
Surf Forecasts:
Chicahauk surf forecast from 7 Sep 2026:
- Best quality surf: Wednesday 9 Sep, 2AM (local time) - 1.5ft (0.5m), 6s period, SE swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Tuesday 8 Sep, 2AM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.0m), 10s period, ENE swell with 197 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Wednesday 9 Sep, 2AM (local time) - 1.5ft (0.5m), 6s period with SE swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Chicahauk this week:
The surf forecast for Chicahauk over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Wednesday (Sep 09) at 2AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.5m and 6s period with a secondary swell of 0.3m and 9s. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Chicahauk in the next 16 days are 1.0m 10s and forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Sep 08) at 2AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.0m 4s period and expected on Thursday (Sep 10) at 11PM.
| Wave Type | Time (EDT) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 2AM (Wed 9th Sep) | 1.5ft (0.5m) 6s |
| Best Surf | 2AM (Wed 9th Sep) | 1.5ft (0.5m) 6s |
| Most Powerful | 2AM (Tue 8th Sep) | 3.5ft (1.0m) 10s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Chicahauk over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, let’s break it down. Rusty here.
First thing you gotta know: the next week and a half is pretty grim. We’re looking at a long stretch of flat, weak, or messy conditions. From September 7th through the 14th, it’s a whole lot of nothing. Small, short-period windswell, mostly onshore or cross-shore wind, and frankly, not worth paddling out for. The water at Chicahauk (Outer Banks) is sitting at 82°, which is much warmer than normal for this time of year — a solid 4° above average. That’s a nice anomaly, but it doesn’t help the surf.
The only real glimmer in the whole 16-day window hits on the morning of Tuesday, September 15th. We get a solid jump in swell — 7ft from the NNE, with a period of 7 seconds. The combined energy is a strong 366 (moderate to strong energy). The wind is offshore from the SW at 15 mph, which means clean, groomed waves. That’s the standout. Chicahauk is a sandbar setup, fairly consistent, exposed to the east — and this NNE swell is coming from a direction that works. It’s not the longest period, but for a beach break, the offshore wind is the key. Expect intermediate-level waves, not too gnarly for stronger surfers.
Tuesday afternoon, the wind swings to the SSE at 20 mph, turning cross-shore and messing things up. The swell drops to 5ft, and the energy goes back to 213. It’s not as clean.
After that, from the 16th onward, it’s back to small, weak, and wind-affected. The 20th and 21st are flat — barely 1ft, almost no energy. The 22nd sees a tiny bump to 3ft from the ESE, but with onshore wind, it’s a no-go.
So, bottom line: one morning to aim for — Tuesday, September 15th, first light. After that, it’s a long wait.
Rusty out.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 25°C on Mon morning, min 23°C on Wed night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryModerate rain (total 17mm), heaviest on Sat morning. Warm (max 28°C on Thu afternoon, min 23°C on Thu morning). Mainly fresh winds. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Monday 7 | Tuesday 8 | Wednesday 9 | Thursday 10 | Friday 11 | Saturday 12 | Sunday 13 | |||||||||||||||
AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | |
Swell Height Map | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wave Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ENE 4 | ENE 6 | ENE 10 | ENE 9 | ENE 9 | SE 6 | NE 8 | NE 8 | SE 7 | SE 7 | SE 7 | ESE 7 | SE 7 | SE 7 | ESE 9 | ESE 9 | SE 9 | ESE 10 | ESE 10 | ESE 9 | ESE 9 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
42 | 84 | 197 | 110 | 71 | 18 | 18 | 21 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 20 | 17 | 15 | 30 | 32 | 22 | 32 | 37 | 50 | 47 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | on | on | cross-on | on | cross-on | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross-off | off | cross-off | off | cross-on | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on |
High Tide | 5:06PM1.27m | 5:38AM1.06m | 6:05PM1.29m | 6:37AM1.16m | 6:59PM1.30m | 7:29AM1.24m | 7:46PM1.29m | 8:14AM1.30m | 8:29PM1.25m | 8:56AM1.33m | 9:09PM1.19m | 9:37AM1.32m | 9:50PM1.12m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 10:35AM0.21m | 11:41PM0.21m | 11:41AM0.17m | 00:37AM0.12m | 12:45PM0.11m | 1:24AM0.05m | 1:39PM0.07m | 2:05AM0.02m | 2:26PM0.07m | 2:43AM0.02m | 3:11PM0.11m | 3:20AM0.07m | 3:57PM0.18m | 3:58AM0.15m | |||||||
6:37 | — | — | 6:39 | — | — | 6:39 | — | — | 6:41 | — | — | 6:41 | — | — | 6:41 | — | — | 6:43 | — | — | |
— | 7:22 | — | — | 7:21 | — | — | 7:19 | — | — | 7:17 | — | — | 7:15 | — | — | 7:15 | — | — | 7:13 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4 | 7 | 4 | 2 | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 28 | 25 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 |
Feels °C | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 22 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 28 | 22 | 25 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 28 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ESE 8 | ENE 10 | ESE 8 | ENE 9 | ENE 9 | SE 6 | SE 6 | SE 6 | SE 7 | SE 7 | SE 7 | ESE 7 | SE 7 | SE 7 | ESE 9 | ESE 9 | SE 9 | NE 4 | E 4 | ESE 9 | ESE 9 |
14 | 20 | 7 | 110 | 71 | 18 | 18 | 21 | 13 | 15 | 11 | 20 | 17 | 12 | 30 | 32 | 22 | 7 | 9 | 50 | 47 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 5 | ESE 8 | SE 8 | ESE 5 | ESE 5 | ENE 9 | NE 8 | NE 8 | ENE 9 | ESE 9 | ESE 9 | ESE 8 | ESE 9 | ESE 9 | E 11 | E 8 | NE 6 | ESE 10 | ESE 10 | E 4 | — |
1 | 7 | 17 | 9 | 9 | 15 | 18 | 17 | 8 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 7 | 15 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 32 | 37 | 8 | — | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | S 5 | — | ESE 9 | ESE 9 | NE 6 | E 10 | ESE 9 | ESE 9 | ENE 9 | ENE 9 | NE 9 | — | E 8 | — | E 8 | — | E 8 | NE 4 | E 7 | — |
— | 1 | — | 7 | 7 | 10 | 2 | 15 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 3 | — | 1 | — | 1 | — | 1 | 3 | 1 | — | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ENE 4 | ENE 6 | ENE 10 | — | — | — | — | — | S 3 | SW 3 | S 3 | SSW 4 | NW 3 | NNE 4 | NE 4 | ENE 4 | E 4 | ESE 4 | — | — | SE 4 |
42 | 84 | 197 | — | — | — | — | — | 5 | 2 | 7 | 26 | 1 | 13 | 20 | 19 | 15 | 14 | — | — | 9 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 344 | 275 | 240 | 87 | 440 | 0 | 179 | 440 | 440 | 251 | 282 | 91 | 61 | 581 | 837 | 1093 | 1090 | 251 | 179 | 183 | 181 |
Best forecast wave conditions in North Carolina | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in United States | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Chicahauk Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Chicahauk provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Chicahauk can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Chicahauk surf forecast is unique since it includes wave energy (power) that defines the real feel of the surf rather than just the height or the period. If you surf the same spot (Chicahauk) regularly then make a mental note of the wave energy from the surf forecast table each time you go. Very soon you may start to choose your surf days based on the wave energy alone combined with our forecast of favourable offshore wind conditions. Our star ratings will help here and of course you will also find the usual wave height and period predictions on our surf forecasts as well as a full break down of the swell components under our advanced users option (to reveal that, click the little Einstein character under the tide times).
Further information to help with frequently asked questions about our surf forecast for Chicahauk may be found under the help tab on the top menu and also by moving your mouse over the question marks on the surf forecast table itself. Please always bear in mind that the forecast is for near-shore open water and local factors at each surf break influence the actual breaking wave height, such as the beach / reef profile, water depths offshore and shelter.
Chicahauk is 52 km (32 miles) from the city of Elizabeth City. If you plan a vacation in North Carolina, look for hotels and other accommodation in Elizabeth City. Elizabeth City has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.










