Sunshine, sugar-white sands, and tons of fun—these are all things you can expect during a visit to the Tarheel State’s gorgeous coastline. But that also begs the question, when is the best time to visit the Outer Banks? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about our favorite seasons to vacation on our pristine beaches.
If you want to make the most of your time on the North Carolina coast, be sure to download our complimentary Vacation Guide. It’s full of the best things to do and places to see in our area!
The 2 Best Times to Visit the Outer Banks
Summer
While summer brings in the largest crowds of any season, the warm temperatures make it one of the best times to visit the Outer Banks. Memorial Day kicks off this prime beach-going season. The first showings of The Lost Colony, an award-winning show highlighting the mysterious disappearance of the first attempted English settlement in North America, start once warm weather kicks in at the end of May and continues through the end of August. The main draw of the Outer Banks is the beach, and you can easily spend several days of your vacation soaking in the sun’s rays as you enjoy the refreshing waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
You can enjoy a variety of events on Roanoke Island, like the New World Arts Festival, Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament, and an all-out Fourth of July celebration! The summer is also the best time to enjoy a dolphin tour around Roanoke Sound. You can explore the many peaceful inlets and waterways with an exciting kayak or paddleboard tour in addition to a unique airboat excursion with Outer Banks Adventures. Visitors can taste the large selection of excellent restaurants year-round. Still, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a delicious lunch or dinner as you sit outside at one of Manteo’s waterfront restaurants or Fish Head’s Bar & Grill on a pier overlooking the ocean. Whatever you choose to do during the summer, you’ll find a fantastic array of things to do during the best time to visit the Outer Banks.
Late Summer/Early Fall
June through August may be the warmest and most popular vacation time on North Carolina’s coast, but the end of August through the beginning of November is one of the least crowded times to enjoy the weather. It may not be quite as warm, and the typical summer activities end around Labor Day Weekend, but this is still one of the best times to visit the Outer Banks.
Discover the Ultimate Outer Banks Vacation With Pirate’s Cove
If you want to make the most of your Outer Banks getaway, Pirate’s Cove Realty has the perfect vacation rental for you! Our collection of condos and homes on Roanoke Island feature several incredible locations, including the town of Manteo, our private gated community (near the marina), and Shallowbag Bay! Roanoke Island is full of shops, restaurants, activities, history, and more. We love it here, and we know that you will too!
Start planning your trip today by booking one of our rentals. We look forward to welcoming you to the Pirate’s Cove family.
