Cape Hatteras
Cape Hatteras is the East Coast's swell magnet—a remote barrier island jutting into the Atlantic that catches more swells than any other US East Coast location. The lighthouse backdrop provides iconic imagery, while Cape Point and various beach breaks along the National Seashore offer variety depending on conditions. Hurricane season brings the goods, winter nor'easters fill in the gaps, and the relative remoteness keeps crowds manageable. For East Coast surfers seeking consistent waves without the California crowds, Hatteras rewards the drive.
Today's Conditions
Location & Conditions
Tide Times
Strike Score Breakdown
Location & Conditions
Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Direction range
- 45° - 150°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.3m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Offshore range
- 225° - 315°
- Best window
- morning
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.2m
Water temp
20°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
3/10
👥 Spring Break (Mar 14 – Mar 22) — expect extra crowds
Access: Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Many peaks.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Aug, Apr
Hurricane season and nor'easters. Best East Coast consistency.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
🦓 The lighthouse • Prime swell window • East Coast's best position
S-Turns
🛣️ Highway 12 curves • Remote OBX power • Hurricane season glory
Jennettes Pier
📹 OBX landmark • Live webcam central • Consistent sandbars
Croatan Beach
🏠 VB local's choice • Less crowded • Better sandbars
Virginia Beach First Street
🏅 ECSC since 1963 • Longest-running contest • Mid-Atlantic hub