Sea data for Charleston Harbor (Open-Meteo marine model). Conditions differ along the coast and on bays, lakes and rivers.
NWS: Rip Current Statement · Coastal Flood Advisory — read the alerts.
Can small boats go out now?
Small craft caution
- Waves
- 5.1 ft
- Sea state
- Moderate
- Wind
- 6 mph NE
- Gusts
- 11 mph
- Swell
- 4.2 ft
- Wave period
- 7 s
- Water temperature
- 67 °F
- Visibility
- 6.2 mi
Wave height – next 48 hours
Amber ≥ 4.1 ft (caution), red ≥ 8.2 ft (dangerous for small boats).
Best fishing times today
Waning gibbous · strong tides- Low tide turn2:38 AM – 4:38 AM
- Dawn bite6:40 AM – 8:40 AM
- High tide turn9:01 AM – 11:01 AM
- Low tide turn3:32 PM – 5:32 PM
- Dusk bite5:34 PM – 7:34 PM
- High tide turn9:20 PM – 11:20 PM
Fish feed most actively around dawn, dusk and when the tide turns. New and full moon bring stronger currents.
7-day sea outlook
| Day | Max waves | Wind | Rain | Small boats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today | 5.1 ft | 7 mph | 0% | Small craft caution |
| Tomorrow | 3.5 ft | 5 mph | 0% | Fair |
| Sat, Oct 31 | 4.5 ft | 10 mph | 0% | Small craft caution |
| Sun, Nov 1 | 4.3 ft | 9 mph | 0% | Small craft caution |
| Mon, Nov 2 | 4.9 ft | 8 mph | 0% | Small craft caution |
| Tue, Nov 3 | 4.7 ft | 7 mph | 0% | Small craft caution |
| Wed, Nov 4 | – | 12 mph | 100% | Good |
Always wear a life jacket, file a float plan (tell someone your route and return time), check the NWS marine forecast and Small Craft Advisories and monitor VHF channel 16 / NOAA Weather Radio. Do not go out when a gale, storm or tropical warning is in effect. U.S. Coast Guard emergencies: VHF 16 or 911.