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North Carolina • Outer BanksBuoy: 44086

Kitty Hawk

Good

Wave Height

1-3

ft

Swell

~6s

E

Wind

11mph

Sideshore (SSE)

Water

49°

6/5mm + boots/hood

Rising• High in 2h 59m

Updated: 3/20/2026, 5:33:43 PM • Data: Open-Meteo

Accurate?

Surf Graph

Clean
Fair
Choppy
Flat

Tide Forecast

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 49°F. A 6/5mm wetsuit with boots, gloves, and hood is essential.

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 8:40 PM 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 2:56 AM 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 like your best bet with 3ft waves and cross-onshore winds helping to clean things up, plus you'll catch the incoming tide around high at 3:54 AM. The period's a bit short at 4 seconds, but it's the most size you'll see all week.

Updated 3/20/2026, 6:10:28 PM

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.