What is the current surf forecast for Duck?
The current wave height at Duck is 1-2ft with a 5.8s swell period. Wind is WSW at 7mph. Conditions are rated Poor. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.
Duck Surf Forecast, North Carolina
North Carolina
Right nowPoor
1-2ft
The sweet spot is around midday — 1-2ft waves, 7mph from the WSW, poor conditions.
The sweet spot is around midday — 1-2ft waves, 7mph from the WSW, poor conditions.
Swell
1.5ft
6s · NE
Wind
7–11mph
WSW · Offshore
Water
83°F
Boardshorts / rashguard
Tide
High
rising · high 12:36 PM
Surf: nearshore model · 12 PM localWind: model · 12 PM localTide: forecast
Conditions stay similar this week — check the hourly forecast at Duck for the cleanest windows.
Registered at the buoy
Swell2.3ft @ 9s E
Duck 5-Day Forecast Summary
Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Duck, North Carolina. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.
Thu, Sep 3: 1–2ft, 9s period, rated Poor. First light looks cleanest — 1-2ft on ESE swell at 9s with 7mph from the WSW. It gets a bit messier later in the day.
Fri, Sep 4: 1–2ft, 3s period, rated Poor. Not the most exciting day — 1-2ft and poor conditions with 19mph out of the SW.
Sat, Sep 5: 2–3ft, 5s period, rated Very Poor. Early morning is your best window — 1-2ft waves on W swell at 3s with 17mph W winds. It gets a bit messier later in the day.
Sun, Sep 6: 2–3ft, 5s period, rated Very Poor. Slim pickings today — 1-2ft and very poor with strong NNE wind at 14mph.
Mon, Sep 7: 3–4ft, 8s period, rated Very Poor. Slim pickings today — 3-4ft and very poor with 15mph out of the NE.
Daily Forecast
Hourly Forecast
Two days at a glance. Swipe for later hours.Five days at a glance. Drag for later hours.
Poor today — get one free email when Duck turns Good.
Better right now nearby:Black PelicanFair - Good2-3ft· beach· 8 miAvalon PierFair - Good2-3ft· beach· 10 mi
Check Duck from the lineup
Forecasts, surf alerts, and live conditions in the Swell Intel iPhone app.
Duck Surf Spot Guide
Break
Beach
Bottom
Sand
Level
Beginner
Crowd
Moderate
Best Swell
E
Best Wind
W
Season
Fall
Duck is a mellow beach break on the northern Outer Banks that picks up E and NE Atlantic swells along its east-facing shoreline. The sandy bottom creates forgiving, rolling peaks ideal for learning and progression. This quieter stretch of the OBX sees fewer crowds than the Kill Devil Hills to Nags Head corridor, making it a good option for surfers seeking space.
Strong currents during stormsOffshore wind variabilityCrowded during summer months
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
Duck Surf Forecast FAQ
(9)
Duck Surf Forecast FAQ
(9)What is the breaking wave height at Duck?
The current breaking wave height at Duck is 1-2ft, produced by a 1.5ft NE wind swell swell at 6s, a 1.4ft ESE secondary swell at 9s. Breaking wave height is the actual rideable wave size at the shore — calculated from offshore swell data using this spot's coastal bathymetry — not the raw buoy reading.
When is the best time to surf Duck?
Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Duck is Tuesday from 6 AM to 9 AM with 3ft waves, a 10s swell period, and conditions rated Poor - Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.
What swell and wind direction work best at Duck?
Duck works best with a E swell and W winds. Offshore winds groom the face of the wave, while onshore winds turn it sloppy. Cross-offshore conditions usually produce the cleanest shape.
What tide is best at Duck?
Tide plays a big role at Duck. Mid tide works for most beach breaks, while reef and point breaks often prefer higher or lower stages. Use the tide chart above to line up your session with the swell peak.
What kind of wave is Duck and who is it for?
Duck is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to beginner surfers. Duck is a mellow beach break on the northern Outer Banks that picks up E and NE Atlantic swells along its east-facing shoreline. The sandy bottom creates forgiving, rolling peaks ideal for learning and progression. This quieter stretch of the OBX sees fewer crowds than the Kill Devil Hills to Nags Head corridor, making it a good option for surfers seeking space.
When is the best season to surf Duck?
The prime season at Duck is fall, when swell direction, wind patterns, and water temps line up most consistently. Outside the peak season you can still score, but you'll need to watch the forecast closely for the right windows.
Are there any hazards to know about at Duck?
Common hazards at Duck include strong currents during storms, offshore wind variability, crowded during summer months. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.
How accurate is the Duck surf forecast?
Our Duck forecast uses NOAA GFS and other weather models combined with spot-specific bathymetry to calculate breaking wave heights. Short-range (1-3 day) forecasts are most reliable; extended forecasts show general trends. We also verify our offshore swell predictions against NOAA buoy measurements daily — see our accuracy page for those swell-verification metrics (buoys measure open-water swell, not breaking surf size).