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
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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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 tide is best at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse profile favors low tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse profile uses wind from NW (315°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 280° to 350°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse scoring profile favors swell from SE (90° to 180°), a swell-height range of 0.8m to 3.5m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?
The main season at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr. A secondary window runs Aug. Hurricane season epic. Winter brings consistent swell.
How do I get to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?
The spot profile lists ORF as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 120 minutes. National Seashore. 4WD beach access available.
What kind of wave is Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
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