Is Outer Banks water clear?

Don't be deterred. For the majority of late spring, summer, and early fall, the Atlantic Ocean portions off the Outer Banks are very tame and very clear. Wind speed and direction have a great impact on water conditions and clarity, so gentle breezes under 10mph coming from the right directions are favorable.



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The moon's gravitational pull, the Earth's rotation, and temperature changes between the equator and the poles keeps these waters constantly churning. The area off the Outer Banks is especially turbulent because of how the Gulf Stream collides with colder waters flowing down from the Arctic.

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Rip Currents and Ocean Swimming Safety Many first-time vacationers have a fear of sharks that stops them before they hit the water. Though not to be taken lightly, shark attacks are incredibly rare on the Outer Banks and occur once every 20 years or so.

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Rip Currents on the Outer Banks Seaward currents, also called rip currents or rip tides, are created by breaks in the sand bar off shore and are very dangerous. Rip currents are channels of water flowing away from the shore and will pull a swimmer out from shore.

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After viewing the chart, it's apparent that if you want to take a swim in the Atlantic during your Outer Banks vacation, then you should definitely plan your visit during the months of May through October.

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The warmest water temperature is in August with an average around 81.7°F / 27.6°C. The coldest month is February with an average water temperature of 53.2°F / 11.8°C.

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Set amongst North Carolina's exquisite Crystal Coast, Emerald Isle contains some of the state's clearest waters and whitest sand making for some seriously stunning sunsets. It's also near the famed “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” one of the country's largest wreck-diving sites.

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The hurricane season for the Outer Banks runs from June 1st through November 30th. These dates are just generalities though, there have been hurricanes that have formed in the Atlantic Ocean during the months of May and December.

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