North Carolina
Your Guide to theOuter Banks130 Miles of Coast
Discover the best dining, lodging, experiences, beaches, and fishing across North Carolina's Outer Banks, from Corolla to Ocracoke.
⚠️Flood WatchWeather AlertFlood Watch issued July 24 at 4:34PM EDT until July 25 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC
Flood Watch issued July 24 at 4:34PM EDT until July 25 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...A portion of eastern North Carolina, including the following areas, Beaufort, Greene, Mainland Dare, Mainland Hyde, Martin, Northern Outer Banks, Pitt, Tyrrell and Washington. * WHEN...Through Saturday evening. * IMPACTS...Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible. Additionally, some tree damage is possible due to the very saturated soils. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A stalled front and a very moist airmass over eastern North Carolina will continue to support periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms with excessive rainfall rates. Additional rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected. Heavier amounts will be possible where thunderstorms occur. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
🚨Park ClosurePark AlertBeach Closure in Place in Front of Buxton Village
Beach Closure in Place in Front of Buxton Village
The entire beachfront in front of Buxton Village is temporarily closed to public entry due to the presence of threatened oceanfront structures.
Explore the Outer Banks
Everything you need for your perfect Outer Banks trip, all in one place.
Featured Listings
Handpicked favorites from up and down the Outer Banks.
Current Weather
Real-time conditions at Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Plan Your Visit
Tips and insights for making the most of your time on the Outer Banks.
Weather & Seasons
The Outer Banks has a distinct season: summer (June-August) is peak beach season, warm and busy. Hurricane season runs June through November, peaking August-October - most years pass without a direct hit, but it's worth watching the forecast during that window. Spring and fall offer milder weather and thinner crowds, widely considered the best all-around time to visit. Winter is quiet, cool, and popular with anglers and anyone chasing an empty beach.
View forecast →Getting There
The Outer Banks is a chain of barrier islands off the North Carolina coast, reached via US-158 or US-64 from the mainland. The core beach towns (Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head) sit close together on paved NC-12; Hatteras Island's villages string out further south along the same highway. Ocracoke Island is reachable only by ferry - free from Hatteras village, or a longer paid crossing from the mainland at Cedar Island or Swan Quarter.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall bring the best balance of good weather and manageable crowds - book lodging early for these shoulder-season weeks, since locals know them well too. Summer is the busiest and most reliably warm stretch, ideal if crowds don't bother you. If you want the islands to yourself, winter is quiet and popular with anglers, though some seasonal businesses close for the off-season.