Cape Hatteras – Canadian Hole

United States · Kitesurf · Windsurf · Wingfoil

  • Best winds SW, NE
  • Level Beginner · Intermediate · Pro
  • Water Flat water
  • Best months Ganzjährig

Community at the spot

Who is here right now and what is happening on the water? Spot chat, check-ins and shared sessions from riders who were here.

Spot chat

Members only. No links, no ads, be respectful. Reported messages are hidden and reviewed; messages are deleted after 48 hours.

At the spot right now

…

Shared sessions

No shared sessions at this spot yet. Share your session →

About this spot

The Outer Banks of North Carolina are a thin chain of barrier islands between the Atlantic and Pamlico Sound. "Canadian Hole" (officially the Haulover Day Use Area) sits between Avon and Buxton on the sound side and ranks among the most visited kite and windsurf spots in the USA. The lagoon is only knee- to waist-deep over most of its area and ranges from board-flat to light chop depending on wind – perfect for learning and for wingfoil. The wind is dependable: warm southwesterlies in spring, fresh northeast fronts in autumn, averaging around 20 mph over the year.

When is the best time to visit Cape Hatteras? Spring and autumn are the main seasons with the steadiest conditions, but it is ridden practically year-round. A big car park, bathhouses and plenty of space make it beginner-friendly, but also draw crowds.

Last updated:

Location

Wind & weather through the year

According to model data for 2021–2025, July is the windiest month: on 62 % of days the wind blows at 12 knots or more from a direction that works at this spot for at least three daytime hours. It then mostly blows from the south-west. The least wind is in January (28 %). The water ranges from about 10 to 28 °C over the year.

Month Wind days ≥ 12 kn Avg wind Direction Air Water
January
28 %
15 kn SW 9 °C 10 °C
February
45 %
15 kn SW 10 °C 10 °C
March
49 %
16 kn SW 13 °C 15 °C
April
61 %
14 kn SW 17 °C 18 °C
May
59 %
14 kn SW 20 °C 22 °C
June
53 %
12 kn SW 25 °C 26 °C
July
62 %
13 kn SW 27 °C 28 °C
August
50 %
12 kn SW 26 °C 27 °C
September
47 %
14 kn NE 24 °C 25 °C
October
39 %
14 kn NE 20 °C 22 °C
November
39 %
15 kn NE 16 °C 19 °C
December
36 %
15 kn SW 12 °C 15 °C

Wind day = at least 3 hours at ≥ 12 kn in daylight (09:00–19:00 local time). Only hours with wind from SW, NE (usable according to the spot info) are counted. Model data (ECMWF IFS, approx. 9 km grid) – local venturi and thermal effects can be stronger. Weather data: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0)

Insider tips

In southwest the sound side runs side-onshore and safe – ideal for learning. Spring and autumn bring the steadiest wind; arrive early on prime days as the spot fills fast. Cross to the oceanside for Atlantic waves.

⚠︎ Hazards

Very shallow water over a sandy bottom – it can get choppy when the wind is up. The Atlantic side has shore break and current. Summer thunderstorms and gust fronts are possible.

All information without guarantee. Please check locally whether kiting, windsurfing, winging or surfing is currently allowed here – protected areas, swimming zones and seasonal closures change. You go on the water at your own risk.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cape Hatteras – Canadian Hole suitable for beginners?

Yes. According to the spot info, Cape Hatteras – Canadian Hole suits these levels: Beginner · Intermediate · Pro (water: Flat water).

Which wind works at Cape Hatteras – Canadian Hole?

Best with wind from SW, NE. In the windiest month (July), model data show the wind mostly blowing from the south-west.

When is the best time for Cape Hatteras – Canadian Hole?

The best months are considered to be Ganzjährig. According to the wind statistics, July has the most wind days (62 % of days).

How warm is the water at Cape Hatteras – Canadian Hole?

Over the year about 10 °C in January to 28 °C in July (model data).

Something missing or wrong? Suggest a change

Your note goes to the editors and is not shown publicly. We only need an email address if we have questions.

Comments

No comments yet. Be the first.

Comments are reviewed before publication.