Cape Hatteras

Challenging waves for adventurous surfers on Atlantic swells.

Cape Hatteras is a powerful sand-bottom beach break on North Carolina's Outer Banks, earning the nickname 'The Wave Magnet' for its ability to pick up swell from nearly every direction thanks to the refracting effect of Diamond Shoals. Waves typically range from 3-5 feet but winter nor'easters regularly push surf into the 8-10 foot range, with December offering the biggest and highest-quality conditions. The ever-shifting sandbars create new peaks constantly, and the quick drop-off to deeper water allows swells to maintain their energy right to the shoreline. Best surfed with north-northwest offshore winds and south or southeast swells, it delivers year-round consistency across fall, winter, and spring with uncrowded lineups spread across miles of open beach.

Best months to surf Cape Hatteras

Wave consistency

Moderate

Things to do nearby

• Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills
• Explore the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and its historic lighthouse
• Take a drive along the scenic Highway 12, which runs the length of the Outer Banks
• Enjoy fishing, kayaking, and other water sports in the Pamlico Sound