The Surf Window

Hampton Beach

New Hampshire, USA

Beach breakBeginner

New Hampshire's only ocean beach, Hampton Beach packs a lot of East Coast surf culture into a small space, a lively resort community with consistent northeast swell, carnival atmosphere, and surprisingly good surf when conditions align.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–E 1–2m at 10–14s

Wind

W

Light to SW under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Sep–Nov

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Multiple peaks along the beach

Length

40–80m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
  • •Why: Consistent beach break with manageable conditions

Hazards

  • •Very crowded in summer
  • •Rip currents near the jetty
  • •Cold water from October, wetsuit essential

Local Tips

  • •The north end near the jetty gets better shape from the focused swell
  • •Hampton Beach is New Hampshire's biggest summer party destination, avoid July and August for surfing
  • •The Casino Ballroom has been hosting concerts since 1926, a piece of New England history

Location

Map showing the location of Hampton Beach in New Hampshire, USA

42.9095, -70.8107