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The Outer Banks, a string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, is a premier vacation destination for those seeking a true beach escape. With its pristine sand beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and rich history, this is a place where travelers come to relax, explore, and immerse themselves in the essence of the coast. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or making your first visit, the following tips will ensure that your trip to the Outer Banks is one to remember.
Why You Should Visit The Outer Banks In The Fall
Whether you’re a returning visitor or a new visitor, let’s look at a few of the reasons you should visit after summer has ended.
Milder Weather
Fall brings about milder temperatures than summer, but yet it’s still warm enough to enjoy the beach without freezing in the winter months. The average temperature in the fall is usually in the 70s during the day. The lows in the evening are in the 50s and 60s. These temperatures can last until mid December.
Depending upon which part of the Outer Banks you stay, the water stays warm until mid-October, sometimes later. Keep in mind that the air temperature will be chilly when you step out of the ocean.
Fewer People
Along with the hottest temperatures, summer brings the most people. The fall in the Outer Banks has fewer people visiting than in the summer.
School has started so families are back home. You’ll see older people who don’t have children living at home or younger couples whose children haven’t started school yet.
With fewer people, the restaurants and shopping areas aren’t as busy, but some of them might close after Labor Day weekend.
Great Fishing
The best fishing happens at the end of the summer. Fishermen from all over visit this area. The Outer Banks has several piers you can fish from or you can hire a fishing charter.
If you are competitive, participate in one of several surf fishing tournaments held every year. The red drum is one of the most popular fish you can catch. This fish appears only twice a year as it migrates during the off seasons.
Stronger Winds
The stronger winds in September, October, and November bring people to the Outer Banks for different water sports. These winds are a consistent 10-20 miles per hour and have gusts of 30 miles per hour or more.
People can enjoy windsurfing, kiteboarding, and sometimes surfing all along the coasts of the Outer Banks. The ocean is even better during this time when the stronger winds can bring bigger waves for any water activity.
Lower Rates
One of the biggest reasons to visit the Outer Banks in the fall is the lower rates for where you stay. Whether it’s a hotel, motel, or house, the rates drop once summer is over. As with any vacation, your accommodation is the biggest expense of the trip.
Booking these lower rates is easier during this time of the year, too. The summer months tend to book ahead of time while the fall months sometimes book last minute.
Check for special discounts or getaway packages during the fall that you might not get at other times of the year. This depends upon what local events are happening.
Fall has several reasons why it’s the best time of the year to visit the Outer Banks. Which one of the above reasons would encourage you to visit that time of the year?
Hurricane Sandy Update #4 (Monday, 10/29/12)
Monday morning here on the Outer Banks and the effects of Hurricane Sandy are starting to diminish. Winds have died down overnight from the sustained 35 MPH speeds to less than 20 MPH this morning. Wind gusts were in excess of 50 MPH yesterday with the strongest gust recorded at 70 MPH on Hatteras Island in Frisco. The steady rain that has totaled more than 5 inches has become intermittent this morning and more of a drizzle as the storm is clearly moving towards the north away from our area.Fortunately there have been no serious injuries or deaths from the storm reported. The only damage is to property and it seems the damage is minimal. As the storm moves north our thoughts and prayers go to those who will be affected in the future by this monster storm. We know we were very fortunate this time!
| Highway 12 South of Oregon Inlet on Sunday afternoon |
The local emergency management officials report that Highway 12 is still closed south of the Oregon Inlet bridge due to high water and sand on the roadway. There have been three road damage reports received from Hatteras Island. The southbound lane at the New Inlet Bridge has been breached, the roadway just north of Rodanthe at the S Curves has been breached, and both lanes have been breached just east of Hatteras Village.
| Waves still angry at The Avalon Pier on Monday morning |
In Kitty Hawk there has been significant ocean overwash in the area from Eckner Street to Kitty Hawk Road. The Beach Road (highway 12) has been closed in that area due to debris and water on the road. Water is standing between the beach road and US 158 in this area and the depth of the water is at least 12 inches throughout that area.
| Waves breaking over the Frisco Pier on Sunday (Courtesy of Don Bowers) |
The guests that are staying with Outer Banks Blue this week have all been contacted and their safety and comfort has been assured. If you have reservations for a stay for this coming weekend you should plan on arriving as normal. Our offices are open for business as usual today, and we look forward to serving you.
| This is not recommended! Salt water will destroy your vehicle’s underside! |
Lots of pictures of the storm have been shared with us or forwarded to us here at Outer Banks Blue, and we wanted to share them with you this morning. We’ve included a sample of some of the shots that we have seen over the last 18 hours or so…
| House in Rodanthe not holding up well to the strong tides and wind on Sunday! |
Bulkhead at Avalon Pier didn’t hold up to the tide
Ocean overwash in Kitty Hawk on Beach Road
