Georgetown Area Beaches: rip current risk and surf forecast

South CarolinaNear Georgetown, Georgetown CountyNWS zone SCZ056NWS Wilmington NC

Rip current risk today: Low. Life-threatening rip currents are not expected, but they can still form near groins, jetties, reefs and piers. Swim near a lifeguard.

Surf 1 foot, water in the lower 80s. Buoy MROS1, 25 mi out, measured 83 °F water. Sunset 7:13 PM.

Rip current risk: LowToday
Surf: 1 footForecast
Water: In the lower 80sForecast
Sunset: 7:13 PMEDT

Rip current risk on the map

Today’s rip current risk in every surf zone the National Weather Service forecasts for over Georgetown Area Beaches. Open it for the live map, where it pans and zooms.

Open the live map with rip current risk

Map layer from NOAA National Weather Service surf zone forecasts. Boundaries from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet.

Alerts in force

No beach hazards statement, high surf advisory or other warning is in force for Georgetown Area Beaches. Those are the products a coastal office issues when the water turns dangerous. When one is issued it appears here and on the alerts page for this area.

Today and tomorrow

From the National Weather Service beach forecast, issued 1039 AM EDT, 9/22/2026.

Today Rest of today

Low rip current risk

Rip current risk: Low
Surf: 1 foot
Water temperature: In the lower 80s
UV index: Very High
High temperature: In the lower 80s
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Showers likely and a chance of thunderstorms
Wind: Northeast winds around 10 mph
Thunderstorms: Moderate
Waterspouts: Moderate

UV index 8 to 10. Unprotected skin burns quickly; minimize sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tomorrow Wednesday

Low rip current risk

Rip current risk: Low
Surf: 1 to 2 feet
High temperature: Around 80
Weather: Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms
Wind: Northeast winds around 15 mph
Thunderstorms: Low
Waterspouts: Moderate

The surf zone forecast, period by period

Coastal Georgetown. Issued 10:39 AM EDT on Tue, Sep 22 by the National Weather Service in Wilmington NC.

Rest of today

Rip Current Risk: Low
Surf Height: 1 foot
Thunderstorm Potential: Moderate
Waterspout Risk: Moderate
UV Index: Very High
Water Temperature: In the lower 80s
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Showers likely and a chance of thunderstorms
High Temperature: In the lower 80s
Winds: Northeast winds around 10 mph
Tides, Winyah Bay Entrance: Low at 10:43 AM EDT. High at 05:23 PM EDT
Remarks: None

Wednesday

Rip Current Risk: Low
Surf Height: 1 to 2 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: Low
Waterspout Risk: Moderate
Weather: Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms
High Temperature: Around 80
Winds: Northeast winds around 15 mph
Tides, Winyah Bay Entrance: Low at 11:35 AM EDT
Remarks: Strong north to south longshore current

The days after

Thursday. Low rip current risk*. Surf height 2 to 4 feet. Partly sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 70s. North winds around 20 mph.

Friday. Moderate rip current risk*. Surf height 2 to 4 feet. Sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. North winds around 15 mph.

Saturday. Low rip current risk*. Surf height 1 to 3 feet. Sunny. Highs in the upper 70s. North winds around 10 mph.

The office's notes on this forecast

Rip Current Risk Category * Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however, life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins, jetties, reefs, and piers. * Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the surf zone. * High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf zone.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see: https://www.weather.gov/beach/ilm

The product as issued

FZUS52 KILM 221439
SRFILM

Surf Zone Forecast
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
1039 AM EDT Tue Sep 22 2026

NCZ106-230415-
Coastal Pender-
Including the beaches of Surf City and Topsail Beach
1039 AM EDT Tue Sep 22 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................1 to 2 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....Moderate. 
Waterspout Risk**...........Moderate. 
UV Index**..................Very High. 
Water Temperature...........In the lower 80s. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and 
                            thunderstorms. 
High Temperature............In the lower 80s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 10 mph.
Tides...
   Topsail Inlet............Low at 10:43 AM EDT.
                            High at 05:20 PM EDT. 
Remarks.....................Moderate north to south longshore current.

.WEDNESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Moderate. 
Surf Height.................1 to 3 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....Low. 
Waterspout Risk**...........Moderate. 
Weather.....................Partly sunny until 3 PM, then cloudy. 
                            Patchy fog. A chance of showers and a 
                            slight chance of thunderstorms. 
High Temperature............Around 80. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 15 mph. 
Tides...
   Topsail Inlet............Low at 11:32 AM EDT. 
Remarks.....................Strong north to south longshore current.

.EXTENDED...
.THURSDAY...High rip current risk*. Surf height 3 to 6 feet. Mostly
cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 70s.
North winds around 20 mph. 
.FRIDAY...High rip current risk*. Surf height 2 to 5 feet. Sunny.
Highs in the mid 70s. North winds around 15 mph. 
.SATURDAY...Moderate rip current risk*. Surf height 2 to 4 feet.
Sunny. Highs in the upper 70s. North winds around 10 mph.

&&

Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/ilm

$$

NCZ108-230415-
Coastal New Hanover-
Including the beaches of Wrightsville Beach, Masonboro Island, 
Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Fort Fisher
1039 AM EDT Tue Sep 22 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................1 to 2 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....Moderate. 
Waterspout Risk**...........Moderate. 
UV Index**..................Very High. 
Water Temperature...........In the lower 80s. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and 
                            thunderstorms. 
High Temperature............In the lower 80s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph.
Tides...
   Mercer Pier..............Low at 10:45 AM EDT.
                            High at 05:06 PM EDT. 
Remarks.....................None.

.WEDNESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Moderate. 
Surf Height.................1 to 3 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....Low. 
Waterspout Risk**...........Moderate. 
Weather.....................Partly sunny until 3 PM, then mostly 
                            cloudy. A chance of showers and a 
                            slight chance of thunderstorms. 
High Temperature............In the lower 80s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 15 mph.
Tides...
   Mercer Pier..............Low at 11:30 AM EDT.
                            High at 05:50 PM EDT. 
Remarks.....................Strong north to south longshore current.

.EXTENDED...
.THURSDAY...High rip current risk*. Surf height 6 to 9 feet. Mostly
cloudy. Showers likely and a chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the
mid 70s. North winds around 20 mph. 
.FRIDAY...High rip current risk*. Surf height 4 to 7 feet. Sunny.
Highs in the mid 70s. North winds around 15 mph. 
.SATURDAY...Moderate rip current risk*. Surf height 2 to 5 feet.
Sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. North winds around 10 mph.

&&

Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/ilm

$$

NCZ110-230415-
Coastal Brunswick-
Including the beaches of Bald Head Island, Oak Island, Holden Beach, 
Ocean Isle Beach, and Sunset Beach
1039 AM EDT Tue Sep 22 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...
   East of Ocean Isle Beach.Low. 
   Ocean Isle Beach West....Low. 
Surf Height...
   East of Ocean Isle Beach.1 foot. 
   Ocean Isle Beach West....1 foot. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....Moderate. 
Waterspout Risk**...........Moderate. 
UV Index**..................Very High. 
Water Temperature...........In the lower 80s. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and 
                            thunderstorms. 
High Temperature............In the lower 80s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 10 mph.
Tides...
   Oak Island...............Low at 10:59 AM EDT.
                            High at 05:14 PM EDT. 
Remarks.....................Moderate east to west longshore current.

.WEDNESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...
   East of Ocean Isle Beach.Low. 
   Ocean Isle Beach West....Low. 
Surf Height...
   East of Ocean Isle Beach.1 foot. 
   Ocean Isle Beach West....1 to 2 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....Low. 
Waterspout Risk**...........Moderate. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and 
                            a slight chance of thunderstorms. 
High Temperature............Around 80. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 15 mph.
Tides...
   Oak Island...............Low at 11:45 AM EDT.
                            High at 05:58 PM EDT. 
Remarks.....................None.

.EXTENDED...
.THURSDAY...Low rip current risk*. Surf height around 1 foot. Mostly
cloudy. Showers likely and a chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the
mid 70s. North winds around 20 mph. 
.FRIDAY...Low rip current risk*. Surf height around 1 foot. Sunny.
Highs in the mid 70s. North winds around 15 mph. 
.SATURDAY...Low rip current risk*. Surf height around 1 foot. Sunny.
Highs in the upper 70s. North winds around 10 mph.

&&

Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/ilm

$$

SCZ054-230415-
Coastal Horry-
Including the beaches of Cherry Grove, North Myrtle Beach, 
Atlantic Beach, Windy Hill, Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, 
and Garden City
1039 AM EDT Tue Sep 22 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...
   North of Myrtle Beach....Low. 
   Myrtle Beach South.......Low. 
Surf Height...
   North of Myrtle Beach....1 foot. 
   Myrtle Beach South.......1 foot. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....Moderate. 
Waterspout Risk**...........Moderate. 
UV Index**..................Very High. 
Water Temperature...........In the lower 80s. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and 
                            thunderstorms. 
High Temperature............In the lower 80s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 10 mph.
Tides...
   Springmaid Pier..........Low at 10:54 AM EDT.
                            High at 05:11 PM EDT. 
Remarks.....................Moderate north to south longshore current.

.WEDNESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...
   North of Myrtle Beach....Low. 
   Myrtle Beach South.......Low. 
Surf Height...
   North of Myrtle Beach....1 to 2 feet. 
   Myrtle Beach South.......1 foot. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....Low. 
Waterspout Risk**...........Moderate. 
Weather.....................Partly sunny. A chance of showers and a 
                            slight chance of thunderstorms. 
High Temperature............Around 80. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 15 mph.
Tides...
   Springmaid Pier..........Low at 11:42 AM EDT.
                            High at 05:55 PM EDT. 
Remarks.....................Moderate north to south longshore current.

.EXTENDED...
.THURSDAY...Low rip current risk*. Surf height 1 to 2 feet. Partly
sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 70s.
North winds around 20 mph. 
.FRIDAY...Low rip current risk*. Surf height 1 to 3 feet. Sunny.
Highs in the mid 70s. North winds around 15 mph. 
.SATURDAY...Low rip current risk*. Surf height 1 to 3 feet. Sunny.
Highs in the mid 70s. North winds around 10 mph.

&&

Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/ilm

$$

SCZ056-230415-
Coastal Georgetown-
Including the beaches of Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach, 
Pawleys Island, and Debordieu Beach
1039 AM EDT Tue Sep 22 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................1 foot. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....Moderate. 
Waterspout Risk**...........Moderate. 
UV Index**..................Very High. 
Water Temperature...........In the lower 80s. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. Showers likely and a 
                            chance of thunderstorms. 
High Temperature............In the lower 80s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 10 mph.
Tides...
   Winyah Bay Entrance......Low at 10:43 AM EDT.
                            High at 05:23 PM EDT. 
Remarks.....................None.

.WEDNESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................1 to 2 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....Low. 
Waterspout Risk**...........Moderate. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and 
                            a slight chance of thunderstorms. 
High Temperature............Around 80. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 15 mph. 
Tides...
   Winyah Bay Entrance......Low at 11:35 AM EDT. 
Remarks.....................Strong north to south longshore current.

.EXTENDED...
.THURSDAY...Low rip current risk*. Surf height 2 to 4 feet. Partly
sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 70s.
North winds around 20 mph. 
.FRIDAY...Moderate rip current risk*. Surf height 2 to 4 feet. Sunny.
Highs in the mid 70s. North winds around 15 mph. 
.SATURDAY...Low rip current risk*. Surf height 1 to 3 feet. Sunny.
Highs in the upper 70s. North winds around 10 mph.

&&

Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/ilm


$$

21

The water now, measured

Buoy MROS1, 8661070 - Springmaid Pier, SC, 25 mi away, reported 10:48 AM.

Water temperature: 83 °F
Air temperature: 76 °F
Wind: 2 kt from the N

From NOAA's National Data Buoy Center. Wave height is the significant height, the average of the highest third; the largest waves run half again as high. Offshore buoys read bigger than the surf at the beach.

Tides today

Oyster Landing (N. Inlet Estuary), 4.8 mi away. Feet above mean lower low water.

High tide5:36 AM4.4 ft
Low tide11:36 AM1.2 ft
High tide6:15 PM5.1 ft

Low tide often exposes the sandbars and channels that shape rip currents, and the risk can run higher for an hour or two either side of it. Full tide table for Oyster Landing (N. Inlet Estuary).

Sun and daylight

Sunrise today: 7:05 AM
Sunset today: 7:13 PM
Sunrise tomorrow: 7:05 AM
Sunset tomorrow: 7:12 PM

Times are Eastern Daylight Time. Lifeguards are off duty outside posted hours, and the rip current risk does not fall with the light.

Beaches in this forecast

Murrells Inlet
Litchfield Beach
Pawleys Island
Debordieu Beach

As the National Weather Service lists them in its surf zone forecast.

What this means

The three levels the National Weather Service issues, and what to do at each.

High	Life-threatening rip currents are likely. The surf zone is dangerous for swimmers of every level. Stay out of the water.
Moderate	Life-threatening rip currents are possible. Swim near a lifeguard, and follow the beach patrol and its flags.
Low	Life-threatening rip currents are not expected, but they can still form near groins, jetties, reefs and piers. Swim near a lifeguard.

If a rip current carries you out

Do not fight the current. It pulls you away from the beach, not under the water.
Stay calm and keep your head above water. Float or tread water until the pull eases.
Swim parallel to the beach, along the shore, until you are out of the current, then angle in toward the beach.
If you cannot escape, face the shore, wave your arms and call for help.
If someone else is caught, do not go in after them. Get a lifeguard, call 911, and throw them something that floats.

Thunderstorms and lightning

The forecast has a moderate chance of thunderstorms today. Water and open sand leave you the tallest thing around. When thunder roars, go indoors: leave the water and the beach for a building or a hard-topped vehicle, and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back.

A rip current is a narrow stream of water flowing away from the beach, through the surf and past the breakers. It pulls swimmers out, not under. Rip current and lightning safety guidance from the National Weather Service.

Nearby

The stretches of shore the National Weather Service forecasts on either side of this one.

More for this place

Sources

Rip current risk, surf, water temperature and UV from the National Weather Service surf zone forecast and beach forecast, office ILM, issued 1039 AM EDT, 9/22/2026. Original at NWS. Waves and water temperature measured by NOAA's National Data Buoy Center. Tides from NOAA CO-OPS. Alerts from the National Weather Service for zone SCZ056.