Guide to Nags Head NC Weather

Let's start by stating that you can anticipate that the weather in Nags Head, NC will be fantastic for nearly the entire year - and likely favorable during your vacation.

Therefore, shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops are appropriate for 6+ months, and some area locals don't even own a pair of jeans.

Even amid winter, temperatures typically reach the mid-50s during the day in Nags Head. As things cool off outside, so does the cost of a vacation in a rental home or condo. As a result, you can save a few hundred, if not a thousand dollars, on your stay.

Nags Head Fishing Pier at Night Outer Banks NC Beach

The least rainy months are March, April, and October.

Given its proximity to the ocean, the temperature rarely drops below
70°F during the day. Nags Head is an ideal vacation destination at any time of the year.

Even in the summer heat, you can rely on the wind to remain constant. There is almost always at least a slight breeze in Nags Head. Why do you think the Wright brothers chose the Outer Banks to test their homemade flying machines.

When is hurricane season for Nags Head?

The hurricane season for Nags Head extends from June till November, with the height of the season (most activity) in September. Most hurricanes impacting the North Carolina coast typically do so in August or September.

Can a hurricane smash into the coast during July? You bet, but it’s unlikely! If this info on the potential for storms makes you a little uneasy, consider purchasing travel insurance during your vacation planning.

What is the average ocean water temperature?

Late June through early October are prime time for swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, with water temperatures in the mid to high 70s. However, if you wish to swim during a different timeframe, you'll need a wetsuit, as the water can be a bit frigid.

During certain times of the summer, the Gulf Stream hugs the coast of North Carolina, and the water is super transparent - like tropics clear.

What is the best time of year to visit Nags Head?

Most visitors plan their vacation around the summer months of June, July, and August as the kids are out of school and who doesn’t love a summer beach vacation?

If you can swing it, September and October are worth considering as the weather is still great, the water is warm, prices are way down on rental homes, and many of our favorite restaurants are significantly less crowded.

Snow at Jennette's Pier in Nags Head NC Winter

How cold does it get in Nags Head? Does it snow?

It can get cold enough to snow in Nags Head during the winter months. Snowfall isn’t common, but wow, is it pretty.

Picture the grounds near Bodie Island Lighthouse covered with a light dusting? The dunes near Jennette’s Pier blanketed by a thin layer of snowfall? Local kids building a snowman at the Wright Brother’s National Memorial?

Magical.

How hot does it get in Nags Head?

No question, the hottest months on average in Nags Head are July and August, when the average high temperature is 83-84 degrees.

Remember to pack lots of sunscreens when visiting the beach for a day or hiking Jockey's Ridge, the tallest natural dune system in the eastern United States!

Temperature by Month in Nags Head

Month Max. Temp. Min. Temp. Water Wind Precip.
January 52 38 49 15 4.8
February 53 38 46 15 4.6
March 58 43 52 14 2.9
April 66 51 58 - 60 15 3.1
May 74 60 68 13 3.8
June 80 68 72 - 75 13 4.5
July 84 72 76 - 79 13 6.3
August 83 72 76 - 79 13 6.3
September 79 68 75 - 78 11 5.2
October 71 59 68 - 72 12 3.1
November 63 49 58 14 3.5
December 55 40 55 14 3.5
Averages 68 55 55 14 4

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