Hatteras in Dec/January

[kitegrl91]

Hey everyone, if anyone has been to Hatteras in end of December and January specifically can you give me the down lo on the weather, wind and water conditions? I did do some research on it but it's nice to get a personal perspective. I live in Ontario and am heading down over New Years, through the first week of January and just want a basic understanding of what to expect. I've been to OBX a few times, I'm familiar with the area and am staying in Avon. Anyone else down there that time of the year haha? I know it'll be cold but, no matter the conditions, right? lol.

[Hugh2]

It's been a long time since I went to OBX at that time of year. 30 years ago I went most years for windsurfing and have photos of us freezing in drysuits with ice on the grass along the sound. You could get lucky and get some relatively warm southerlies though. If you like ocean riding, it would surely be warmer than the sound, try Hatteras Landing to Frisco bathhouse on a SW wind. Best yet, if you foil reliably, stay out of the water most of the time, down at Canadian Hole!

[Tony]

I've been down there that time of year and it can vary a lot. If you get some warm days you can ride. Some years I've ridden around Christmas in the ocean in a steamer and been comfy. Last year the week between Christmas and New Year's was too cold for me to ride, maybe I've gotten softer but if my steamer is not enough or I need gloves it's too cold for me. I'll be down there this year at that time and I hope we get some warm weather. It's mostly locals that time of year. Being in Avon, you'll be close to Food Lion and have a few restaurant options. Have fun. Dec/Jan is a cool time to be there.
Tony

[kitegrl91]

Thanks for the responses! I’ve been following the wind and weather in Hatteras and so far it’s looking good. I’m used to sessions where gloves are needed so that is okay. As long as it doesn’t get into minuses where my lines are freezing I’m good to go! Booking a last minute deal like next week to stay in Salvo the 29th dec. Usually I stay in Avon but thought I’d try something else. A little worried about the water temperature but hey...that’s what good wetsuits and proper warm gear are for. I will give it a try once and see how it goes. If you’re down there and see a crazy girl kiting, please ensure there are no sharks following me looking for a meal :p

Was looking at the carribean but I find everything in the carribean destinations over Christmas break is just too insane cost wise and crowded, and sadly this year that’s the only time I can go:( maybe next year.

[Hugh2]

Thanks for the responses! I’ve been following the wind and weather in Hatteras and so far it’s looking good. I’m used to sessions where gloves are needed so that is okay. As long as it doesn’t get into minuses where my lines are freezing I’m good to go! Booking a last minute deal like next week to stay in Salvo the 29th dec. Usually I stay in Avon but thought I’d try something else. A little worried about the water temperature but hey...that’s what good wetsuits and proper warm gear are for. I will give it a try once and see how it goes. If you’re down there and see a crazy girl kiting, please ensure there are no sharks following me looking for a meal :p

Was looking at the carribean but I find everything in the carribean destinations over Christmas break is just too insane cost wise and crowded, and sadly this year that’s the only time I can go:( maybe next year.

Salvo is fine, but I like Avon, or even Bxuton, for the shorter drives either direction, especially if there is a SW wind you want to do oceanside downwinders from Hatteras to Frisco. If it is a nice day there will be locals doing it and just tag along for a ride back. If solo, you will have no problems hitching a ride back.

[grigorib]

Hey everyone, if anyone has been to Hatteras in end of December and January specifically can you give me the down lo on the weather, wind and water conditions? I did do some research on it but it's nice to get a personal perspective. I live in Ontario and am heading down over New Years, through the first week of January and just want a basic understanding of what to expect. I've been to OBX a few times, I'm familiar with the area and am staying in Avon. Anyone else down there that time of the year haha? I know it'll be cold but, no matter the conditions, right? lol.

why not La Ventana? It's the right place to ride in Dec-Jan

[Wind Runner]

Yep, as others said, the weather is very variable there. If it's a southerly type of wind expect mild, if it's northerly at all expect cold.
This video is from late December two years ago, and it was quite warm for December... https://youtu.be/PHxpbuJaYyQ
Here's a live cam from Hatteras... http://surfchex.com/cams/hatteras-web-cam/ They also have one in Waves looking at the sound and the REAL slick, but it doesn't seem to be working.

[kitegrl91]

Hugh2- yes I do like Avon as well because in summer the wind is usually some form of S. But in December I've been looking at it and seems mostly from the north. Im not solo and I am driving Im also not quite at the oceanside long downwinders level :p I can do short downwinders but waves still affect my riding. Thanks for your tips! Appreciate it.

[kitegrl91]

Hey everyone, if anyone has been to Hatteras in end of December and January specifically can you give me the down lo on the weather, wind and water conditions? I did do some research on it but it's nice to get a personal perspective. I live in Ontario and am heading down over New Years, through the first week of January and just want a basic understanding of what to expect. I've been to OBX a few times, I'm familiar with the area and am staying in Avon. Anyone else down there that time of the year haha? I know it'll be cold but, no matter the conditions, right? lol.

why not La Ventana? It's the right place to ride in Dec-Jan

Hi, it is not quite in my price range around Christmas the cost is very expensive from where I am to get there. I also think it will be very busy and crowded over the holiday season. I would like to look into going there in the future though.

[kitegrl91]

Yep, as others said, the weather is very variable there. If it's a southerly type of wind expect mild, if it's northerly at all expect cold.
This video is from late December two years ago, and it was quite warm for December... https://youtu.be/PHxpbuJaYyQ
Here's a live cam from Hatteras... http://surfchex.com/cams/hatteras-web-cam/ They also have one in Waves looking at the sound and the REAL slick, but it doesn't seem to be working.

Hey, awesome thank you! I was looking for something like this.