If you want the beach to yourself, you have to visit the Outer Banks in November! The mild temperatures and smaller crowds will have you making a November trip to Roanoke Island every fall. Plus, the season brings plenty of events that are fun for the whole family! For everything from fun family activities to festive local events, here’s how you and your family can make the most of the Outer Banks during the latter month of fall!
For more ways to make the most of your trip to the OBX, be sure to request access to our complimentary Manteo, NC Travel Guide. It’s full of the best things to do and places to see during your stay.
In this Blog:
- November Weather in the Outer Banks
- Things to Do in the Outer Banks in November
- Check Out OBX Fall Events
- Book Your November Beach Getaway in the Outer Banks
November Weather in the Outer Banks

Temperatures can be a little chilly in November, but it can still be a great time of year to hit the beach with few crowds. Earlier in the month, highs can reach the upper 60s. Later in the month, near Thanksgiving, typically brings highs near 60. You might not want to wear your bathing suit out on the beach, but it’s a nice time to read a book as the sounds of the waves roll in. Plus, your kids will love running around in the sand with practically the entire beach to themselves. Lows are usually around 50 but can dip into the 40s.
Things to Do in the Outer Banks in November
Enjoy the Beach

There’s nothing better than relaxing on the beaches of the North Carolina coast, especially without peak-season crowds. Head to Nags Head Beach or Kill Devil Hills Beach during your trip to the Outer Banks in November for plenty of family fun. Home to wild horses, Corolla offers a unique experience for those seeking something a little different.
Explore Roanoke Island Festival Park
Adults and kids will love exploring the beautiful Roanoke Island Festival Park. This fantastic spot is home to some of the best fall activities in Manteo. You’ll find several attractions, including a representation of a ship from the 1585 English voyage to the island, a constructed American Indian town, and an English settlement site!
Indulge at a Manteo Restaurant

Want to grab a burger at a brewery? What about a sandwich at a local deli? Or maybe you want to enjoy a romantic date night near the water. Well, all of those restaurant options are available in downtown Manteo.
Check Out OBX Fall Events
Outer Banks Shrimp Cookoff

Enjoy some of the best seafood on the Outer Banks at the annual Outer Banks Shrimp Cookoff! This delicious celebration brings together local chefs to compete for the title of best shrimp dish. Sample delicious creations from local restaurants and vendors in a fun afternoon with friends and family. Proceeds from the event benefit the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research, meaning you can do some good as you snack on some shrimp.
Kites with Lights
Kick off the holiday season with one of the Outer Banks’ most unique and colorful traditions! Kites with Lights takes place at Jockey’s Ridge State Park during Thanksgiving weekend. Watch as a collection of flashy kites light up the night sky, lighting up the sand dunes below. The free, family-friendly event will culminate in the lighting of the Jockey’s Ridge State Park Solar Christmas tree.
WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens

Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens! This annual event transforms the beautiful gardens in Manteo into a dazzling display of colorful holiday lights and decorations. Take an evening stroll along the illuminated pathways and enjoy a festive atmosphere that’s perfect for couples and families alike. It’s one of the best ways to experience the holiday season on Roanoke Island!
Book Your November Beach Getaway in the Outer Banks

Featured: Buccaneer Village 413
Ready for your trip in November? Now that you’re up on all that the area has to offer in the fall, all there is to do is find your place to stay. Pirate’s Cove Realty has the perfect property for your next escape to the North Carolina coast! Our collection of rentals on Roanoke Island features condos, large homes, and charming cottages at a variety of locations around Manteo. From a private gated community on the water to downtown Manteo, you’ll find the ideal fit for your family or group.
Written by Terrance Davis
Terrance writes for Pirate’s Cove, highlighting the area’s best attractions, sites, and events and letting visitors know how to make the most of their trip to the Outer Banks.





