Nags Head water temperature

Typically about 78° in August — perfect.

from an offshore buoy off Nags Head, about 11 miles away

perfect

bath-warm 80° and up perfect 72–79° refreshing 65–71° brisk below 65° 78° typical for August

The year at a glance

Swimmable from June through October.

swimmable 40° 50° 60° 70° 80° 90° 78° 47° JFMAMJJASOND January: typically 49° — brisk February: typically 47° — brisk March: typically 50° — brisk April: typically 56° — brisk May: typically 64° — brisk June: typically 73° — perfect July: typically 77° — perfect August: typically 78° — perfect September: typically 75° — perfect October: typically 70° — refreshing November: typically 63° — brisk December: typically 55° — brisk

Month by month

Month Typical Feels
January 49° brisk
February 47° brisk
March 50° brisk
April 56° brisk
May 64° brisk
June 73° perfect
July 77° perfect
August 78° perfect
September 75° perfect
October 70° refreshing
November 63° brisk
December 55° brisk

About this reading

The reading comes from an offshore buoy off Nags Head riding about 11 miles out; the surf zone usually reads close to it, though sun-warmed shallows can run warmer on calm afternoons.

Reading from an offshore buoy off Nags Head, about 11 miles away.

Warm water says nothing about surf, rip currents, or bacteria — check local lifeguard flags and advisories.