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.
Water temp
20°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Many peaks.
Forecasts are validated against real-time buoy data.
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Aug, Apr
Hurricane season and nor'easters. Best East Coast consistency.
Verified by Surfline spot guide
How well swell angle matches the spot
Wave height in the ideal range
Each spot has different period requirements. Points and reefs can handle longer periods than beaches.
Offshore/glassy conditions