7
Hatteras Beach
North Carolina · United States · Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
21°C
May average
8
Avon Beach
North Carolina · United States · Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
21°C
May average
9
Nags Head
North Carolina · United States · Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
21°C
May average
10
Kill Devil Hills
North Carolina · United States · Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
21°C
May average
11
Duck Beach
North Carolina · United States · Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
21°C
May average
12
Cape Hatteras Beach
North Carolina · United States · Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
21°C
May average
13
Bald Head Island Beach
North Carolina · United States · Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
21°C
May average
14
Kitty Hawk Beach
North Carolina · United States · Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
21°C
May average
15
Corolla Beach
North Carolina · United States · Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
21°C
May average
16
Rodanthe Beach
North Carolina · United States · Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
21°C
May average
17
Ocracoke Beach
North Carolina · United States · Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
21°C
May average
18
Frisco Beach
North Carolina · United States · Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
21°C
May average
19
Atlantic Beach
North Carolina · United States · Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
21°C
May average
20
Bogue Banks Salter Path
North Carolina · United States · Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
21°C
May average
21
Sunset Beach NC
North Carolina · United States · Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
21°C
May average
22
Ocean Isle Beach
North Carolina · United States · Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
21°C
May average
23
Holden Beach
North Carolina · United States · Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
21°C
May average
24
Oak Island Beach
North Carolina · United States · Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
21°C
May average

Coldest sea in May elsewhere

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North Carolina in May — frequently asked questions

Where is the sea coldest in North Carolina in May?: Wrightsville Beach in United States has the coldest sea in North Carolina in May, averaging about 21.0 °C. Carolina Beach (21.0 °C) and Kure Beach are the next coolest.
How many beaches in North Carolina are warm enough to swim in May?: None of the top 24 ranked beaches in North Carolina reach 22 °C in May, so a wetsuit is recommended for anything longer than a quick dip.
How are these May sea temperatures calculated?: Each figure is a long-term monthly average sea surface temperature for that location, so it reflects a typical May rather than today's reading. Open a beach page for the live water temperature and 7-day forecast.

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