Best Times to Visit Outer Banks
The best time to visit the Outer Banks is from March to May or September to November, when rates drop and crowds disappear. Similar to other parts of the Southeast, the temperatures stay relatively warm and humid -- with average highs hitting the upper 80s in the summer -- until the winter months, when the weather dips into the 40s.| March-May |
Temperatures begin to warm up, and hotel rates are still pretty low this from their off-season winter dip. Key Events:
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| June-August |
Finding an affordable hotel in the peak season is a challenge;
accommodations are booked solid, so plan your summer visit at least
three or four months in advance. The event schedule booms in the summer
to take advantage of the warm temperatures. But it can get hot and
humid, so don't forget to hydrate. Key Events:
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| September-November |
At around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, temperatures are just warm enough to
enjoy yourself outside of the water. Prices have also dropped
considerably from the summer rates. Key Events:
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| December-February |
Most of OBX's top things to do are outdoor activities; still they're
also open year-round. Better yet, hotel rates are very cheap this time
of year. But be sure to pack your coat, temperatures dip into the low
40s. Key Events:
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Getting Around Outer Banks
The best way to get around the Outer Banks is by car as there is no public transportation available. The North Carolina Department of Transportation runs a ferry service, but we strongly recommend renting a car from Norfolk International Airport (ORF) or driving in your own vehicle. Most attractions are spread out, the ferry routes can take up to two and a half hours one-way and the boats can get crowded, especially during the peak season.| Car | You'll find that a car is necessary in OBX, and as such, the traffic is brutal. Rental agencies are at the ORF Airport as well as in downtown Kill Devil Hills and Manteo, and will charge around $160 for a five-day period. Still it's relatively easy to find your way thanks to two main roads; N.C. 12 and U.S. 158, which both run north to south in the area. Within the Northern Beaches, many establishments will give you their locations in reference to their milepost address. Similar to what you find on interstates, these mileposts start at 0 in the northern end of Kitty Hawk at the Wright Bridge and increase as you head south. The mileposts end at the southern end of Nags Head at the Oregon Inlet. |
| Ferry |
A handful of ferries service the OBX area and are a great way to hop
around the islands, but they can get crowded during the summer, so it's
best to make reservations online at least a day in advance if not
sooner. The Hatteras-to-Ocracoke car ferry is a free 40-minute ride,
while the Ocracoke to Cedar Island route cost $15 one-way and is a two
and a half hour time investment.
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