Surfing in North Carolina
2 surfing spots in North Carolina, United States. The colours show each month: the stronger, the better for surfing.
Updated October 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Best waves in North Carolina: September (around 1.2 m, water 27°C, no wetsuit).
- Smaller waves and the warmest water, good for beginners: July–August (around 1 m, water 29°C, no wetsuit).
- Top picks: Wrightsville Beach & Outer Banks – Waves.
- For beginners: Wrightsville Beach & Outer Banks – Waves.
Wrightsville BeachNorth Carolina (New Hanover County), United States · best January–April, September–DecemberBeginner-friendly · 17°C water in season, 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ ILM 13 kmWave height: average daily maximum.
Month by month in North Carolina
| Month | Waves | Water | Wetsuit | Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 1.3 m | 12°C | 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves | 12°C |
| FebruaryFeb | 1.3 m | 11°C | 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves | 15°C |
| MarchMar | 1.3 m | 14°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 19°C |
| AprilApr | 1.2 m | 19°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 23°C |
| MayMay | 1.1 m | 22°C | shorty | 26°C |
| JuneJun | 1 m | 26°C | no wetsuit | 29°C |
| JulyJul | 1 m | 29°C | no wetsuit | 31°C |
| AugustAug | 1 m | 29°C | no wetsuit | 30°C |
| SeptemberSep | 1.2 m | 27°C | no wetsuit | 28°C |
| OctoberOct | 1.2 m | 23°C | shorty | 23°C |
| NovemberNov | 1.2 m | 19°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 19°C |
| DecemberDec | 1.3 m | 14°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 14°C |
Averages of the 2 spots on this page. Best months highlighted. Air: average daytime high.
Questions
When is the best time for surfing in North Carolina?
Best waves in North Carolina: September (around 1.2 m, water 27°C, no wetsuit). Smaller waves and the warmest water, good for beginners: July–August (around 1 m, water 29°C, no wetsuit).
What wetsuit do I need in North Carolina?
It depends on the month: about 29°C water in July (no wetsuit) and about 11°C in February (5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves).
Is North Carolina good for beginners?
Yes, these spots suit beginners: Wrightsville Beach & Outer Banks – Waves.
Which airport is closest?
Wilmington International Airport (ILM), 13 km from Wrightsville Beach; Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN), 153 km from Outer Banks – Waves.