Surf Forecasts:
Jennette's Pier surf forecast from 29 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Tuesday 1 Sep, 8PM (local time) - 1.5ft (0.4m), 9s period, ESE swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Wednesday 2 Sep, 5AM (local time) - 2.5ft (0.7m), 11s period, ESE swell with 123 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Tuesday 1 Sep, 8PM (local time) - 1.5ft (0.4m), 9s period with ESE swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Jennette's Pier this week:
The surf forecast for Jennette's Pier over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Sep 01) at 8PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.4m and 9s period with a secondary swell of 0.3m and 12s. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Jennette's Pier in the next 16 days are 0.7m 11s and forecast to arrive on Wednesday (Sep 02) at 5AM. Winds are predicted to be offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.7m 4s period and expected on Tuesday (Sep 01) at 11PM.
| Wave Type | Time (EDT) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 8PM (Tue 1st Sep) | 1.5ft (0.4m) 9s |
| Best Surf | 8PM (Tue 1st Sep) | 1.5ft (0.4m) 9s |
| Most Powerful | 5AM (Wed 2nd Sep) | 2.5ft (0.7m) 11s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Jennette's Pier over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
G’day, Rusty here. Look, I’m not gonna sugarcoat it – the next 16 days are a tough stretch for the Outer Banks. We’re looking at a long, dry spell with no real surf on offer. From the start of the forecast on Saturday, August 29th, right through to Sunday, September 13th, there’s not a single session that’s worth paddling out for. That’s a solid two-week gap with nothing to get excited about.
The main break in the frame is Jennette’s Pier (Outer Banks). This is a beach and jetty setup that’s consistent, but it’s just not getting any love from the swell window. The water temp is sitting pretty average for this time of year, nothing unusual.
Throughout the entire period, the swell is tiny – we’re talking 0.7ft to 3ft at best, mostly from the ESE or SE with short, weak periods around 6 to 10 seconds. The combined wave energy never breaks out of the weak range, maxing out at a measly 170 (weak energy) on the last day, and that’s with a messy, lumpy onshore wind. Most days you’re looking at energy values in the 20s, 30s, or 40s.
The wind is a constant problem. Sure, there are a few mornings with light offshore or clean conditions, like Sunday the 30th and Monday the 31st of August, and even a few days in early September, but the swell is just too small to do anything with. The “poor surf conditions” tag is on every single record. Even when the wind is glassy or offshore, the waves are flat.
There is a slight uptick on Wednesday, September 2nd with a 3ft ESE swell and a 10-second period, bumping the energy to 118 (weak energy), but the wind is cross and then cross-onshore, chopping it up. The same happens again on Wednesday, September 9th, with a 3ft ESE swell, an 11-second period, and energy of 158 (weak energy), but again, the wind is cross-onshore and onshore, ruining the shape.
The swell on Sunday, September 13th gets to 5ft, but it’s a short-period 6-second wind swell from the NNE, with a fresh cross-onshore wind at 19 mph and lumpy conditions. That’s more of a kite-surfing setup than a paddle surf.
Honestly, this is one of those blank runs that’s pretty normal for the area when the swell just doesn’t line up. Frustrating, but it’s the hand we’ve been dealt. Forecasts can change, so keep an eye on it, but for now, leave the board in the shed.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastModerate rain (total 14mm), heaviest on Fri night. Warm (max 29°C on Mon afternoon, min 24°C on Sun morning). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 34°C on Thu afternoon, min 26°C on Mon night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||
Saturday 29 | Sunday 30 | Monday 31 | Tuesday 1 | Wednesday 2 | Thursday 3 | ||||||||||||||
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) | ESE 8 | ESE 8 | ESE 8 | ESE 8 | ESE 9 | ESE 8 | ESE 8 | ESE 8 | ESE 7 | ESE 7 | SE 7 | ESE 7 | ESE 11 | ESE 10 | ESE 10 | ESE 9 | ESE 9 | ESE 9 | ESE 8 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||
38 | 37 | 25 | 26 | 29 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 21 | 19 | 12 | 20 | 98 | 118 | 100 | 65 | 45 | 43 | 27 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | cross-on | glassy | off | off | cross | cross-off | off | cross | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross-off | cross | cross-on | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | off |
High Tide | 8:17PM1.21m | 8:41AM1.21m | 8:55PM1.19m | 9:20AM1.25m | 9:34PM1.16m | 10:00AM1.28m | 10:16PM1.12m | 10:44AM1.28m | 11:02PM1.06m | 11:33AM1.26m | 11:54PM1.00m | 12:30PM1.24m | 00:55AM0.94m | ||||||
Low Tide | 2:37AM0.09m | 2:58PM0.12m | 3:11AM0.07m | 3:41PM0.12m | 3:47AM0.07m | 4:26PM0.14m | 4:26AM0.08m | 5:15PM0.17m | 5:10AM0.10m | 6:11PM0.21m | 6:01AM0.13m | 7:14PM0.24m | |||||||
— | 6:31 | — | — | 6:31 | — | — | 6:33 | — | — | 6:33 | — | — | 6:33 | — | — | 6:35 | — | — | |
7:36 | — | 7:34 | — | — | 7:32 | — | — | 7:31 | — | — | 7:30 | — | — | 7:29 | — | — | 7:27 | — | |
mm | 5 | 2 | 3 | 2 | — | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 29 | 28 | 30 | 34 | 30 |
Feels °C | 30 | 29 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 30 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 29 | 31 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 29 | 30 | 34 | 29 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ESE 8 | ESE 8 | ESE 8 | NNE 5 | NE 5 | ESE 8 | ESE 8 | ESE 8 | ESE 7 | ESE 7 | SE 7 | ESE 7 | ESE 11 | ESE 10 | ESE 10 | ESE 9 | ESE 9 | ESE 9 | ESE 8 |
38 | 37 | 25 | 8 | 11 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 21 | 19 | 12 | 20 | 98 | 118 | 100 | 65 | 45 | 43 | 27 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 10 | ENE 10 | NNE 4 | ESE 8 | ESE 9 | NE 5 | NE 4 | NE 4 | NE 5 | — | ESE 8 | ESE 13 | E 8 | SSW 5 | SSW 4 | NE 5 | NE 5 | NE 6 | ENE 6 |
8 | 10 | 2 | 26 | 29 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 1 | — | 7 | 17 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 6 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 10 | E 10 | ENE 10 | E 10 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 8 | E 14 | — | — | — | — | — | SSW 3 | WNW 3 | S 4 |
8 | 8 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | SW 3 | W 2 | — | SW 3 | SW 3 | SSW 2 | SSW 4 | W 3 | — | SSW 2 | W 2 | SW 3 | W 3 |
— | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 1 | — | 5 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 1 | — | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 38 | 38 | 38 | 5 | 492 | 373 | 38 | 1082 | 1073 | 38 | 349 | 0 | 5 | 2204 | 99 | 5 | 99 | 433 |
Best forecast wave conditions in North Carolina | |||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in United States | |||||||||||||||||||
Header Global | |||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Jennette's Pier Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Jennette's Pier provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Jennette's Pier can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Jennette's Pier 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 (Jennette's Pier) 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 Jennette's Pier 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.
Are you planning a vacation in North Carolina? If you are looking for accommodation near Jennette's Pier, camping, hotels and condos and appartments in North Carolina, consider staying in Elizabeth City which is 70 km (43 miles) away. Alternatively, find information about places to stay and car hire in Cape Hatteras which is 78 km (48 miles) away











