Spring On The OBX, Should I Visit?

The short answer? Yes, you should visit the OBX during the spring months! When most people think of the Outer Banks, they think “summer”! While there’s nothing wrong with that and we love a good OBX summer vacation, there’s one vastly underrated season. Spring! After months of chilly weather and short days, spring is welcomed like an old friend on the Outer Banks. Keep reading to see the top reasons why we recommend a spring OBX visit!

Reason #1 – Fewer Crowds

Spring on the Outer Banks means fewer crowds,

The Outer Banks gets most of our visitors during the peak summer months, meaning more people, more traffic, and longer waits. However, during the Spring months (March-early May), you’ll find a huge difference in the traffic conditions compared to the peak summer months. Less traffic, less wait times in restaurants, and that feeling of the beaches being all to yourself are all things you’ll find during a spring Outer Banks stay. While the OBX is still 100% worth visiting during the summer, a spring stay might just be for you if you prefer fewer crowds.

Reason #2 – Mild Weather

Visiting local Outer Banks lighthouses during the spring is the best time because of the mild weather.

The weather on the OBX is usually mild all around no matter what season you decide to visit. However, we’ve seen some super cold and blustery days during the winter and some scorchers during the summer. During March and April, the average temperature ranges from around 65º during the day and about 50º at night. It’s the perfect weather to sit on the beach and enjoy your favorite book or explore local historic sites like OBX lighthouses.

Reason #3 – Great Shopping & Dining

Your favorite restaurants are sure to have a shorter wait during the spring months on the OBX.

Local businesses that close in the winter for a break are starting to open back up again during the spring months! Your favorite restaurants that had a 2-hour wait in the summer can get you in pretty much immediately and your must-visit boutiques have refreshed for the new season and are gearing up for the busy summer season. Spring allows you almost VIP-type access to your favorite local businesses before the rush of summer begins!

Reason #4 – Fun Events

Custom cars shown at the Outer Banks Rod and Custom festival.

A return to nice, warm weather means the return of local events! Yearly events like the Easter EGGstravaganza, Taste of the Beach, the Flying Pirate Half Marathon, and the OBX Rod and Custom Festival take place during the spring months. What better excuse to plan a visit than coming out to a local event that most visitors don’t get to take advantage of?

Reason #5 – Better Rental Prices

Ocean view of an oceanfront Outer Banks rental.

Compared to the summer, you can save some serious cash on a spring Outer Banks rental home. For example, an 8-bedroom oceanfront rental during peak summer can cost upwards of $17,000 for the week. That same home in the first week of April? About $4,200 for the week. That’s about a 75% discount for a beautifully appointed, oceanfront rental. Even better? You can take advantage of partial week stays as well! Enjoy the OBX for a long weekend for a fraction of the price.