Outer Banks in FallWeather, Things to do, Rentals & More
The weather during the day can still be warm enough for the beach and evenings are mild and pleasant. Swimming in the ocean is definitely possible, as the ocean temperature is generally still warm. The summertime crowds and traffic tend to thin out quite a bit as the fall season progresses. There are plenty of local events on the OBX during the fall that showcase the area appropriately. Rental rates are lower than during the peak summer months, offering the opportunity to experience the Outer Banks during the fall year after year.
OBX Fall Weather
What to expect in September, October, and November
Daytime
72°- Comfortable and warm
- It's still flip flop weather
- Sunrise between 6:30am - 7:30am
Evenings
60°- Cool and crisp
- Bring sweatshirts or a jacket
- Sunset between 4:48pm - 7:30pm
Ocean
72°- Warm enough for a swim
- *Temperature can vary depending on wind direction
Pack your sandals and your sweatshirt!
Is it warm in the Outer Banks in September? Absolutely! September normally presents the OBX with the most desirable weather of the year. Daytime temperatures are normally in the mid-70s to mid-80s, which is perfect for long days on the beach. There are some toasty days in September, but the humidity is generally much lower than it is during the summer months.
Fall evenings on the Outer Banks are truly a treat. The weather is cool and crisp, but usually not cold. Fall evenings were made for sitting outside on oceanside decks listening to the waves crash and looking at all of the stars up in the dark night sky. Stroll along the beach after dark and feel the cool sand beneath your feet. Be on the lookout for shooting stars.
Delightful ocean water temperature
The ocean water is relatively warm in the fall months, which can be perfect for swimming if conditions are right. Beautiful September days with warm, crystal clear ocean water are not uncommon. Many surfers can be found riding the waves throughout the fall months. Fall is hurricane season, which can certainly affect whether or not the ocean is safe for swimming. Be on the lookout for red or yellow flags flying when conditions are not suitable for swimming.
What about hurricanes?
Hurricane season officially begins June 1st and ends on November 30th. However, the fall season has a reputation for being the time of year that hurricanes are most likely to affect the Outer Banks. Hurricanes that are hundreds of miles off the coast can churn up dangerous surf on the Outer Banks coast. It’s best to monitor any hurricanes during the fall months that appear as if they will impact the OBX.
Festivals and Special Events
Whether you’re looking for a day or more of live music or a festival solely focused on food, there is a fun event happening during the Fall on the Outer Banks.
- The Outer Banks Seafood Festival is a seafood lover’s dream. The event features local seafood prepared by many OBX restaurants, as well as live music, local artisans, and seafood educational presentations.
- The Duck Jazz Festival is a free event that features jazz on the green in Duck Town Park. There are several other jazz-related events that happen throughout Duck during Jazz Fest weekend.
- Fall is the season of surfing contests on the Outer Banks. Check out the pros shredding near Jennette’s Pier at the WRV Outer Banks Pro Surf Contest and The Easterns Championship presented by Eastern Surfing Association.
- Bluegrass Island Music Festival is an amazing weekend of music featuring a number of regionally and internationally acclaimed bands. The festival takes place at Roanoke Island Festival Park, a beautiful venue that overlooks the sound.
- It wouldn’t be Fall without a pumpkin patch! Island Farm hosts their Annual Pumpkin Patch the first four Saturdays in October. In addition to the traditional pumpkin patch, many activities will take place, including “Pumpkin’ Chunkin” which offers the opportunity to launch a pumpkin across the Farm’s pasture using a traditional trebuchet.
- Enjoy all-you-can-eat steamed oysters, crabs, and sides at the Currishuck Oyster Festival at Sanctuary Vineyards. Enjoy live music as you sip local beer and wine during the festival.
The weather is perfect for playing golf
Since the weather has cooled off a bit from the heat of the summer, it’s time to play a few rounds of golf. There are golf courses up and down the Outer Banks, each with a unique personality.
If playing golf isn’t your thing or you have little ones with you, head to a mini golf course. Most Outer Banks towns have at least one mini golf course. Each course has its own fun theme and an ice cream shop nearby for a post-golf treat.
Climb Jockey’s Ridge
With giant rolling hills of sand, Jockey’s Ridge State Park is truly a sight to behold. In the summer months, the sand is often too hot to walk on during the majority of daylight hours. Climbing Jockey’s Ridge in the fall is ideal, as the sand is not overly hot and the winter wind hasn’t arrived yet. Get a panoramic ocean-to-sound view of the Outer Banks atop Jockey’s Ridge. Watch the hang gliders take off from the dunes or book a hang gliding lesson for yourself through Kitty Hawk Kites.
Take a Coffee Shop Tour of the Outer Banks
Small local coffee shops are available in each Outer Banks town. Each OBX coffee shop is locally owned and operated. Be sure to visit several of the OBX’s unique coffee shops to discover your favorite Outer Banks themed coffee drink, like a Mucky Duck at Duck’s Cottage or a Salty Beach at Front Porch Cafe.
It’s Oyster Season
Oysters from the waters around the Outer Banks are widely considered a delicacy. The old adage that oysters should only be eaten during months that have an “r” in them is not necessarily the rule anymore due to advancements in oyster farming. Many OBX locals still believe that fall and winter are the best times to eat oysters. During the fall on the Outer Banks, oysters are showcased in OBX restaurants and readily available in local seafood markets.
The beach is still the top OBX attraction during the Fall months. There are many ways to enjoy Outer Banks beaches during the Fall.
On warm days, enjoy a traditional beach day, just like in the summer.
Watch a gorgeous Fall sunrise over the ocean. Take a hot coffee and sweatshirt with you.
Stroll along the shoreline in the cool sand. Be on the lookout for intact whelk shells and seaglass.
Take your blanket and favorite beverage to the beach in the afternoon for an extra scenic happy hour.
Festivals and Events are in full swing during the Fall on the Outer Banks. From live music to delectable seafood and everything in between, there’s a fun festival for all to enjoy.
The Outer Banks Seafood Festival is a celebration of all things OBX seafood. A fun and educational event with delicious seafood for the entire family.
Several live music events happen throughout the Outer Banks during the Fall, including the Duck Jazz Festival and Bluegrass Island Festival.
OBX Brewtäg is a unique celebration of beer and flight that happens each Fall on the sound in Nags Head. Enjoy local Outer Banks beers while watching the keg flying competition.
OBX homes are on full display during the Outer Banks Home Builder Association’s annual Parade of Homes. Tour the most exciting homes on the OBX during the event.
Top OBX attractions and restaurants are still wide open during the Fall. There are less crowds and traffic to navigate, leaving more time to explore.
Climb Jockey’s Ridge without breaking a sweat. The sand is too hot to walk on during the dog days of summer, but the weather is perfect for walking up the big dunes in the Fall.
Explore the Currituck Lighthouse and enjoy the view from the top. Climb the lighthouse at your own pace.
Watch an epic Fall sunset from the Town of Duck’s soundside boardwalk.
Fewer crowds during the Fall means that many restaurants can offer more specials and really highlight authentic Outer Banks delicacies.
Outer Banks Fall Rentals Still Available
Book a fall getaway and discover why this is OBX locals’ favorite time of year. Get a few more beach days in before the warm weather fades away for the year.