Outer Banks
The Outer Banks are a string of barrier islands in North Carolina, known for the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, lightly developed beaches and week-long rentals near the ocean.
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The Outer Banks are a chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. The Atlantic Ocean lies on one side and the calmer sounds lie on the other. Four bases cover most trips: Corolla at the northern end, Duck on the sound side, Nags Head in the middle and Hatteras Island to the south.
The Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kill Devil Hills marks the site of the first powered airplane flights in 1903. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on Hatteras Island is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. Beach weeks in rental houses suit families and groups well. Four or five days gives you time for more than one island, and reaching Ocracoke requires a ferry from Hatteras Village. Hurricane season runs from June through November, so check forecasts and read cancellation terms before you book.
Outer Banks in five
- Pick your stretch: Corolla, Nags Head or HatterasCorolla in the north has wild-horse country and four-wheel-drive beaches, Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills in the center are the most developed, and Hatteras Island in the south is quieter, with Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
- Check the ferry system before OcracokeNC Ferry runs the routes to Ocracoke, and NCDOT is required by law to start collecting tolls on all ferry routes by January 1, 2027. Check the ferry site for reservations, schedules and the current fares.NC Ferry Division
- Rent a house, but check the changeover dayMany summer rentals run weekly, with a fixed arrival day, so confirm check-in rules before you plan flights. Book early for July and August.
- Plan for hurricane seasonThe Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, and evacuation orders can reach the islands quickly. Buy insurance that covers weather cancellations and keep dates flexible.Insurance for the USA
- Fly into Norfolk or Raleigh-DurhamThere is no major airport on the islands, and the drive is part of the trip. Norfolk is the closer large airport, and Raleigh-Durham has more flights but a longer drive.Getting around the USA
Things to do in Outer Banks
See all attractions in Outer Banks
Need to know
- Airport
- Norfolk (ORF) or Raleigh-Durham (RDU); no major airport on the islands
- Getting there
- Drive; ferries link Hatteras with Ocracoke
- Getting around
- A car; roads run north to south along the islands
- Best base
- Nags Head or Kill Devil Hills for the center; Hatteras for a quieter stay
- Time needed
- 3 to 7 days; many rentals are weekly
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- JanuaryCool, quiet
- FebruaryCool, quiet
- MarchMild, windy
- AprilMild, quiet
- MayWarm, spring
- JuneWarm, summer
- JulyHot, busy
- AugustHot, hurricane risk
- SeptemberWarm, hurricane risk
- OctoberMild, quiet
- NovemberCool, quiet
- DecemberCool, quiet
Right now in Outer Banks
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
18
- Feels like
- 17°
- Humidity
- 82%
- Wind
- 17 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 4%
Outer Banks
05:37 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today20°15°4%Monday: Cloudy. High 20°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Tue22°16°8%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 22°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 8%.
- Wed20°19°7%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 20°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 7%.
- Thu20°19°5%Thursday: Drizzle. High 20°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 5%.
- Fri20°18°38%Friday: Drizzle. High 20°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 38%.
- Sat19°15°38%Saturday: Cloudy. High 19°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 38%.
- Sun19°15°6%Sunday: Drizzle. High 19°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 6%.
Updated 04:51 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Ocracoke Islandby NC Ferry from HatterasA small village island reached by ferry; check reservations and schedules first.
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouseabout 1 hour south of Nags HeadA black-and-white striped lighthouse in Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
- Roanoke Island and Manteoabout 10 to 20 minutes west of Nags HeadA waterfront town with Lost Colony history and a harbor.
Before you go to Outer Banks
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Rules for Outer Banks, checked
- NCDOT is required by law to establish and start collecting tolls on all North Carolina ferry routes by January 1, 2027.Checked Oct 2, 2026 · Source
Plan around Outer Banks
Cities and coast from New York to DC
Read the guideAlexandriaA historic Potomac river town near DC
Read the guideTravel insurance for the USAMedical cover for visitors
Read the guideGetting around the USARental cars and ferries for the islands
Read the guideeSIM for the USAData for storm alerts and ferry updates
Read the guideAll of the USAStates, parks and cities in one planning hub
Read the guideOuter Banks FAQ
Which part of the Outer Banks is best?
Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills for sights and services in one stretch, Corolla for wild horses and quiet beaches, Hatteras Island for a remote feel. Pick by whether you want amenities or space.
How many days do you need on the Outer Banks?
Three days covers the lighthouse and one beach day, but many visitors rent houses for a week. Plan time for the drive, since the islands are long and speeds are low.
When is hurricane season on the Outer Banks?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the highest risk in late summer and early fall. Buy insurance, keep your plans flexible and follow county evacuation orders.
How do you get to Ocracoke Island?
By NC Ferry from Hatteras, or from Cedar Island or Swan Quarter on the mainland. Check the ferry site for reservations and schedules, and note that tolls are scheduled to start by January 1, 2027.
Do you need a car on the Outer Banks?
Yes. The islands run north to south along one main road, with no public transit between towns. Rent a car at Norfolk or Raleigh-Durham, or bring your own.