Cape Hatteras Weather

Planning a trip to Cape Hatteras and Hatteras Island? Knowing what the weather is like throughout the year can help you decide when to plan your coastal getaway. Cape Hatteras enjoys a temperate coastal climate with warm summers, mild winters, and refreshing ocean breezes year-round. Whether you're looking for peak beach days in the summer or quieter shoulder-season visits in the spring and fall, there's never a bad time to experience the beauty of Cape Hatteras and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

With weather this inviting, it’s easy to see why Cape Hatteras is a year-round destination. No matter when you visit, be sure to pack for a mix of sun, breeze, and those unbeatable Hatteras Island sunrises and sunsets.

Cape Hatteras vacations in spring and fall are especially popular with visitors who want fewer crowds and pleasant weather. Air temperatures are comfortable for beach walks, fishing, and exploring the seashore. In spring, ocean water temperatures are still on the cool side, but after the heat of summer the water often stays warm well into the fall, making early autumn a favorite time for swimming and surfing.

Summer at Cape Hatteras brings long, sunny days perfect for swimming, surfing, shelling, and casting a line in the surf. Temperatures can occasionally climb into the 90s, but steady ocean breezes usually keep conditions comfortable, with average highs in the mid to upper 80s. Humidity can be higher during periods of unsettled weather, and afternoon thunderstorms may pop up in July and August, but they typically pass through quickly and make way for clear skies again.

Winter on Cape Hatteras can bring brisk winds and cooler temperatures, but it also offers some of the most peaceful, crowd-free beach days of the year. Typical winter temperatures range from the 40s to the 60s, making it a quiet season for shell hunting, fishing, and enjoying wide-open views of the Atlantic without the summer bustle.

Cape Hatteras and the Outer Banks are known not only for beautiful beaches and warm water, but also for being in the path of occasional coastal storms. Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, and powerful Nor’easters can occur in the cooler months, bringing strong winds, tidal flooding, and beach erosion. Because weather can be unpredictable along this stretch of coast, we strongly recommend that guests consider the Travel Insurance we offer, regardless of the month you plan to visit.