Overview

Cape Lookout is the spectacular southern tip of the Core Banks, a wild and uninhabited barrier island within Cape Lookout National Seashore. Accessible only by boat or ferry from Harkers Island, this spot offers a truly wild kiting experience. The Cape Lookout Lighthouse with its distinctive black and white diamond pattern is an iconic landmark. The point offers unique conditions with Atlantic waves on one side and calm waters of Lookout Bight on the other. Advanced spot due to total isolation and powerful currents around the point.

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Spot forecast for Cape Lookout

Sunrise 07:16 · Sunset 18:25

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< 7 kn7–12 kn13–20 kn21–30 kn31–40 kn41+ kn Gusts Your minimum: 7 kn

Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo

Swell and waves

Swell and tides over 8 days. Premium members see the swell and tides over 8 days. Without a subscription: 5 days.

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Wave height: < 0.5 m 0.5–1 m 1–2 m 2–3 m ≥ 3 m

Swell data by Open-Meteo Marine

Tides

Heights above lowest astronomical tide, in the spot's local time. Computed 3.3 km from the spot.

Tuesday 20 October High tide 02:45 · 1.1 m Low tide 08:43 · 0.5 m High tide 15:10 · 1.2 m Low tide 21:28 · 0.4 m
Wednesday 21 October High tide 03:41 · 1.1 m Low tide 09:38 · 0.4 m High tide 16:02 · 1.2 m Low tide 22:13 · 0.4 m
Thursday 22 October High tide 04:30 · 1.2 m Low tide 10:33 · 0.4 m High tide 16:49 · 1.3 m Low tide 22:57 · 0.3 m
Friday 23 October High tide 05:15 · 1.3 m Low tide 11:27 · 0.3 m High tide 17:34 · 1.3 m Low tide 23:41 · 0.3 m
Saturday 24 October High tide 05:59 · 1.4 m Low tide 12:18 · 0.3 m High tide 18:19 · 1.3 m

Cape Lookout: when to go?

Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)

Season · peak

359h

in August · 30.5 rideable days

The season runs from March to September, peaking in August: 29 rideable days a month and 359 hours of usable wind, at 23 °C. The low point is January, at 19 days.

Rideable days per month

Wind strength when it is rideable

7-12 knots · 43%13-20 knots · 45%21-30 knots · 11%31+ knots · 1%

When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 13 and 20 knots — 45% of rideable hours. That is the most versatile range, where most kites work. The coldest month is January, at 12 °C. The wettest month is August, with 270 mm.

Monthly averages: Cape Lookout

Monthly averages — Cape Lookout — averaged over 2 years of records — Weather data by Open-Meteo.com — How it is calculated
Month	Rideable days	Usable wind	Temperature	Rain
January	19.0	148 h	12 °C	43 mm
February	24.5	230 h	13 °C	41 mm
March	27.0	289 h	16 °C	165 mm
April	27.5	324 h	18 °C	62 mm
May	30.0	337 h	22 °C	127 mm
June	29.0	366 h	25 °C	100 mm
July	29.5	385 h	27 °C	69 mm
August	30.5	359 h	27 °C	270 mm
September	26.5	315 h	25 °C	162 mm
October	25.0	262 h	21 °C	91 mm
November	20.5	183 h	18 °C	63 mm
December	24.5	205 h	14 °C	108 mm

Photo gallery of Cape Lookout

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Technical details of Cape Lookout spot

The spot works with winds from N, NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW.

Rideable Not rideable

Spot opening date · Required level

Spot opening date: Open all year round
Required level: Advanced

On the water

Two water bodies: ocean side with powerful Atlantic waves and shore break, bight (bay) side with calmer water but tidal currents. The point itself creates strong currents. In NE to SE winds, wave conditions are excellent on the ocean side. In SW wind, the bight side offers flatter conditions. Sandy bottom with shifting bars. Exposed sandbars at low tide.

Hazards

Totally isolated spot — accessible only by boat, no rescue on site, no drinking water or shelter. Powerful tidal currents around the point. Sharks present in the area (major fishing zone). Stingrays. Jellyfish in summer. Powerful shore break on ocean side. No reliable cell coverage. Bring water, food and sun protection. Always ride with a buddy and inform someone of your plans.

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Beaufort Smith Field18 kmsource noaa

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Additional stations

Michael J. Smith Field Airport18 km

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source aviationweather.gov
Beaufort, NC NWLON17.8 km

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source madis - NOAA

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Webcams near Cape Lookout

Webcams provided by Windy.com

Nearby spots

All spots: North Carolina

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Cape Lookout kitesurf, wingfoil and windsurf spot