8 reasons why fall is the best time to visit the Outer Banks

Visiting the Outer Banks in fall couldn’t be a wiser decision, and you can make the perfect itinerary for your trip if you check out these eight reasons why.

The Outer Banks stretch for over 100 miles, and this island chain’s coastal charm makes it a particularly lovely vacation spot. How could you not fall in love with the warm water, merry towns, and sweet sunshine that the Outer Banks are known for?

There’s a reason so many visitors save their PTO days to cash in on a trip here. For instance, August 2025 data from the North Carolina government shows that more than 140,000 visitors explored the sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head in that month alone.

These numbers are staggering, and they naturally peak during the summer months. But we’re here to argue that too many people are sleeping on the Outer Banks in the fall. The oppressive heat has broken, fewer tourists are roaming the ocean and streets, and local events keep the islands lively and carefree. Essentially, the vibes are unparalleled. We understand folks wanting to “ooh” and “ah” while seeing North Carolina’s fall foliage on scenic drives, but trust us: The Outer Banks will make you fall in love with visiting the beach after primetime.

1. Fewer visitors to the Outer Banks in fall means more space, fewer lines, and cheaper accommodations

You know what they say: Real trendsetters hop on ideas early or late—never on time. In this case, summer is peak trendiness, and while you can still have a fantastic time in the Outer Banks during the hotter months, you can save yourself a lot of time and stress if you plan your trip for fall. Because summer is so busy in the Outer Banks, you can expect crowded beaches, longer waits at restaurants, backed-up roads, and more. However, going in fall can alleviate a lot of these symptoms, creating a better overall experience for you.

Visiting the Outer Banks in fall typically also means you’ll spend less of your hard-earned money on your hotel room or rental property. The Outer Banks’ official website notes that fall and early spring are the most affordable times to travel to the islands. For example, the Hatteras Island Inn has rooms open for just $87 a night at the time of writing in early October 2025. Less demand after the summer months shrinks the cost of accommodations—a lure you’ll want to bite for more reasons to come.

2. Cooler weather makes visiting the Outer Banks in fall oh-so sweet

The weather is also lovely in the fall, so you can swim to your heart’s content without freezing your behind off. In fact, one Redditor who lives in the area said, “October is ‘Locals’ Summer.’ September and October are our favorite months here as the weather can be beautiful and the water is still warm.”

Said “beautiful” weather is generally in the mid-70s and mid-60s Fahrenheit. For instance, the average daily temperature for Nags Head is 74 degrees in September and 65 degrees in October, according to Climate-Data.org. You’ll have a lower risk of developing a super gnarly sunburn in these temperatures compared to the summer, but don’t forget your sunscreen. SPF is still needed in the fall, and you can still turn redder than a tomato if you’re not careful.

3. Take your backyard fire pit to the beach when you visit the Outer Banks in fall

Unless you’re from a coastal town, you may not have heard of a beach bonfire, but it’s a common practice in the Outer Banks that’s equal parts cozy and invigorating. This may sound like you’re breaking the law, but the Outer Banks’ official website notes that it’s totally okay to strike a fire, roast some s’mores, and chat the night away—all on the beach.

This is perfect for fall when fewer folks are around, allowing everyone to bring their chairs, spread out around the fire, and have a grand time. The cooler, more relaxing temperatures don’t hurt, either.

4. Visiting the Outer Banks in fall gives you a clearer and easier view of its many lighthouses

It only makes sense that an island chain like the Outer Banks would have many lighthouses to guide sailors along their journeys, and sure enough, lighthouses continue to be a big reason why folks flock to OBX each year. You can enjoy them in the summer months, but they’re even more enchanting in the fall.

Post-autumnal equinox, the sun sets earlier and earlier each day, meaning you’ll get to see the lights from the lighthouses blazing into the sea-scaled horizon earlier in the evening. These lights would also be the perfect accent to your beach fires. If that weren’t enough, your daytime excursions to see the lighthouse structures themselves will be less sweaty. It’s an all-around win-win.

5. Anyone who loves fishing or surfing will want to visit the Outer Banks in fall

Fishing is a common pastime and sport in the Outer Banks, no matter when you visit, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better time of year than fall to commit to a bout of it. Surf fishing, in particular, is popular throughout the Outer Banks in fall, though fly fishing and pier fishing are also fun options.

We can thank speckled trout and striped bass for enriching the Outer Banks in fall. According to Hotels OBX, these species thrive in more moderate water temperatures, so they’re more “active” and easier to catch in the autumn months. Like with other activities, the cooler temperatures also mean you’ll have a more pleasant time outdoors.

Surfing is also common after summer’s heat breaks, but it’s less about temperatures and more about The Easterns, an annual surfing competition held in Nags Head. Each September, hundreds of premier surfers from across the East Coast gather to compete. The 2025 competition was held from Sep. 14 to Sep. 20 and united more than 300 surfers. Seeing these surfers in action is inspiring, but you can also hit the waves yourself—or even prepare for next year’s festivities, as any amateur surfer can enter.

6. Fun festivals bring extra life and love to the Outer Banks in fall

Whether it’s the crisp weather or the bubbling excitement as we get close to the holidays, something about fall brings out everyone’s inner glee, making it a perfect season for fun festivals and events. Luckily, the Outer Banks have no short supply of them.

According to OuterBanks.com, the 2025 calendar includes the Duck Jazz Festival from Oct. 11 to Oct. 12, the Bluegrass Island Festival from Oct. 16 to Oct. 18, the Ocracoke Working Watermen’s Festival on Oct. 11, the Outer Banks Seafood Festival on Oct. 18, Pumpkin Patch Saturdays at Island Farm every Saturday of October, and more. With so much to do, you’ll never run out of creative ways to spend your time between bouts of swimming.

7. Traveling with your dog is easier if you visit the Outer Banks in fall

Taking a vacation when you have a pet dog requires a lot of problem-solving, from getting it vaccinated to finding a sitter or accommodations that will let you bring it with you. The Outer Banks are great because the islands generally allow dogs, though each area has its own rules for the hours dogs are permitted to be on the beaches and whether they must be leashed or not. Interestingly, some locations’ rules are looser in the fall, making it a perfect time for pet parents to take a getaway.

According to the Outer Banks’ official website, areas like Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills have strict rules regarding dogs’ beach access, but both loosen up after Labor Day in the fall. More specifically, dogs go from only being allowed on the beach during certain hours to being permitted all day. Still, you need to pay attention to each area’s leash requirements. Kitty Hawk doesn’t require leashes on well-behaved dogs, while Kill Devil Hills requires a leash at all times, regardless of previous behavior history.

8. Explore state parks stress-free when you visit the Outer Banks in fall

Hitting up the Outer Banks in fall comes with another sigh of relief outside of lower temperatures: decreased mosquito activity (via Wolfpack Pest Control). With bugs hiding away and the air feeling lighter, exploring state parks and other landmarks is a breeze. You’ll fill your camera roll with stunning snaps and make memories you’ll never forget without coming home soaked in sweat or riddled with red bug bite marks.

The first place you have to visit is the aforementioned Jockey’s Ridge State Park, which turned 50 years old in 2025. The sand dunes here are unlike anything you’ve probably seen before—there’s a reason it’s “one of the most visited parks” in the state, as North Carolina Governor Josh Stein wrote in a June Facebook post to celebrate the park’s birthday.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park might be one of the most well-known options, but other landmarks you should consider visiting include the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, and Fort Macon State Park. Any of these should provide a fun time, especially if you love nature and history.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Related: 12 Cheap Stops Along The Outer Banks National Scenic Highway to Visit With Your Foodie Friend