Hatteras Island Beaches: rip current risk and surf forecast

North CarolinaNear Buxton, Dare CountyNWS zone NCZ205NWS Newport-Morehead City

Rip current risk today: Moderate. Life-threatening rip currents are possible. Swim near a lifeguard, and follow the beach patrol and its flags.

Surf 2 to 3 feet, building to 3 to 4 feet, water in the upper 70s. Buoy 41120, 16 mi out, measured 82 °F water and 2.3 ft waves. Sunset 6:59 PM.

Rip current risk: ModerateToday
Surf: 2 to 3 feet, building to 3 to 4 feetForecast
Water: In the upper 70sForecast
Sunset: 6:59 PMEDT

ModerateNorth of cape hatteras
LowSouth of cape hatteras

This office forecasts parts of the zone separately.

Rip current risk on the map

Today’s rip current risk in every surf zone the National Weather Service forecasts for over Hatteras Island Beaches. Open it for the live map, where it pans and zooms.

Open the live map with rip current risk

Map layer from NOAA National Weather Service surf zone forecasts. Boundaries from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet.

Alerts in force

No beach hazards statement, high surf advisory or other warning is in force for Hatteras Island Beaches. Those are the products a coastal office issues when the water turns dangerous. When one is issued it appears here and on the alerts page for this area.

Today and tomorrow

From the National Weather Service beach forecast, issued 747 PM EDT, 9/21/2026.

Today Tuesday

Moderate rip current risk

Rip current risk: Moderate
Surf: 2 to 3 feet, building to 3 to 4 feet
Water temperature: In the upper 70s
UV index: High
High temperature: In the lower 80s
Weather: Partly sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms
Wind: Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph
Thunderstorms: Moderate

UV index 6 to 7. Sunburn protection is needed; reduce time in the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tomorrow Wednesday

High rip current risk

Rip current risk: High
Surf: 5 to 8 feet
High temperature: In the upper 70s
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Rain and a chance of thunderstorms
Wind: Breezy. Northeast winds 20 to 25 mph
Thunderstorms: Moderate

The surf zone forecast, period by period

Hatteras Island. Issued 7:47 PM EDT on Mon, Sep 21 by the National Weather Service in Newport-Morehead City.

Moderate rip current risk in effect through tuesday evening

Tuesday

Rip Current Risk, North of Cape Hatteras: Moderate
Rip Current Risk, South of Cape Hatteras: Low
Surf Height, North of Cape Hatteras: 2 to 3 feet, building to 3 to 4 feet
Surf Height, South of Cape Hatteras: 1 to 2 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: Moderate
UV Index: High
Water Temperature: In the upper 70s
Weather: Partly sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms
High Temperature: In the lower 80s
Winds: Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph
Tides, Cape Hatteras: Low 0.8 feet (MLLW) 10:45 AM EDT. High 3.4 feet (MLLW) 05:18 PM EDT

Wednesday

Rip Current Risk, North of Cape Hatteras: High
Rip Current Risk, South of Cape Hatteras: Moderate
Surf Height, North of Cape Hatteras: 5 to 8 feet
Surf Height, South of Cape Hatteras: 3 to 5 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: Moderate
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Rain and a chance of thunderstorms
High Temperature: In the upper 70s
Winds: Breezy. Northeast winds 20 to 25 mph
Tides, Cape Hatteras: Low 0.6 feet (MLLW) 11:34 AM EDT. High 3.5 feet (MLLW) 05:59 PM EDT

The office's notes on this forecast

Rip Current Risk Category * Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however, life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins, jetties, reefs, and piers. * Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the surf zone. * High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf zone.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see: https://www.weather.gov/beach/mhx

The product as issued

FZUS52 KMHX 212347
SRFMHX

Surf Zone Forecast
National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC
747 PM EDT Mon Sep 21 2026

NCZ203-220830-
Northern Outer Banks-
Including the beaches of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, 
Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head
747 PM EDT Mon Sep 21 2026

...MODERATE RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING...

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Moderate. 
Surf Height.................2 to 3 feet, building to 3 to 4 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....Low. 
UV Index**..................High. 
Water Temperature...........In the upper 70s. 
Weather.....................Partly sunny. A slight chance of 
                            showers and thunderstorms. 
High Temperature............In the lower 80s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph.
Tides...
   Duck Pier................Low 1.1 feet (MLLW) 10:39 AM EDT.
                            High 3.6 feet (MLLW) 05:11 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........High. 
Surf Height.................5 to 8 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....Moderate. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. Rain and a chance of 
                            thunderstorms. 
High Temperature............In the upper 70s. 
Winds.......................Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph.
Tides...
   Duck Pier................Low 0.9 feet (MLLW) 11:31 AM EDT.
                            High 3.7 feet (MLLW) 05:54 PM EDT.

&&

Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/mhx

$$

NCZ205-220830-
Hatteras Island-
Including the beaches of Rodanthe, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, 
Hatteras Village, and Cape Hatteras National Seashore
747 PM EDT Mon Sep 21 2026

...MODERATE RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING...

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...
   North of Cape Hatteras...Moderate. 
   South of Cape Hatteras...Low. 
Surf Height...
   North of Cape Hatteras...2 to 3 feet, building to 3 to 4 feet. 
   South of Cape Hatteras...1 to 2 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....Moderate. 
UV Index**..................High. 
Water Temperature...........In the upper 70s. 
Weather.....................Partly sunny. A chance of showers and 
                            thunderstorms. 
High Temperature............In the lower 80s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph.
Tides...
   Cape Hatteras............Low 0.8 feet (MLLW) 10:45 AM EDT.
                            High 3.4 feet (MLLW) 05:18 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...
   North of Cape Hatteras...High. 
   South of Cape Hatteras...Moderate. 
Surf Height...
   North of Cape Hatteras...5 to 8 feet. 
   South of Cape Hatteras...3 to 5 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....Moderate. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. Rain and a chance of 
                            thunderstorms. 
High Temperature............In the upper 70s. 
Winds.......................Breezy. Northeast winds 20 to 25 mph.
Tides...
   Cape Hatteras............Low 0.6 feet (MLLW) 11:34 AM EDT.
                            High 3.5 feet (MLLW) 05:59 PM EDT.

&&

Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/mhx

$$

NCZ204-220830-
Ocracoke Island-
Including the beaches of Ocracoke
747 PM EDT Mon Sep 21 2026

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................1 to 2 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....Moderate. 
UV Index**..................High. 
Water Temperature...........In the lower 80s. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. Showers likely and a 
                            chance of thunderstorms. 
High Temperature............In the lower 80s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph.
Tides...
   Ocracoke Inlet...........Low 0.6 feet (MLLW) 10:55 AM EDT.
                            High 2.1 feet (MLLW) 05:26 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Moderate. 
Surf Height.................3 to 4 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....Moderate. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. Rain and a chance of 
                            thunderstorms. 
High Temperature............In the upper 70s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 20 mph.
Tides...
   Ocracoke Inlet...........Low 0.5 feet (MLLW) 11:44 AM EDT.

&&

Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/mhx

$$

NCZ196-220830-
East Carteret-
Including the beaches of Cape Lookout National Seashore and
Shackleford Banks
747 PM EDT Mon Sep 21 2026

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...
   Core Banks...............Low. 
   Shackleford Banks........Low. 
Surf Height...
   Core Banks...............1 to 2 feet. 
   Shackleford Banks........1 to 2 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....Moderate. 
UV Index**..................High. 
Water Temperature...........In the lower 80s. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. Showers likely and a 
                            chance of thunderstorms. 
High Temperature............In the lower 80s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph.
Tides...
   Cape Lookout.............Low 0.9 feet (MLLW) 10:22 AM EDT.
                            High 3.9 feet (MLLW) 04:55 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...
   Core Banks...............Moderate. 
   Shackleford Banks........Low. 
Surf Height...
   Core Banks...............3 to 4 feet. 
   Shackleford Banks........2 to 3 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....Low. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. Rain and a slight chance 
                            of thunderstorms. 
High Temperature............Around 80. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds 15 to 20 mph.
Tides...
   Cape Lookout.............Low 0.7 feet (MLLW) 11:11 AM EDT.
                            High 4.0 feet (MLLW) 05:36 PM EDT.

&&

Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/mhx

$$

NCZ195-220830-
West Carteret-
Including the beaches of Fort Macon, Atlantic Beach, 
Pine Knoll Shores, Salter Path, and Emerald Isle
747 PM EDT Mon Sep 21 2026

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................1 to 2 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....Moderate. 
UV Index**..................High. 
Water Temperature...........In the lower 80s. 
Weather.....................Partly sunny. Showers likely and a 
                            chance of thunderstorms. 
High Temperature............In the lower 80s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 10 mph.
Tides...
   Atlantic Beach...........Low 0.8 feet (MLLW) 10:36 AM EDT.
                            High 4.0 feet (MLLW) 05:02 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................2 to 3 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....Low. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. Rain likely and a slight 
                            chance of thunderstorms. 
High Temperature............Around 80. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 15 mph.
Tides...
   Atlantic Beach...........Low 0.6 feet (MLLW) 11:24 AM EDT.
                            High 4.2 feet (MLLW) 05:45 PM EDT.

&&

Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/mhx

$$

NCZ199-220830-
Coastal Onslow-
Including the beaches of Hammocks Beach and North Topsail Beach
747 PM EDT Mon Sep 21 2026

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................1 to 2 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....Moderate. 
UV Index**..................High. 
Water Temperature...........In the lower 80s. 
Weather.....................Partly sunny. Showers likely and a 
                            chance of thunderstorms. 
High Temperature............In the lower 80s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds 5 to 10 mph.
Tides...
   North Topsail Beach......Low 0.9 feet (MLLW) 10:43 AM EDT.
                            High 4.7 feet (MLLW) 05:20 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....Low. 
Weather.....................Partly sunny. Rain likely and a slight 
                            chance of thunderstorms. 
High Temperature............Around 80. 
Winds.......................North winds 10 to 15 mph.
Tides...
   North Topsail Beach......Low 0.7 feet (MLLW) 11:32 AM EDT.

&&

Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/mhx


$$

The water now, measured

Buoy 41120, Cape Hatteras East, NC (250), 16 mi away, reported 1:26 AM.

Waves: 2.3 ft at 7 seconds
Water temperature: 82 °F

From NOAA's National Data Buoy Center. Wave height is the significant height, the average of the highest third; the largest waves run half again as high. Offshore buoys read bigger than the surf at the beach.

Tides today

Peter's Ditch, 2.2 mi away. Feet above mean lower low water.

Low tide3:11 AM0.2 ft
High tide7:52 AM0.3 ft
Low tide2:23 PM0.2 ft
High tide8:36 PM0.5 ft

Low tide often exposes the sandbars and channels that shape rip currents, and the risk can run higher for an hour or two either side of it. Full tide table for Peter's Ditch.

Sun and daylight

Sunrise today: 6:50 AM
Sunset today: 6:59 PM
Sunrise tomorrow: 6:51 AM
Sunset tomorrow: 6:57 PM

Times are Eastern Daylight Time. Lifeguards are off duty outside posted hours, and the rip current risk does not fall with the light.

Beaches in this forecast

Rodanthe
Avon
Buxton
Frisco
Hatteras Village
Cape Hatteras National Seashore

As the National Weather Service lists them in its surf zone forecast.

What this means

The three levels the National Weather Service issues, and what to do at each.

High	Life-threatening rip currents are likely. The surf zone is dangerous for swimmers of every level. Stay out of the water.
Moderate	Life-threatening rip currents are possible. Swim near a lifeguard, and follow the beach patrol and its flags.
Low	Life-threatening rip currents are not expected, but they can still form near groins, jetties, reefs and piers. Swim near a lifeguard.

If a rip current carries you out

Do not fight the current. It pulls you away from the beach, not under the water.
Stay calm and keep your head above water. Float or tread water until the pull eases.
Swim parallel to the beach, along the shore, until you are out of the current, then angle in toward the beach.
If you cannot escape, face the shore, wave your arms and call for help.
If someone else is caught, do not go in after them. Get a lifeguard, call 911, and throw them something that floats.

Thunderstorms and lightning

The forecast has a moderate chance of thunderstorms today. Water and open sand leave you the tallest thing around. When thunder roars, go indoors: leave the water and the beach for a building or a hard-topped vehicle, and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back.

A rip current is a narrow stream of water flowing away from the beach, through the surf and past the breakers. It pulls swimmers out, not under. Rip current and lightning safety guidance from the National Weather Service.

Nearby

The stretches of shore the National Weather Service forecasts on either side of this one.

More for this place

Sources

Rip current risk, surf, water temperature and UV from the National Weather Service surf zone forecast and beach forecast, office MHX, issued 747 PM EDT, 9/21/2026. Original at NWS. Waves and water temperature measured by NOAA's National Data Buoy Center. Tides from NOAA CO-OPS. Alerts from the National Weather Service for zone NCZ205.