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When is Off-Season In the Outer Banks?

The Outer Banks become less crowded during the winter months while still offering idyllic mild weather. Take a break from the snow and ice of typical winter weather and make an escape to OBX! Enjoy plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration and activity even during the middle of winter as well as a peaceful haven in an OBX vacation home.

Weather Temperatures During the Outer Banks Off-Season

  • November: 63° / 48°
  • December: 55° / 40°
  • January: 51° / 36°
  • February: 54° / 37°
A view of the beach

Things to Do During OBX Off-Season

Outer Banks Fishing Charters

Bundle up for a mid-winter fishing trip during your next Outer Banks vacation. During the cooler months, deep-sea fishing is a prime activity with tuna ready to bite! Rough seas may disrupt your offshore fishing plans but you can always cast a fishing line in an inshore body of water where you can find striped bass.

Outdoor Exercise in the Outer Banks

Take advantage of the mild winter temperatures to explore the Outer Banks. Jockey’s Ridge State Park is renowned for having the tallest dunes on the Atlantic Coast, and provides a nice climbing opportunity. The park is a hub for outdoor fun such as sandboarding and water sports on the Roanoke Sound, as well as walking paths. Explore the different paths and take in the scenery of this unique state park!

The Nags Head Woods Preserve is another destination for nature trails and wildlife viewing in the Outer Banks. The maritime forest is home to over 550 species of plants and 150 species of birds. Walk along one of the trails in the forest including Discovery, Roanoke, Sweetgum Swamp, and the Blueberry Ridge Trail.

Outer Banks Museums & Historical Parks

The off-season is the perfect time to dive into Outer Banks history. With an array of museums that reflect the area’s unique history, there is plenty to explore during an off-season day!

The Currituck Lighthouse Museum celebrates the history of the lighthouse which has been operating since 1875. Between the months of March and November, visitors can explore the grounds, and the museum, and even climb the steps to the top of the lighthouse.

The Roanoke Island Festival Park is a 27-acre historical site that invites guests to learn about some of the first settlers in the area. The park features an adventure museum, a settlement exhibit, and a recreated American Indian village. Visitors can get hands-on experience throughout the exhibits such as canoe making, weaving, carpentry, and more.

The Outer Banks isn’t just a premiere vacation destination, it is also an iconic destination for the history of aviation! Visit the Wright Brothers Memorial which marks the spot of the first aviation flight on December 17th, 1903. The memorial is home to a visitor center, monument, sculptures, and more. Explore this historic destination during the quiet off-season!

Cape Hatteras During the Off-Season

Historic Cape Hatteras is a great place to visit during the off-season because of the natural beauty that can be enjoyed no matter the time of year. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is one of only 10 national seashores in the United States so it's a unique place to visit and explore, especially when it's not too busy in the area. Look out for some amazing bird watching!

You can enjoy a long walk/hike along several trails that run through the seashore and see the incredible wildlife and landscapes that make up this beautiful stretch of the Outer Banks. The Buxton Woods Trail and the Hammock Hills Trail are both about 3/4 mile loops that are great for the off-season so that you don't get too chilly or winded in the cooler weather. Hit the beach and try shelling, as winter storms brings some of the best shells! Learn to kiteboard or windsurf, or try surf fishing along Cape Point. In the evening, take a drive on the beach and enjoy a cozy bonfire.

Last but not least, enjoy the nearby lighthouses and take a tour in the winter. While the Cape Hatteras lighthouse is undergoing constructions, you can climb the 200 steps to the top of Bodie Lighthouse and learn about the rich history that this lighthouse has in the Outer Banks. Stay shielded from the wind inside the safe harbor of the lighthouse and make memories that will last forever!

Book One of Our Outer Banks Vacation Rentals

Brindley Beach features oceanfront homes, pet-friendly rentals, homes that are only accessible via 4x4 vehicles, and more! Experience everything that the off-season has to offer with a stay in one of our gorgeous Outer Banks homes.

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