Cape Hatteras in July. Conflicting messages

[frezenius]

We're considering going to Hatteras in July for two weeks in 2014. But I keep reading conflicting messages regarding the wind.
Some says that July sucks, and that it's hit or miss, and some say it's the best month.
On Real watersports site it says that there are 27 or something days with wind over 14 kts in july.

So, what's the deal here?

[toyletbowl]

Pretty much all the above. I've had july sessions of 8 of 10 days of sick riding and others where it's hit and miss. That can be said though for most any location worldwide.

One good thing is if it blows, it's usually SW and hot.

Bob
www.kiteridersllc.com

[frezenius]

I don't need 14 days of wind, but is it plausible that if we're unlucky that we really get 14 days of no wind at all?

We were considering renting a villa in Frisco. But if it's SW is that going to be troublesome or is it ok to kite in offshore winds in the sound as it's shallow all over the place?

[rmaxwell]

June and July are my favorite months of the year in Hatteras. It is warm and uncrowded. The launches are mostly empty. If there is a slight sw breeze in the morning, the thermals can be great in the afternoon. It depends on the weather pattern, I have had weeks of solid sw 20+ and weeks with only a couple of days of kiting.

I personally would stay in Avon, Waves, Rodanthe, or Salvo for the July sw winds. It is mostly shallow everywhere in the sound.

[noel]

I have lived in the OBX and frequented it for many other years.

July can be just as good as any other time of year. As you get further into summer, the land and water heat up and that can kill the thermals out of the SW. Typically but not always, the wind starts to shut down or slow down the last week or 2 of July and pick back up the first or second week of September. Most of the east coast wind slows down around this time of year.

I have gone to OBX in the middle of July a few years ago and got 10 days straight on my 8m so hope is not lost.

[pjhardie]

For the last 2 years - July has been unreal. Especially the first 2 weeks with relentless SW wind for 10 - 14 days straight!

[Toby]

so, when is the best time?

[redman333]

July is when i spend most of my time there. I usually go on weekends. It has been hit or miss but when i go on weekends i have been getting skunked on one day and have a great session the next. I havent gone a single time and not been able to get iut at least one good day. The other thing to remember is a lot of licals there dont go out in light wind it seems so when im out on my 12m, just barely, there was almost no one out. When wind picks up youll see hundreds of kites out. As far as frisco goes i had a hard time getting good wind direction there. I usually camp at frisco woods but have to drive up to where real and kitty hawks kites are to get good wind. Most of the time though theres riding somewhere no matter what direction the wind is. Thats why i like the OBX.

[edt]

so, when is the best time?

At Hattie like much of the midwest and east coast spring (March, April, May) is best for the big wind 25+ knots, however since it is in driving distance a lot of people go there June and July because they know they will get skunked at the local place and while you can still get skunked at hattie in summer that's for sure, the theory is you have a better chance there than staying home. I don't know if I would recommend scheduling a flight to hattie in july because there is a good chance to get skunked. If you are driving and get skunked not a big deal you can always get back in the car and drive somewhere else, but if you fly in you are stuck there.

In Michigan we usually schedule our trips to hattie in April and May for the wind and somewhat warmer weather.

Like most of the midwest and east coast, the wind picks up again in the fall, Oct, Nov, Dec but that is generally an off season for Hattie because of the cold I believe.

[vkngktr]

July is one of the windier months on Hatteras. Its not crowded for kiting either ocean or sound side.