Wrightsville Beach Surf Outlook: Jan 23–30, 2026

January 23, 2026

Wrightsville Beach Surf Outlook: Jan 23–30, 2026

Issued 6:45 AM Jan 23.
Note: Forecast based on early Friday morning data. While broad patterns usually hold, forecast shifts occur—verify conditions before heading out.
By Mark Willis

Today: Small ESE Swell w/ Developing N Winds
Weekend: Stronger Windswell Develops; Improving Conditions Sunday
Early Week: Smaller but Lingering Fun Surf Monday; Easing Tuesday
Mid-Late Week: Occasional Longboard Waves with Favorable Winds; Cold

Today through Sunday (1/23–1/25): Weekend Windswell from Winter Storm

If you were able to get out yesterday, there were some occasional fun-sized sets (waist up to stomach high) off mid-period ESE swell with favorable winds. This is hanging in there during the early Friday morning buoy check (~2ft at 10s from the ESE), and I expect occasional thigh/waist high sets to hang around at better sandbars. A moderate N wind will add sideshore texture today, so think of protected spots if you want to get wet.

Things change quickly as we move into and through the weekend as a winter storm impacts the area. ENE windswell builds to waist-to-shoulder high+, but with blown-out conditions (except most protected spots) due to strong NE winds. Similar-sized surf for Sunday with problematic winds in the morning looks to improve through the day as winds shift NW.

Note: While the winter weather forecast has improved for WB, there is still potential for light rain/sleet mix Saturday. Stay advised by monitoring the National Weather Service.

1/23: 1.5–3′ (Knee to Thigh High +) ESE swell. High 53°F. 30% chance of rain.
1/24: 3–4’+ (Waist to Shoulder high) ENE windswell. Blown out. Strong NE winds, increasing chances for rain later in the day, possibly mixing with sleet at the onset. High 42°F .
1/25: 3–5′ (Waist to Head High) ENE/NE swell. Rainy with a High of 55°F. Improving conditions through the afternoon as winds flip NW.

Surface weather chart for Sunday morning, showing a complex winter storm impacting the East Coast, with a surface low just off our coast. Winds improve through Sunday afternoon, with cleaning up surf.

Looking Ahead: Fading but Still Fun Monday; Trending Smaller Mid Week

1/26 (Monday): Fading leftovers as the swell direction takes on a more southerly component. Surf in the 2–3’+ (thigh to stomach high) zone but easing further through the day. Winds stay offshore but will be gusty at times, making it clean but chilly (High 49°F ), and helping the surf drop further through the day.
1/27–1/29: Trending smaller (1.5–2.5’ – knee to thigh high) through mid-week. Expect pockets of lower-tide longboard waves with favorable winds here and there. Highs remain frigid, bottoming out Tuesday and again Thursday with a High around 41°F both of those days.
1/30+ (Friday and Beyond): Continued cold. No significant wave events are currently expected, but stay tuned for updates as forecasts can change this far out. Note: Some signs in the models another coastal storm could impact the area next weekend, bringing renewed wave/weather potential but confidence is extremely low on that at this point.

Final Thoughts

Sunday afternoon looks like the best window of the forecast. Expect fun, fading surf into Monday as well. Expect water temps to drop into the upper 40s next week with more cold air.

WB Water Temp Outlook