Swell Intel

Salvo Surf Forecast, North Carolina

Live

North Carolina

Right now
Poor
overall conditions
1ft
ankle to knee high
Onshore·E 9 mph
Swell2.1ft @ 6s SSE
TideHigh, rising · high 7:52 PM

Conditions stay similar this week — check the hourly forecast at Salvo for the cleanest windows.

Salvo 5-Day Forecast Summary

Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Salvo, 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: 22ft, 6s period, rated Poor. Get out early for the best of it — 2-3ft waves on S swell at 7s and glassy conditions. Conditions go downhill through the afternoon.

Thu, Jun 25: 11ft, 6s period, rated Very Poor. Slim pickings today — 1ft and very poor with moderate ESE wind around 11mph.

Fri, Jun 26: 11ft, 6s period, rated Poor. Not the most exciting day — 1ft and very poor conditions with 14mph out of the SW.

Sat, Jun 27: 12ft, 6s period, rated Poor. A slow one — 1-2ft waves and poor conditions with 21mph out of the SW.

Sun, Jun 28: 12ft, 10s period, rated Poor. A slow one — 1-2ft waves and poor conditions with 12mph NW winds.

Daily Forecast

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Salvo Surf Spot Guide

Break
Beach
Bottom
Sand
Level
Beginner
Crowd
Light
Best Swell
E
Best Wind
W
Season
Fall

Salvo is a mellow beach break located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, offering accessible waves perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers. The sandy bottom provides forgiving conditions and consistent peaks that work across a range of swell sizes and wind directions. This quieter spot sees minimal crowds compared to nearby breaks, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxed, uncrowded session on the Outer Banks.

ShorebreakWind exposureSeasonal rip currents

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

Salvo Surf Forecast FAQ

(9)

What is the current surf forecast for Salvo?

The current wave height at Salvo is 1ft with a 6.4s swell period. Wind is E at 9mph and conditions are rated Poor. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.

What is the breaking wave height at Salvo?

The current breaking wave height at Salvo is 1ft, produced by a 2.1ft SSE primary swell at 6s, a 1.8ft NNE secondary swell at 5s. 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 Salvo?

Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Salvo is Sunday from 7 AM to 10 AM with 2ft waves, a 5.6s swell period, and conditions rated Poor - Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.

What swell and wind direction work best at Salvo?

Salvo 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 Salvo?

Tide plays a big role at Salvo. 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 Salvo and who is it for?

Salvo is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to beginner surfers. Salvo is a mellow beach break located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, offering accessible waves perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers. The sandy bottom provides forgiving conditions and consistent peaks that work across a range of swell sizes and wind directions. This quieter spot sees minimal crowds compared to nearby breaks, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxed, uncrowded session on the Outer Banks.

When is the best season to surf Salvo?

The prime season at Salvo 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 Salvo?

Common hazards at Salvo include shorebreak, wind exposure, seasonal rip currents. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.

How accurate is the Salvo surf forecast?

Our Salvo 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.