Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Cape Hatteras occupies the most favorable position on the East Coast—a bend in the coastline where the Outer Banks jut into the Atlantic, intercepting swells that miss everywhere else. The iconic striped lighthouse stands watch over miles of sandbars that transform into powerful beach breaks when hurricanes track offshore or winter nor'easters sweep through. The remote location within Cape Hatteras National Seashore means fewer crowds and more empty peaks for those willing to make the drive. For serious East Coast surfers, Hatteras represents the closest thing to consistent, quality surf this side of the Caribbean.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse surf forecast
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (130°)
- Direction range
- 90° - 180°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2m - 2.8m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (315°)
- Offshore range
- 280° - 350°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1m
Water temp
19°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: National Seashore. 4WD beach access available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is a beach break in Buxton, USA, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse picks up swell from the E round to the S, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SE. It starts working at around 0.8m and handles up to about 3.5m, with the sweet spot around 2 to 2.8m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 9s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?
A NW wind is dead offshore at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and anything from the W round to the N keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is at its best around low tide, roughly 0.3m to 1m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?
The most reliable run of swell at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse comes Sep to Apr. There's a second window in Aug too. Hurricane season epic. Winter brings consistent swell.
How cold is the water at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?
The water at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse averages around 19°C, so you'll want a 3/2mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Cape Hatteras Lighthouse good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 5/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Strong currents. Remote location.
How do I get to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?
The nearest airport on our list is ORF, then it's roughly a 2-hour drive. National Seashore. 4WD beach access available.
What other surf spots are near Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?
The closest breaks we track are S-Turns (39 km), handy when Cape Hatteras Lighthouse isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Secondary: Aug
Hurricane season epic. Winter brings consistent swell.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
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