The Outer Banks is a desirable destination for people and families all around the country and the world. However, if it's your first visit to the Outer Banks, it's hard to determine what to pack by looking at the weather forecast.
Depending on what time of year you're visiting, you should plan to pack differently.
Spring Time - March through May
Spring is perhaps the most unpredictable time as it relates to weather. The chances for Nor'Easters, which are large storms, similar to tropical systems, are about equal to having beautiful, sunny weather with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. The spring is such an amazing time to visit the Outer Banks. The shops and restaurants are open for business, but the crowds haven't yet arrived. The water is still cold because the summer Gulf Stream hasn't yet pushed the warm Caribbean waters north yet.
So, what to pack?In one word: layers.
Bring your short sleeve shirts, warm-weather clothes, but be sure to pack a comfy sweater and a pair of pants for cooler days. Feel free to pack your bathing suit for warm days laying out in the sun, but don't forget your sunscreen! Just because it's not the high summer doesn't mean you can't get a wicked sunburn in the spring time.
While you're packing, make sure you bring pack your camera. The sunrises and sunsets are extraordinary in the springtime.
Summer Time - End of May through September
Summer is the high season on the Outer Banks.
The majority of visitors load their vehicles full of the family stuff and head to the beaches. The weather this time of year is hot. Temperatures are easily in the 90 - 100 degree range, but the breezes cool things down quite a bit. The water is warm, the fishing is strong, and the days are long with tons of sunshine.
With temperatures as hot as they are, the chance of a late summer thunderstorm are high, but those storms last for only a few minutes before they pass by.
Be sure to pack your bathing suit, flip flops, shorts, t-shirts, umbrella, and rain jacket. If you have room in your suitcase, grab a light jacket. The shops and restaurants blast the air conditioning to give you a respite from the hot temperatures, but it's easy to get chilly at lunch or dinner.
Lastly, be sure you pack bug repellent. The mosquitos can be intense during the summer evenings and you and your family will feel much better with a quick cover of bug spray before venturing out.
Autumn - October through Thanksgiving
Autumn is perhaps the most underrated time to travel to the Outer Banks.
After Labor Day, kids usually return to school and tourism on the Outer Banks drops. However, the local restaurants and shops are still very much open, but like spring, there are fewer people. The best part about visiting in Autumn is the weather.
Coming off of summer, the days are usually quite warm, but not nearly as sweltering as the summer. The evenings get much cooler and breezier, making it perfect to play mini-golf or hit the go-kart tracks. When you visit in the Autumn, the risk for tropical systems increases, which could really put a damper on your trip.
Be sure to pack lots of layers to cover all sorts of weather, a rain jacket, and most importantly, get some travel insurance that covers trip interruption due to natural disasters.
It's unlikely you'll need it, but it's better safe than sorry. Autumn really is an amazing time to visit the Outer Banks.
When you're packing for the Outer Banks, be sure to take a look at the weather forecast, but take it with a grain of salt. No matter what time of year you visit, bring sunscreen, bug repellent, a cozy sweater and a rain jacket or umbrella, just in case. Otherwise, you'll be all set in casual, comfortable clothing.
Don't forget, it's highly likely you'll find time to shop the local stores and you'll bring home plenty of additional Outer Banks items.
