Arguably the most pleasant season of the year
Why fall is locals' favorite season
Shoulder season brings perfect weather, fewer crowds, and the full OBX experience without the summer rush.
The Most Beautiful Weather of the Year
September on the Outer Banks normally presents the most desirable weather of the year. Daytime temperatures are in the mid-70s to mid-80s, which is perfect for long days on the beach. Fall evenings on the Outer Banks are truly a treat — cool and crisp, but usually not cold. Fall evenings were made for sitting outside on oceanside decks listening to the waves crash.
Warm Ocean, Open Beaches
The ocean water is relatively warm in the fall months — perfect for swimming if conditions are right. Beautiful September days with warm, crystal clear ocean water are not uncommon. With summer crowds thinning, the wide beaches are more open than ever, offering the solitude and serenity the Outer Banks is known for.
Festivals & Local Flavor
Fall is festival season on the Outer Banks. The Outer Banks Seafood Festival, Duck Jazz Festival, WRV Outer Banks Pro Surf Contest, Bluegrass Island Music Festival, and Currituck Oyster Festival are among the highlights of autumn on the OBX. Oysters from the waters around the Outer Banks reach peak flavor during the cooler months — a true fall delicacy.
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
Is it warm in the Outer Banks in September? Absolutely!
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.
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.
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.
Tips for a Fall OBX Vacation
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.
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.
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.
Festivals, golf, oysters, and open beaches
The weather is milder and the crowds are thinner, but there is still plenty to do on the Outer Banks in the fall. Whether you're looking for festivals, outdoor adventure, or quiet days on the beach, fall delivers.
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, Duck Jazz Festival, WRV Outer Banks Pro Surf Contest, Bluegrass Island Music Festival, Island Farm's Annual Pumpkin Patch, and Currituck Oyster Festival are among the highlights.
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.
From the Twiddy Blog
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OBX Fall Food & Drink Tour
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Twiddy’s 2021 Halloween Contests
Fall rentals are 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.