Best Time to Ride · Outer Banks – Waves vs Wrightsville Beach
Outer Banks – Waves vs Wrightsville Beach: which is better for surfing?
Outer Banks – Waves or Wrightsville Beach? Month by month: windy days, waves and water temperature side by side, from years of weather data.
Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Outer Banks – Waves has bigger waves in 9 of 12 months.
- Wrightsville Beach has warmer water in 12 of 12 months.
- Best months at Outer Banks – Waves: January–March, December.
- Best months at Wrightsville Beach: January–April, September–December.
- 260 km apart.
BestDec–Mar
Outer Banks
Waves · United States
Beginner-friendly · 10°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves · ✈ EWN 153 km
Water temperature per month (°C)
JFMAMJJASOND9812172126292825211611
Best time to go →
BestSep–Apr
Wrightsville Beach
United States
Beginner-friendly · 17°C water in season, 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ ILM 13 km
Water temperature per month (°C)
JFMAMJJASOND121114192226292927231914
Best time to go →Wave height: average daily maximum. Water: average sea surface temperature.