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North Carolina • Outer BanksBuoy: 44086

Kitty Hawk

Junky

Wave Height

1-3

ft

Swell

~3s

SE

Wind

17mph

Offshore (SSW)

Water

72°

Boardshorts

Rising• High in 5h 25m

Updated: 7/21/2026, 5:33:55 PM • Data: Open-Meteo

Accurate?

Surf Graph

Clean
Fair
Choppy
Flat

Tide Forecast

Today
H7:06pm3.4ft
Tomorrow
L1:42am0.8ft
H7:16am2.4ft
L1:11pm0.6ft
H8:01pm3.3ft
Fri, Jul 24
L2:36am0.8ft
H8:17am2.4ft
L2:01pm0.6ft
H8:50pm3.4ft
Sat, Jul 25
L3:29am0.7ft
H9:11am2.4ft

Recent History

No recent history available

About Kitty Hawk

Kitty Hawk offers accessible Outer Banks surf with a mix of beach break peaks along its shore. The waves are generally user-friendly, making it popular with beginners and longboarders. Stronger swells bring more performance-oriented conditions. It's one of the easier OBX spots to access, which means crowds on good days, but the vibe stays mellow.

FAQ

What is the water temperature at Kitty Hawk?

The current water temperature at Kitty Hawk is 72°F. Boardshorts or a rashguard should be comfortable.

What is the surf like at Kitty Hawk today?

Kitty Hawk currently has waves around 1-3ft. Conditions change throughout the day, so check back for updated forecasts.

What time is high tide at Kitty Hawk?

Today's high tide at Kitty Hawk is at 2:09 AM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What time is low tide at Kitty Hawk?

Today's low tide at Kitty Hawk is at 8:42 PM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What are the best conditions for surfing Kitty Hawk?

Kitty Hawk works best with swells from the E, ENE, NE and W, SW winds (offshore). The ideal tide is mid.

Is Kitty Hawk good for beginners?

Kitty Hawk is best suited for intermediate surfers who are comfortable paddling out and catching unbroken waves. Beginners may find it challenging on bigger days.

This Week's Outlook

Tuesday morning looks most promising with clean 1-foot waves, light onshore flow, and a decent incoming tide around the 7 AM low. Friday morning could work too if you can handle the stronger wind, but Tuesday's your safer bet for fun, mellow surf.

Updated 6/15/2026, 6:10:21 AM

Spot Info

Break TypeBeach Break
BottomSand
Skill LevelIntermediate to Advanced
CrowdModerate
Best TideMid
Best SwellE, ENE, NE
Best WindW, SW
ParkingBeach access ramps and street parking

Local Tip

OBX is the East Coast swell magnet. Hurricane season is prime. Respect the power during big swells.