North Carolina • Outer BanksBuoy: 44086

Outer Banks Beach

Junky

Wave Height

1-2

ft

Swell

~5s

E

Wind

7mph

Onshore (NE)

Water

78°

Boardshorts

Rising• High in 1h 12m

Updated: 9/18/2026, 5:39:02 PM • Data: Open-Meteo

Accurate?

Surf Graph

Clean
Fair
Choppy
Flat

Tide Forecast

Today
H5:37am2.7ft
L11:44am1.2ft
H6:20pm3.4ft
Tomorrow
L1:06am1.3ft
H6:52am2.7ft
L12:46pm1.3ft
H7:28pm3.4ft
Mon, Sep 21
L2:00am1.2ft
H8:02am2.8ft
L1:45pm1.2ft
H8:24pm3.5ft
Tue, Sep 22
L2:47am1.1ft

Recent History

No recent history available
Outer Banks Beach

About Outer Banks Beach

World-class Carolina surf destination with powerful swells and warm water.

FAQ

What is the water temperature at Outer Banks Beach?

The current water temperature at Outer Banks Beach is 78°F. Boardshorts or a rashguard should be comfortable.

What is the surf like at Outer Banks Beach today?

Outer Banks Beach currently has waves around 1-2ft. Conditions change throughout the day, so check back for updated forecasts.

What time is high tide at Outer Banks Beach?

Today's high tide at Outer Banks Beach is at 1:37 AM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What time is low tide at Outer Banks Beach?

Today's low tide at Outer Banks Beach is at 8:03 PM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What are the best conditions for surfing Outer Banks Beach?

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

Is Outer Banks Beach good for beginners?

Outer Banks Beach 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

Wednesday afternoon looks like the cleanest window with 3ft waves on a light offshore breeze, though Tuesday PM could work if you're keen on slightly bigger 4ft faces before the wind turns onshore. Stick to Wed if you want the best quality this week.

Updated 9/14/2026, 6:18:02 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.