Wind, Waves & Weather | 12 months of Outer Banks Sessions

With over sixty years combined experience living full time on the Outer Banks, Trip Forman and Matt Nuzzo give an overview of year round conditions at REAL in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. They discuss wind direction, speeds, waves, air and water temps, plus what gear to bring to maximize your sessions. 

Year-Round Watersports Paradise

With 20 or more windy days per month, twelve months per year, it’s no wonder the Wright Brothers chose the Outer Banks for their “First in Flight” mission. This same consistent wind made Cape Hatteras an internationally recognized destination for windsurfing, kiteboarding and now wing foiling.

While many think Spring and Fall are our windiest seasons, most don’t realize that Summer actually comes out on top with the most windy days per month - meaning the most consistent winds and sessions. Spring and Fall see our highest peak wind speeds. All twelve months produce twenty or more windy days per month. June and July often produce 30 days with warm air and water. August isn’t too far behind, with winds shifting more to the northeast. Warm and windy summer fun for the entire family!

Wave wise the Outer Banks receives swell from the NW all the way around to the SW. That’s a huge swell window. Driving up and down the coast also allows you to turn almost any wind direction into a favorable one. The best swells hit the back half of August through mid May. Our summer time waves are perfect for learning, family surfs, fishes and longboards. While most surfers associate our areas with heavy barrels, there are also plenty of rippable waves for all abilities. We surf four months in trunks (June, July, August and September) with the rest of the year in wetsuits ranging from spring suits up to 4/3 and 5/4mm hooded suits.

A Monthly Guide to the Conditions

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect throughout the year, so you can plan your trip accordingly:

Winter (January - March): Don't let the cold scare you! January and February require a 5mm wetsuit, boots, and gloves, but the reward is plenty of wind and waves. March is a transitional month with "wooly conditions," still calling for a 4-5mm wetsuit. Regular warm fronts during this period can bring air and water temps into the 60s F. Keep an eye on the conditions, and always bring all your gear so you’re prepared. 

Spring (April - May): April brings warmer southwest winds, which heat up the Pamlico Sound and Atlantic Ocean. May sees the wind switch to a blend of southwest and northeast, and while the surf is still great, a full wetsuit is recommended. 

Summer (June - August): The heat is on! In June, you might only need trunks or a wetsuit top, with smaller waves perfect for longboarding and foiling. July and August are prime summer months with warm temperatures, consistent winds, and board shorts being the norm. Summer family surfing is prime time during this period, with clear, warm water, fun waves and the ability to find your own break. 

Fall (September - December): This is a local favorite. September is considered the best month for kitesurfing on waves, with great winds and powerful hurricane swells. October is still quite warm, often only needing a shorty or a 3/2mm wetsuit. As it gets colder, November requires a 4/3mm wetsuit, while December's main challenge is the shorter daylight hours, making a 4/3mm with a hood the go-to gear.

More than just Watersports

Beyond the epic year round conditions, REAL offers the full watersports resort experience with waterfront accommodations at Watermen’s Retreat, rental gear available at the REAL Rental Shop, Lessons and Camps at the REAL Lesson Center, and waterfront food/drinks available at Watermen’s Bar & Grill.

We hope to see you here soon!