Best Time to Surf Hampton (2026)
Hampton, New Hampshire — Month-by-month surf guide
0
Minimal
Surfing in April
April
Hampton is between peak seasons right now. Expect 2-4 ft waves and 46°F water. Peak month: September.
Surf Score by Month
Score reflects overall surf quality each month — combining peak season activity, water temperature, and crowd levels.
Monthly Breakdown
January
0
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp38°F
Wetsuit5/4mm + boots/gloves/hood
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking0
Nor'easters, Hampton Beach deserted
February
0
Waves3-5 ft
Water temp36°F
Wetsuit5/4mm + boots/gloves/hood
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking1
Coldest water, committed surfers only
March
0
Waves2-5 ft
Water temp38°F
Wetsuit5/4mm + boots/gloves/hood
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking1
Late winter storms
April
0
Waves2-4 ft
Water temp46°F
Wetsuit4/3mm + boots
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking0
Spring swells, quiet beaches
May
0
Waves1-3 ft
Water temp55°F
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking0
Small swells, warming up
June
0
Waves1-2 ft
Water temp62°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking0
Summer begins, mostly flat
July
0
Waves1-2 ft
Water temp65°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking0
Flat season, beach season
August
0
Waves1-3 ft
Water temp68°F
Wetsuitboardshorts
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking1
Late summer, hurricane teasers
September
Peak0
Waves3-7 ft
Water temp65°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking1
Hurricane swells, still warm enough
October
Peak0
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp58°F
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking1
Fall nor'easters, quiet lineups
November
Peak0
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp50°F
Wetsuit4/3mm + boots
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking1
Consistent fall storms
December
0
Waves3-5 ft
Water temp42°F
Wetsuit5/4mm + boots/gloves/hood
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking0
Winter storms return
Dawn Patrol vs Afternoon Sessions
Dawn Patrol
- Typically glassier conditions before onshore winds build
- Smaller crowds, especially on weekdays
- Water temps at their coolest — plan your wetsuit for the low end (38°F in winter)
- Best for beach breaks and exposed reef setups in Hampton
Afternoon Sessions
- Onshore winds can create chop, but swell is often more consistent
- Higher crowds on popular beaches, especially weekends
- Water warms through the day — upper end (68°F in summer)
- Sunset sessions can be magic when winds die down
Top Surf Spots in Hampton
Hampton Beach
lower-intermediatecrowded
Peak: Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Feb, Mar