What is the current surf forecast for Duck?
The current wave height at Duck is 0-1ft with a 4.6s swell period. Wind is ESE at 12mph and conditions are rated Poor. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.
Duck Surf Forecast, North Carolina
North Carolina
Right now
Poor
overall conditions
0-1ft
flat to ankle high
Onshore·ESE 12–14 mph
Swell1.6ft @ 5s NNE
TideLow, falling · low 10:00 PM
Conditions stay similar this week — check the hourly forecast at Duck for the cleanest windows.
Duck 5-Day Forecast Summary
Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Duck, North Carolina. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.
Wed, Jun 24: 2–3ft, 5s period, rated Poor - Fair. Dawn patrol is the move — 3-4ft on SE swell at 7s with calm winds. Conditions go downhill through the afternoon.
Thu, Jun 25: 0–1ft, 7s period, rated Very Poor. Slim pickings today — 0-1ft and very poor with light winds out of the SSE. Afternoon breeze fills in to 15mph.
Fri, Jun 26: 1–1ft, 7s period, rated Very Poor. A slow one — 0-1ft waves and very poor conditions with moderate SSW wind around 9mph. Expect the wind to bump up to around 17mph by PM.
Sat, Jun 27: 1–1ft, 9s period, rated Poor. Not the most exciting day — 1ft and poor conditions with 16mph out of the SW.
Sun, Jun 28: 1–1ft, 10s period, rated Poor. A slow one — 1ft waves and poor conditions with moderate NW wind around 11mph.
Daily Forecast
Duck Surf Spot Guide
Break
Beach
Bottom
Sand
Level
Beginner
Crowd
Moderate
Best Swell
E
Best Wind
W
Season
Fall
Duck is a mellow beach break on the northern Outer Banks that picks up E and NE Atlantic swells along its east-facing shoreline. The sandy bottom creates forgiving, rolling peaks ideal for learning and progression. This quieter stretch of the OBX sees fewer crowds than the Kill Devil Hills to Nags Head corridor, making it a good option for surfers seeking space.
Strong currents during stormsOffshore wind variabilityCrowded during summer months
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
Duck Surf Forecast FAQ
(9)
Duck Surf Forecast FAQ
(9)What is the breaking wave height at Duck?
The current breaking wave height at Duck is 0-1ft, produced by a 1.6ft NNE primary swell at 5s, a 0.9ft SE secondary swell at 7s, a 0.3ft E 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 Duck?
Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Duck is Sunday from 2 PM to 5 PM with 1ft waves, a 9.7s swell period, and conditions rated Poor. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.
What swell and wind direction work best at Duck?
Duck 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 Duck?
Tide plays a big role at Duck. 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 Duck and who is it for?
Duck is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to beginner surfers. Duck is a mellow beach break on the northern Outer Banks that picks up E and NE Atlantic swells along its east-facing shoreline. The sandy bottom creates forgiving, rolling peaks ideal for learning and progression. This quieter stretch of the OBX sees fewer crowds than the Kill Devil Hills to Nags Head corridor, making it a good option for surfers seeking space.
When is the best season to surf Duck?
The prime season at Duck 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 Duck?
Common hazards at Duck include strong currents during storms, offshore wind variability, crowded during summer months. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.
How accurate is the Duck surf forecast?
Our Duck 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. Visit /public/accuracy for per-spot and regional performance metrics.