The Surf Window

Cape Hatteras

North Carolina, USA

Beach breakIntermediate

The Outer Banks' most powerful and exposed surf destination, Cape Hatteras is a historic lighthouse point where the Gulf Stream meets the Labrador Current, creating nutrient-rich waters and powerful, frequently epic surf conditions.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)
Size–SE 1.5–3m at 12–16s

Wind

W

Light to SW under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Sep–Nov and Mar–May

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Multiple peaks, fast and powerful, both lefts and rights

Length

60–150m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate to advanced
  • •Why: Powerful beach break with strong rips and variable conditions

Hazards

  • •Diamond Shoals offshore creates dangerous currents, "Graveyard of the Atlantic"
  • •Strong rip currents year-round
  • •Can be very crowded at the main beach access points

Local Tips

  • •The lighthouse was moved 2,900 feet inland in 1999, the original site is now surf
  • •South of the lighthouse is the most consistent surf area
  • •Hurricanes passing offshore create the best swells, September is peak hurricane swell season

Location

Map showing the location of Cape Hatteras in North Carolina, USA

35.2508, -75.5286