Current Weather, Water Temp & Tides for Topsail Island
How to Use Our Topsail Island Forecast Tools
Looking for current weather and water conditions at Topsail Island? You’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find a detailed beach forecast that includes ocean temperature, wave height, wind direction, and tide times—powered by NOAA data and visualized through Swell Info.
To quickly check the current ocean temperature at Topsail Beach or Surf City, look for the water droplet icon on the forecast display — temps are shown in Fahrenheit.
Topsail Beach Flag Conditions: Today & Seasonally
The forecast above shows surf height, wind, and tide conditions, but beach safety also depends on how these factors affect swimmers.That’s where Topsail Island’s colored flag system comes in. Local officials update these daily at public beach access points based on real-time risks.
Most days in the summer bring a Yellow Flag, signaling moderate surf and stronger currents. This is common for our coastline, especially with southeast winds or post-storm swells. Below is a quick reference for what each flag means — and why it matters:
- 🟢 Green: Low hazard — calm surf, safe for most swimmers
- 🟡 Yellow: Moderate hazard — increased surf or currents, especially rip currents common near piers and sandbars
- 🔴 Red: High hazard — dangerous surf, strong undertow, or post-storm wave activity. Swimming is normally discouraged or prohibited
- 🟣 Purple: Dangerous marine life present — usually jellyfish or stingrays. Shark sightings are rare, but if flagged, beaches may close temporarily
Even when flags are green or yellow, always swim near a lifeguard if possible and avoid areas near inlets or stormwater outflows, which tend to have stronger currents.
Flag conditions are updated daily at public access points along Topsail Beach, Surf City, and North Topsail Beach – and may change across various access locations along the 26-mile shoreline. For the most current information, check signs at your beach access or visit the Town of Topsail Beach or Town of Surf City.
Topsail Island Beach & Pier Webcams
The following webcams are accessible for you and organized by region within the Topsail Island area. When clicked, you’ll get a view of the specific location to open in a new browser window.
North Topsail Beach Webcams
If you’re looking to access the Seaview Pier in North Topsail Beach, or the surrounding beach area adjacent to the pier, the following webcam will show you current conditions. When clicked, a new browser window will open.
Surf City Webcams
If you’re heading out to the Surf City area, or just accessing Topsail Island by traveling over the Surf City Bridge, the following webcams will provide you with live conditions, crowds, and traffic.
Topsail Beach Webcams
One of the best views of current beach conditions for the beaches along the Town of Topsail Beach can be seen through the link below.
Intracoastal Waterway Webcams
The following webcam shows a live look at water conditions and boat traffic along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICWW) as shown from the Sloop Point Marina located in Hampstead, North Carolina.
Monthly Average Water Temperatures
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Climate Center in Asheville, NC provides the following monthly temperature data for the area’s ocean temperatures.
| Month | Average Ocean Water Temp. |
|---|---|
| January | 49º Fahrenheit |
| February | 50º Fahrenheit |
| March | 55º Fahrenheit |
| April | 63º Fahrenheit |
| May | 72º Fahrenheit |
| June | 79º Fahrenheit |
| July | 82º Fahrenheit |
| August | 82º Fahrenheit |
| September | 79º Fahrenheit |
| October | 71º Fahrenheit |
| November | 60º Fahrenheit |
| December | 51º Fahrenheit |