Wilmington NOAA Tide Station 8658120

About NOAA station 8658120

The Wilmington station measures the tidal Cape Fear River upriver from coastal inlets, marshes, beaches, shipping terminals, and Atlantic fishing grounds.

Why people check this station

It helps with downtown river levels, docks, ramps, shoreline access, and understanding the tide stage moving through the lower Cape Fear system.

How to interpret the prediction locally

River flow and distance from the ocean create timing differences between Wilmington and coastal inlets. Use an inlet-specific reference for ocean departure decisions.

Tide height is not current speed

A high or low prediction describes the expected water level at the gauge. Current can turn earlier or later in a nearby inlet, river, bridge opening, pass, or channel. NOAA publishes separate current predictions for supported locations, and local weather can move the observed level above or below the astronomical prediction.

Basic station-planning checklist

1. Confirm that station 8658120 represents the water you intend to use.
2. Note the predicted high and low times, heights, and overall range.
3. Check wind, waves, visibility, precipitation, and official warnings.
4. Allow for the local offset between the gauge and your exact location.
5. Verify actual water, access, navigation, and regulations before departure.

Planning only: Data can be delayed, unavailable, or unrepresentative of a nearby micro-location. Never use this page as a substitute for official charts, notices, warnings, or direct observation.

Official references

• NOAA CO-OPS station 8658120
• NOAA tide predictions for Wilmington
• NOAA tide and current FAQs
• National Weather Service marine forecasts