Outer Banks Weather
Storms, Hurricanes and Nor’easters
Outer Banks weather conditions are constantly changing. From winds, storms, calm seas, sunshine, hurricanes, an occasional nor’easter, the Outer Banks has it all. There is a saying on the islands if you don’t like the weather wait 5 minutes! But mostly the weather is beautiful with mild temperatures. Even in winter, a lightweight jacket will keep you warm. Air temperatures above 90 degrees are unusual even during the hottest summer months. The cool ocean breeze helps keep air temperatures in the ’80s during the summer. In the winter it’s rare for the area to have below-freezing temperatures. Snow is a rare occurrence at the Outer Banks.
Mild temperatures and sunny days are the usual weather conditions for the Outer Banks. But the islands do have their share of storms. Hurricane season is from June 1st until November 31. Peak hurricane season is September and October. Winter also brings the occasional nor’easter. Some nor’easters can be almost as destructive as a tropical storm or weak hurricane.
Weather Stations and Current Condition Sites
Cape Hatteras Live weather, wind report & forecast…by Willy Weather
Outer Banks Dare County Local Weather Conditions Live… by Local Conditions
Buxton Live weather, wind report & forecast…by Willy Weather
Duck live weather, wind, and forecast…by Willy Weather
Ocracoke Live weather, wind report & forecast…by Willy Weather
Cape Hatteras National Seashore weather, wind and tide info…by Willy Weather
Nags Head Live weather, wind report, and forecast…by Willy Weather
Manteo Live weather, wind report, and forecast…by Willy Weather
Outer Banks Harbor Tide Wind and Weather Reports
Oregon Inlet Bridge Tide, Weather, and Boating Reports… by USHarbors
Roanoke Sound Channel Tide, Weather, and Boating Reports…by USHarbors
Cape Hatteras Fishing Pier Tide, Weather, Boating and Fishing Reports…by USHarbors
Hatteras Pamlico Sound Tide Weather Boating and Fishing Reports…by USHarbors
Ocracoke Island Tide, Weather Boating and Fishing Reports…by USHarbors
Weather Chart Temperature Averages by Month
| Month | Air Temperature degrees Fahrenheit | Water Temperature degrees Fahrenheit |
|---|---|---|
| Month | ||
| Jan | 38-52 | 49 |
| Feb | 38-53 | 46 |
| Mar | 43-58 | 52 |
| April | 51-66 | 59 |
| May | 60-74 | 68 |
| June | 68-80 | 73 |
| July | 72-84 | 78 |
| Aug | 72-83 | 77 |
| Sept | 68-79 | 77 |
| Oct | 59-71 | 70 |
| Nov | 49-63 | 58 |
| Dec | 40-55 | 55 |
Water Temperature
Water temperatures of the Atlantic Ocean vary depending on the location. The northern beaches’ water temperatures, such as Corolla and Duck will have lower temperatures as compared to the water temperatures off the coast of Hatteras and Ocracoke. Water temperatures in June are still chilly but once the waters warm up in July the warm water stays warm well into October.
Outer Banks Tides
It is always smart to know when high tide and low tide occur when on the Outer Banks. From enjoying some beach time, shelling, swimming, surfing, or fishing knowing the times for high and low tide is important. The local papers have tide charts printed inside. There are also phone apps that can be downloaded with tide charts. And there are online sites that have the tide charts for the regions of the Outer Banks. Also, be aware of the risk of rip currents if you are planning on going into the surf for a swim or other water sports.
Shell hunting is best at low tide. Surfing and fishing are best as the tide is coming in. If driving on the beach, in the locations where ORV is permitted, avoid driving on wet sand. Stay above the tide line. Know when high tide is because some locations at high tide become impassable. Getting a vehicle stuck in the sand while the tide is coming in is costly. Having to call a tow truck and the damage from saltwater to a vehicle is very expensive.