When Is the Best Time to Visit the Outer Banks? - Paramount Destinations (2024)

Known for their natural beauty and wide-open beaches, the Outer Banks are unlike any other travel destination in the world. If you are considering a trip to North Carolina’s barrier islands, it’s not a question of if you should go, but when! Read on to discover everything you need to know about the best time to visit the Outer Banks. Then, be sure to request our free Vacation Guide for more tips about shopping, dining, and local activities to enjoy during your stay.

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The Best Time to Visit the Outer Banks by Season

Winter

Winter is a perfect time to discover a quieter side of the Outer Banks when the rates are lower and there are fewer crowds. Temperatures range from 40 to 50 degrees from December through February. Like much of the Southeast, the weather is cool yet mild during this time of year. While many of the beach shops are closed for the season, this is the best time to go horseback riding or look for shells along the empty shoreline. Here are more ways to have fun in the Outer Banks this winter:

Spring

If you would like to take advantage of the great weather before tourist season officially begins, Spring is the best time to visit the Outer Banks. The weather in April is quite warm with temperatures reaching a balmy 70 degrees. Weather in May is even warmer, with an average temperature of 75 degrees. Enjoy a beautiful day outdoors, attend an annual event, or visit area attractions without all the long lines. Here are more ideas for your spring break trip to the beach:

Flying Pirate Half Marathon
Outer Banks Bike Week
Flying Into Spring and Easter Eggstravaganza
Annual Duck & Wine Festival
Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular
Taste of the Beach

Summer

With warm temperatures and endless outdoor activities, summer is one of the most popular seasons in the Outer Banks. The weather in June until August ranges between 70 and 85 degrees – perfect for the beach! From surfing and paddleboarding to swimming and sailing, there are plenty of ways to have fun out on the water. Parasail over the Atlantic, kayak to Monkey Island, or ride the waves on a thrilling jet ski adventure. Or, simply lounge on the beach and enjoy the fresh ocean breezes! Make sure to take advantage of our Paramount Perks program to enjoy discounts on many of the water activities. And don’t forget to mark your calendar for the following summer activities and events:

Food Truck Showdown
4th of July Celebrations
Annual Sunrise 5k and Little Kids Crab Crawl
Run Swim Run Splash and Dash
Summer Slam Kayak Fishing Tournament
Watermelon Festival
Dolphin Tours

Fall

Fall is an absolutely beautiful time to visit the Outer Banks. The traffic and large summer crowds have disappeared, the water is still warm, and the off-season rates can’t be beat! Temperatures from September through November range anywhere from 60 to 80 degrees, ideal for outdoor activities or a day at the beach. Another perk of visiting in fall is that many of the shops and restaurants are still open for business. Here are more fun things to do in the Outer Banks in autumn:

Get a taste of our local cuisine at the Outer Banks Seafood Festival
Visit Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Go deep sea fishing
Kayaking, paddleboarding, or kiteboarding
Climb the ropes course at Corolla Adventure Park
Comb the beach for shells and sea glass

Enjoy the Outer Banks Year-Round With Paramount Destinations

Beach Boddie

Saltwater in the Afternoon

Sound Escape