Overview

Cape Point is the southern tip of Hatteras Island, where the island makes a dramatic bend into the Atlantic Ocean. This legendary Outer Banks spot marks the collision point of the cold Labrador Current and the warm Gulf Stream, creating unique oceanic conditions. The sandy point extends far into the ocean, providing access to powerful offshore swells. Cape Point is also a world-renowned surf break. Located within Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the spot requires a 4WD vehicle for beach access (Off-Road Vehicle permit required). The area is fully exposed to the elements and conditions can change rapidly.

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Spot forecast for Cape Point / Hatteras

Sunrise 07:12 · Sunset 18:21

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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 4.2 km from the spot.

Tuesday 20 October High tide 03:07 · 0.8 m Low tide 08:51 · 0.4 m High tide 15:23 · 1 m Low tide 21:58 · 0.4 m
Wednesday 21 October High tide 03:59 · 0.9 m Low tide 09:55 · 0.4 m High tide 16:13 · 1 m Low tide 22:35 · 0.3 m
Thursday 22 October High tide 04:43 · 1 m Low tide 10:52 · 0.3 m High tide 16:59 · 1 m Low tide 23:11 · 0.3 m
Friday 23 October High tide 05:26 · 1.1 m Low tide 11:44 · 0.3 m High tide 17:43 · 1 m Low tide 23:49 · 0.2 m
Saturday 24 October High tide 06:08 · 1.2 m Low tide 12:33 · 0.2 m High tide 18:29 · 1 m

Cape Point / Hatteras: 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

172h

in March · 18 rideable days

Wind is uneven from month to month: the best months are September, August and October, at 22 rideable days and 25 °C. The low point is January, at 8 days.

Rideable days per month

Wind strength when it is rideable

7-12 knots · 79%13-20 knots · 20%21-30 knots · 1%

When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 79% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is January, at 10 °C. The wettest month is March, with 298 mm.

Monthly averages: Cape Point / Hatteras

Monthly averages — Cape Point / Hatteras — averaged over 2 years of records — Weather data by Open-Meteo.com — How it is calculated
Month	Rideable days	Usable wind	Temperature	Rain
January	8.0	62 h	10 °C	47 mm
February	15.0	138 h	13 °C	75 mm
March	18.0	172 h	17 °C	298 mm
April	16.0	143 h	21 °C	68 mm
May	16.0	164 h	25 °C	192 mm
June	13.0	106 h	28 °C	36 mm
July	13.0	131 h	30 °C	138 mm
August	22.5	212 h	28 °C	146 mm
September	23.5	256 h	26 °C	118 mm
October	20.0	206 h	22 °C	77 mm
November	11.5	105 h	18 °C	76 mm
December	12.5	106 h	13 °C	151 mm

Photo gallery of Cape Point / Hatteras

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Technical details of Cape Point / Hatteras spot

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

Rideable Not rideable

Spot opening date · Required level

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

On the water

Powerful ocean conditions with consistent swells from the open Atlantic. The Labrador Current and Gulf Stream collide offshore, creating strong and unpredictable currents. Waves can be excellent for kitesurfing in NE to SE winds. Powerful shore break must be managed during launching and landing. Sandy bottom with shifting sandbars. Conditions are highly variable depending on wind and swell direction. In bigger weather, waves can easily exceed 6 feet.

Hazards

Very strong currents off Cape Point — tidal currents and ocean currents can pull riders offshore rapidly. Violent shore break during significant swells. Sharks are present in the area (Gulf Stream and Labrador Current convergence zone). Stingrays in shallow water — do the stingray shuffle. Sea nettles (jellyfish) common in summer. Access is 4WD only, which can complicate rescue operations. Violent afternoon thunderstorms possible in summer with lightning risk. Active fishing area — watch for fishing lines and hooks.

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Hatteras, Mitchell Field8.5 kmsource noaa

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Additional stations

BUXTON2.8 km

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source madis - NOAA

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Webcams near Cape Point / Hatteras

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Nearby spots

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Cape Point / Hatteras kitesurf, wingfoil and windsurf spot