North Carolina · United States
Hatteras / New Inlet, North Carolina (USA)
16.5kts
SSW · Wind season
Hatteras inlet demands respect: strong NNE winds, fast currents that shift with tide, and moving sandbars. Come prepared or stay home.
- 16.5kts
- Average wind
- 281
- Windy days / year
- 15:00–18:00
- Peak wind hours
- SSW
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Pitt-Greenville, NC
- Coordinates
- 35.6743, -75.4833
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
82%
rideable
20.1 kts
Feb
81%
rideable
20.4 kts
Mar
85%
rideable
20.4 kts
Apr
90%
rideable
18.7 kts
May
71%
rideable
17 kts
Jun
58%
rideable
17.1 kts
Jul
66%
rideable
18.1 kts
Aug
61%
rideable
18.1 kts
Sep
70%
rideable
18.7 kts
Oct
82%
rideable
19 kts
Nov
88%
rideable
17.6 kts
Dec
85%
rideable
19.1 kts
Best wind directions
- SSW
- NNE
- N
- SW
- NE
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Choppy
Best months
Hazards
- Strong currents and shoaling around inlet channels with unpredictable water movement
- Choppy ocean conditions and potential wave chop requiring solid wave riding skills
- Shallow water hazards and sandbars that shift seasonally throughout the inlet area
- Weather changes can be rapid; monitor local forecasts as storms develop quickly offshore
What that means for you
- Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
- Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water
Amenities
- Nearby Hatteras Village offers kiteboarding schools, equipment rental, and repair shops
- Restaurants, accommodations, and gas stations accessible in the village
- Public beach access with parking facilities available during peak season
Local tips
Hatteras is known for consistent wind and draws advanced riders; check local tide tables before sessions as inlet currents dramatically affect riding conditions. The spot shines spring through fall when weather is most stable.
Launch & beach
Launch from sandy beach areas with attention to tide and inlet current flow; NNE and N winds provide the most consistent and cleanest conditions for launching safely.
Local etiquette
Respect local fishermen and boating traffic common in the inlet; stay aware of other water users and maintain clear communication on the water.
What to wear
A 3-4mm wetsuit is essential year-round; water temperatures range from cool (winter: 45°F) to warm (summer: 75°F), so adjust accordingly for the season.
What to pack
Kite sizes
- 14–17 mlight wind, under 14 kn
- 11–14 mtypical sessions, 14–22 kn
- 8–10 mstrong days, 20–28 kn
Boards
- Twintip — universal, bring one
What to wear (by climate)
- In the water
- 3/2 mm full wetsuit.
- On land
- Hoody and jacket; long pants in the evening.
Derived from the spot's latitude (temperate zone) and current season.
Right of way & manners
- 1Rider entering the water has right of way over riders coming in.
- 2Upwind rider gives way — keep your kite high when passing downwind riders low.
- 3Starboard tack (right hand forward) has priority when crossing.
- 4Overtaking rider keeps clear of the slower rider's line.
- 5Wave riding: the rider on the wave owns it — don't drop in.
Spot guide
The Experience
Hatteras isn't a mellow beach break. You come here for wind—consistent, strong, and relentless. The Outer Banks funnel Atlantic systems down the coast, and Hatteras sits where that energy concentrates. NNE and N winds deliver the cleanest conditions. SSW brings chop. Launch from the sandy beach and you'll feel the funneling effect immediately—reported average is 16.5 knots, but actual riding wind runs higher.
Wind & Conditions
280+ windy days annually means Hatteras works almost constantly. April through November is most stable. Winter (Jan–Feb) still delivers legitimate sessions, though weather windows tighten and systems develop faster offshore.
Forecast obsessively. Conditions change hard and fast here.
The Water
This is where Hatteras gets serious. Strong inlet currents dominate. Shallow sandbars shift through the channels, creating chopped-up conditions even on "clean" days. Current vectors swing dramatically with tide—high and low tide create different hazards and different safety margins.
Check tide tables before you launch. Ignoring tide means fighting position loss or getting pushed toward hazards you didn't account for.
Who It's For
Intermediate minimum. You need solid wave-riding ability because chop isn't optional. You also need to read current and water movement. Advanced kiters come here specifically for consistency and wind intensity despite the choppy conditions. Beginners will get schooled.
Access & Scene
Hatteras Village is small but functional: local kite schools, rental and repair shops, food and gas nearby. Public beach access with parking. The beach is long enough to avoid stacking during peak season. Spring and fall offer the most consistent wind and fewest weather surprises. Summer brings lighter thermal winds mixed with Hatteras systems.
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