Swell Intel

Cape Hatteras Surf Forecast, North Carolina

North Carolina

Cape Hatteras surf spot

Current Conditions

Fair
Wave Height
2-3ft
knee to waist high
Swell Period
6.2s
Wind
6mph
S / Gusts 8mph
Conditions
Fair
Active Swells
Primary
2.3ft @ 6sSE
Secondary
0.5ft @ 13sESE
Tertiary
0.5ft @ 11sESE

Cape Hatteras 5-Day Forecast Summary

Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.

Sun, May 10: 23ft, 6s period, rated Fair. Expect 2-3ft all day on SE swell at 6s with gentle S breeze — nothing amazing but surfable.

Mon, May 11: 12ft, 12s period, rated Poor. Not the most exciting day — 1-2ft and poor conditions with 7mph from the WSW. Afternoon breeze fills in to 19mph.

Tue, May 12: 34ft, 8s period, rated Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 3-4ft and mostly poor with strong NE wind at 21mph.

Wed, May 13: 12ft, 7s period, rated Poor. Get out early for the best of it — 2-3ft waves on E swell at 7s and light winds out of the SSE. Onshore flow builds through the day to 14mph, bringing conditions down to poor.

Thu, May 14: 12ft, 12s period, rated Poor. Slim pickings today — 1-2ft and poor with 13mph WNW winds.

Nearest Webcam

Daily Forecast

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Forecast Charts

Cape Hatteras Surf Spot Guide

Break
Beach
Bottom
Sand
Level
Expert
Crowd
Heavy
Best Swell
E
Best Wind
W
Season
Fall

Cape Hatteras is the crown jewel of East Coast surfing, where the barrier islands bend sharply east into the Atlantic near Diamond Shoals. Three old groins create defined peaks — the First Jetty produces barreling lefts on NE swell, while the Third Jetty delivers sweeping rights on S/SE swell. The cape's unique geometry acts as a wave magnet, picking up swell from virtually every direction, and proximity to the Gulf Stream delivers powerful groundswells year-round.

Submerged jetty pilings and metalStrong rips and undertowHeavy localismPowerful cleanup setsShifting sandbars

Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.

Cape Hatteras Surf Forecast FAQ

What is the current surf forecast for Cape Hatteras?

The current wave height at Cape Hatteras is 2-3ft with a 6.2s swell period. Wind is S at 6mph and conditions are rated Fair. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.

What is the breaking wave height at Cape Hatteras?

The current breaking wave height at Cape Hatteras is 2-3ft, produced by a 2.3ft SE primary swell at 6s, a 0.5ft ESE secondary swell at 13s, a 0.5ft ESE tertiary swell at 11s. Breaking wave height is the actual rideable wave size at the shore — calculated from offshore swell data using this spot's coastal bathymetry — not the raw buoy reading.

When is the best time to surf Cape Hatteras?

Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Cape Hatteras is Wednesday from 6 AM to 9 AM with 2ft waves, a 7.4s swell period, and conditions rated Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.

What swell and wind direction work best at Cape Hatteras?

Cape Hatteras works best with a E swell and W winds. Offshore winds groom the face of the wave, while onshore winds turn it sloppy. Cross-offshore conditions usually produce the cleanest shape.

What tide is best at Cape Hatteras?

Tide plays a big role at Cape Hatteras. Mid tide works for most beach breaks, while reef and point breaks often prefer higher or lower stages. Use the tide chart above to line up your session with the swell peak.

What kind of wave is Cape Hatteras and who is it for?

Cape Hatteras is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to expert surfers. Cape Hatteras is the crown jewel of East Coast surfing, where the barrier islands bend sharply east into the Atlantic near Diamond Shoals. Three old groins create defined peaks — the First Jetty produces barreling lefts on NE swell, while the Third Jetty delivers sweeping rights on S/SE swell. The cape's unique geometry acts as a wave magnet, picking up swell from virtually every direction, and proximity to the Gulf Stream delivers powerful groundswells year-round.

When is the best season to surf Cape Hatteras?

The prime season at Cape Hatteras is fall, when swell direction, wind patterns, and water temps line up most consistently. Outside the peak season you can still score, but you'll need to watch the forecast closely for the right windows.

Are there any hazards to know about at Cape Hatteras?

Common hazards at Cape Hatteras include submerged jetty pilings and metal, strong rips and undertow, heavy localism, powerful cleanup sets, shifting sandbars. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.

How accurate is the Cape Hatteras surf forecast?

Our Cape Hatteras forecast uses NOAA GFS and other weather models combined with spot-specific bathymetry to calculate breaking wave heights. Short-range (1-3 day) forecasts are most reliable. Extended forecasts show general trends. See the forecast accuracy card above for per-spot and regional performance metrics.