While there's something undeniably special about visiting the Outer Banks during the summertime, the Outer Banks in May is a hidden gem for vacation planning. In fact, according to US News, the period from March to May is possibly the best time to visit the Outer Banks. Here are some of our top reasons for why you should come to the Outer Banks during the month of May as well as a few suggested itineraries, depending on the size of your family group. Whether you're looking for that last-minute couples getaway before the summer hits, you're a remote worker looking to cash in on reasonable pre-season rates, or you're a family who's ready to start vacation early, May on the Outer Banks has a little bit of something for everyone!
- Top 10 Reasons to Visit the Outer Banks in May
- Top 5 Ways to Celebrate Mom on the Outer Banks
- May Events on the Outer Banks
- Itineraries for Your May Outer Banks Vacation
Top 10 Reasons to Visit the Outer Banks in May
1. Moderate Weather, Temperatures, and Rainfall
First and probably the most well-known reason reason to visit the Outer Banks in May is the moderate temperatures and weather that make the spring and unbelieveable time to be here. Temperatures usually range anywhere from 65°F to 80°F, making the weather perfect for getting your toes wet during the day and slipping on a sweatshirt at night. Average rainfall is around 3.5" and makes for light showers and fewer storms. You'll be out of the woods from hurricane season, which runs June 1 to November 30, while still enjoying the waters that are warming up with the changing season. It's hard to beat a beautiful day at the beach in May and a delicious cocktail on a deck at night with a calming breeze coming off the water.
2. Most Restaurants & Attractions are Open - Without the Crowds
In the past, the Outer Banks was like a ghost town during the off-season with few open restaurants and not much to do. However, over the past several years, restaurants have begun staying open later into the year and opening much earlier in the season. By mid-April and May, you can expect most restaurants to be fully open. Attractions will be open, as well, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds! Come experience all the fun of an Outer Banks vacation without the extra crowds and extended wait times that may come with June and July.
3. Take Advantage of Pre-Season Rates
Another reason to take an Outer Banks vacation in May? Rates are going to be a good bit lower than in July! Booking your vacation for May can literally save you thousands of dollars over staying at the same property in July. This means you'll have more money to spend on experiences, food, souvenirs, or another vacation later in the year! You'll be getting the same property with all the same amenities only a May stay is going to set you back far less than a July stay.
4. Start of Peak Seafood Season
It's pretty easy to get seafood year-round on the Outer Banks, but if you're looking to get the freshest seafood, May is a good time for it. It's also the start of soft-shell crab season, which only lasts for a little while in the early summer, so be sure to get here in May to get the good ones! You can usually buy them fresh off the boat from one of the various markets on the beach or get them cooked up in true Outer Banker fashion at a local restaurant. Be on the lookout for Rundown Cafe's Soft Shell Crab Bloody Mary. Only available for a short time, they're definitely worth the wait.
5. Great Time of Year for Fishing
If you're hoping to get that next big catch yourself, May is the perfect time to head down with your rod and reel. The waters begin to warm up, enticing a wide variety of fish species to migrate closer to the shorelines. Anglers can expect to reel in prized catches such as flounder, red drum, Spanish mackerel, and even the occasional trophy-sized cobia. Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice, the Outer Banks in May provides a captivating and fruitful fishing experience that's hard to resist. Check out our Guide to Outer Banks Fish Species and our Guide to Fishing on Hatteras Island for tips and tricks on how to get that prize catch that you and your family will be talking about for years to come!
6. Blooming Foliage
Some places get a lot of visitors during the fall when the leaves start changing colors. But here on the Outer Banks, April and May are the perfect time to come and see all the beautiful beach foliage in bloom! And be sure to take a trip to Manteo where the Elizabethan Gardens will be beautifully in bloom. Other areas like Nags Head Woods and Jockey's Ridge State Park will be experiencing magnificent weather and brilliant plantlife, making these a must-see for your next May getaway.
7. Wildlife Returns to the Outer Banks
While there are some amazing opportunities to catch migrating birds on the Outer Banks in the Fall and Winter, there's nothing quite like witnessing the return of large bird species like Osprey, Loons, and other migrating songbirds to the Outer Banks. Check out our Outer Banks Birdwatching Guide for more information on the best places to go birdwatching and what types of birds you can expect to see throughout the year. This is a fun activity for the whole family and the peace and quiet of May, mixed with the temperate weather changes, makes this a great time of year to come experience the beauty of natural wildlife!
8. Cool Nights Mean Grilling & Bonfires
The average nighttime temperatures for May on the Outer Banks hover between 50 and 60, meaning that evenings in early May are the perfect time to plan a beach bonfire or an evening outside grilling without the heat of summer. You'll still be able to enjoy the relatively warm weather during the day while still getting to experience the slight chill of spring at night. There's really nothing better than a cool night around a bonfire on the beach. Be sure to read "Where Can I Have a Bonfire on the Beach" for details and consider booking an all-inclusive bonfire by Outer Banks Beach Fires! Mention Club Seaside to get 10% off your Beach Fire Package!
9. Less Traffic
In addition to there being less crowds, especially in early May, you're also going to see less traffic. This can be a huge help to set the tone of your vacation and since there's only one way in from the north, it's definitely something to think about. We really don't start seeing that infamous stop-and-go traffic until after Memorial Day, so if you're able to get your vacation in before then, you could potentially miss it all together! Check out our Guide to OBX Traffic for a little more information as well as some suggestions on how to spend your time prior to check-in.
10. Less Bugs
Ok, so this one really depends on how wet March-April were, but for the most part, you're going to have more breezes and less mosquitos in early May than you will later on as the weather warms up. The spring really is the ideal time to come and enjoy the cool breezes and light rainshowers that are perfect for sitting in a screened-in porch or out on a balcony without the high heat and humidity that seems to draw in the flies and gnats. Just in case, here are some of the more common insects we have on the Outer Banks.
Top 5 Ways to Celebrate Mom on the Outer Banks!
And not to mention, May is the month we celebrate moms! Whether you're coming for Mother's Day weekend or as a treat some other time during the month, here are some of our favorite ways to celebrate mom on the Outer Banks. Bring her to the beach to show her how much you care! And let her enjoy all the rest and rejuvenation that comes from an Outer Banks vacation that we all know she deserves.
1. Day Trip to Ocracoke
Enjoy a day trip to Ocracoke for an unforgettable experience with shopping, history, beautiful beaches, and delicious food. Enjoy a trip on the Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry where you can drive your vehicle right up onto the boat. Then relax for a 45-60 minute ride across the sound where you'll be able to take in the beautiful sights and sounds of the water. Once in town, consider parking for the day and renting a golf cart so you can really tour the island properly (the village itself is small enough to explore on foot if you prefer). Stop by famous landmarks like the Ocracoke Island Lighthouse, the British Cemetery and the Blackbeard exhibit at Teach’s Hole. While you’re driving through the town, you'll also enjoy local shopping at places like the Village Craftsmen, the Island Ragpicker, and Mermaid’s Folly. Mom is sure to love all the adventures and beautiful spots that dot this island.
2. Spa Day & The Salt Cave
There are few things more relaxing and rewarding for a mom than the chance to relax without any demands or anyone calling your name. The best way to do that is schedule mom a spa day and a retreat at The Salt Cave! Check out one of the 17 Spas and Wellness Centers on the Outer Banks and find the perfect retreat for mom. Maybe she wants an in-home massage with Outer Banks Massage Therapy? Or a facial and aromatherpay at Aqua Spa in Duck? Then, book mom a spot at The Outer Banks Salt Cave where a haloytherapy session will have her feeling rested and ready to go. And when you book the cave, the whole family can join in for a holistic bonding experience! Mention Club Seaside and you'll also get $5.00 off the cost of a cave session!
3. Tour of Elizabethan Gardens
Instead of buying mom flowers for Mother's Day (which honestly, you should probably do, too), take her to see the Elizabethan Gardens. May is the perfect time to visit, with blooming flowers, bright butterflies, and gorgeous walking trails that are great for pictures and just enjoying the cool spring weather. Pick mom up something cute from the gift shop, maybe some heirloom seeds or a piece of local artwork, so that she can remember this perfect Mother's Day vacation for years to come!
4. Brunch & Coffee
From Corolla to Hatteras Island, the Outer Banks has some of the best coffee shops around. Whether you're looking for locally roasted beans or a cup of joe with a CBD twist, there's something for everyone on the Outer Banks. Find mom that perfect latte or get down to the Orange Blossom Bakery to get her a world-famous Apple Ugly to enjoy on her balcony as she listens to the sound of the waves and the smell of salt on the air. If mom is more of a sit-down dining person in the morning or you just want to treat her to something special, take her to one of the amazing brunch spots on the Outer Banks. Head to The Saltbox Cafe on Sunday for seasonal pancakes or maybe a spinach salad with a crabcake. Their Mimosas and Bloody Mary's are everything wonderful about what brunch should be. For a large, family-style breakfast experience Stack 'Em High Pancakes and So Forth is always a hit while Cafe Pamlico is the best spot to enjoy a delicious brunch on the water.
5. Family Photo Session with a Local Photographer
What better way for mom to commemorate her exciting Outer Banks vacation and the love of her family than with a family photo session? With Brooke Mayo Photographers, you can capture those once-in-a-lifetime memories into a photo to cherish for years to come. And the best part? Brooke Mayo Photographers will come right to your beach house, ensuring less stress for mom as everyone's getting ready! When you stay with Seaside Vacations, you can also receive an hour-long portrait session at your rental home from Brooke Mayo Photographers for a special rate of $295.00 with online hosting included for 60 days and images available for purchase “a la carte.” To redeem offer, guests must mention “Club Seaside” when making a reservation. Reservations with 1 week notice (minimum) preferred.
May Events on the Outer Banks
When you visit the Outer Banks in May, there are lots of great events and charity community fundraisers that the whole family is going to enjoy! Celebrate mom with a vacation treat for Mother's Day and check out some of these fun events to make your May vacation even more special.
OBX Rod and Custom Festival
Date: May 3-4, 2024
Time: TBD.
Location: Soundside Event Site, 6800 S Croatan Hwy., Nags Head
About: Automotive Enthusiasts rejoice! This fun event uses the beautiful landscape of the Outer Banks for a fun, family-friendly cruise-in! Enjoy special events, static displays, great food, and more! Plus, a portion of the money raised will be donated to local charities.
British Cemetery Ceremony
Date: May 10th, 2024.
Time: TBD.
Location: Ocracoke British Cemetery, 234 British Cemetery Rd, Ocracoke, NC 27960
About: 2024 marks the 82th anniversary of the sinking of H.M.T. Bedfordshire off the North Carolina coast on May 11, 1942. All are welcome to attend the graveside memorial ceremony and reception that follows on the grounds of the OPS Museum. Representatives from the British Royal Navy and Royal Canadian Navy will be in attendance, as well as members of the United States Coast Guard, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and students from Ocracoke School.
Hang Gliding Spectacular
Date: May 16-19, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Jockey’s Ridge State Park
About: The 52nd Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular will be held on Thursday, May 16th-Sunday May 18th. We invite pilots from all over the country to come fly with us for this four-day event at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head, NC, and the Cotton Gin in Jarvisburg, NC. We will have gliders from Wills Wing and Moyes and new Flytec equipment to demo.
Nags Head Woods 5K
Date: May 11, 2024
Time: TBD.
Location: Nags Head Woods
About: Celebrate Mother's Day weekend on the Outer Banks with a run through The Nature Conservancy's Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve! Enjoy the brilliant fresh May air with all your favorite people!
OBX Shred Fest
Date: TBD (May 2024)
Time: TBD
Location: Soundside Event Site, Nags Head
About: Come enjoy music, food, and skating with fun for all ages! The Dare2Care OBX Shred Fest helps bring awareness and support to over 5,000 area Dare County Veterans as well as increasing community inclusion for people of all ability levels. The Dare2Care OBX Music Initiative, in partnership with Motu Music Foundation (501 c 3), provides opportunities for personal growth, development and healing through music programs lead by renowned musicians.
Itineraries for Your May Outer Banks Vacation
For Couples
- Day 1: Romantic Breakfast at Cafe Pamlico & Exploring Hatteras Island
Start the week off right with a romantic breakfast over the sound at Cafe Pamlico! Then spend the rest of the day exploring Hatteras Island. Visit the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and try your hand at kitesurfing in Canadian Hole. Spend some time at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum and the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station before spending the afternoon at the pier in Avon. - Day 2: Kayaking Adventure
Take a kayak tour together with Kitty Hawk Kites! They offer four different tours that offer the ultimate kayaking experience. Explore the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Preserve or take a sunset paddle from the Sanderling Resort, Bodie Island Wildlife Refuge, or the sheltered waters around Roanoke Island. And when you choose to stay with Seaside Vacations, you can save $10 per person on your chosen tour! - Day 3: Watch the Sunset at Jockey's Ridge State Park
Located in Nags Head, Jockey's Ridge State Park boasts the tallest living sand dune system in the eastern United States. Come enjoy a breathtaking sunset with your love! Climb to the top of the dunes and witness the sun's descent amidst a panoramic view of the Pamlico Sound and the surrounding coastal landscape. The combination of the vibrant sky, rolling dunes, and the sensation of the ocean breeze makes for a truly magical experience. - Day 4: Climb the Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Few things are more romantic than a kiss at the top of a lighthouse! Spend some time in Corolla and climb the Currituck Beach Lighthouse for a gorgeous view of the surrounding landscape and a fresh sea breeze to whisk you away to a world of enchantment. - Day 5: Explore Downtown Manteo & Elizabethan Gardens
There are so many fun things to do in Downtown Manteo. Explore the shops, have a delicious lunch on the water, and take some time to visit Roanoke Island Festival Park. For a romantic stroll, Elizabethan Gardens in May boasts some of the most beautiful flowers and foliage that you'll see. Let the delicious scent of spring wash over you as you enjoy the temperate weather and the company of your favorite person. - Day 6: Spa Day & Wine Cruise in Duck
Treat yourselves for a day in Duck, a charming coastal town with lots of things to do. Get a couples massage or a facial at Aqua Spa or the Spa at Sanderling for a relaxing afternoon. Then, take a wine cruise with Sanctuary Vineyards for an unforgettable experience and delectable local Outer Banks wine tastings. Be sure to grab a few bottles to take home! They also make the perfect gift for holidays and anniversaries.
For Families with Small Children
- Day 1: Jockey's Ridge State Park
Jockey's Ridge State Park is also the perfect place to get the kiddos out of the house while letting them enjoy the sunshine. Pick up a kite from Kitty Hawk Kites and enjoy watching your kite take flight from the top of the largest living sand dune on the East Coast! The kids will also have fun looking for the old mini-golf castle and barreling down the giant hill! - Day 2: NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island
If you're looking for a place that is as educational as it is fun, you'll love the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island. Recently named the aquarium #7 in the Top 10 Best Aquariums in North America, the aquarium is always a hit for kids of all ages. Explore exhibits which highlight both inland and coastal wildlife before searching for shark teeth and having a picnic on the sound! Keep an eye out for special rotating exhibits that movie schedules to make a whole day's adventure of your visit. - Day 3: Mini-Golf and Treats from Surfin Spoon
When you want to get out of the house, there are few things better than a game of mini-golf, also known as putt-putt. Visit one of the several different putt-putt OBX options up and down the beach, from Corolla to Hatteras. They all have different themes with beautiful attractions that you're sure to see from the highway while exploring. When you're finished, head on over to Surfin Spoon for frozen yogurt, gelato, or an unforgettable ice cream sandwich. Gluten Free and Vegan options are also available! - Day 4: Beach Day & Searching for Ghost Crabs
Ok, you've made it to the Outer Banks which means you've got to spend at least one day at the beach! Get the kiddos out on the sand where they can build sandcastles and chase the waves. As afternoon turns into evening, grab a flashlight and your phone or a camera for an exciting scavenger hunt. Look for ghost crabs in the light of the moon and snap a picture of these cute creatures. Your little ones will have a blast watching the little guys scatter. - Day 5: Take a Wild Horse Tour in Corolla
The trip to Carova is definitely worth it to catch a glimpe of the Corolla Wild Horses! Take a safari-style tour where the kids can see horses in the wild as they adventure with the wind in their hair. This excursion is not only fun for the whole family but is sure to create memories to last a lifetime! - Day 6: Spend the Day at Island Farm
Open April through November, Island Farm in Manteo is the perfect place for kids to get a glimpse of traditional farm life while being able to get up-close and personal with some loveable farm animals. Enjoy live demonstrations like feeding the animals or weaving and spinning wool, something that will captivate even your smallest children. Keep an eye out for hands-on crafting events that the whole family will enjoy. Kids aged 3 and under are free, so this is an amazing experience that the whole family will remember for a lifetime!
For Remote Workers
- Day 1: Get a Delicious Breakfast & Coffee from Duck Donuts to Start the Week
Treat yourself while you're on vacation! Pick up some custom donuts from Duck Donuts or check out one these locally recommended breakfast spots. Be sure to get some delicious coffee at one of the amazing coffee shops on the Outer Banks! Take your work out onto the deck as you enjoy the sound of the ocean breeze and a sweet treat with your Zoom meetings! - Day 2: Stock Up at a Seafood Market
One of the perks of working from the beach is that you can access some of the best seafood in the country! Stock up at one of our amazing seafood markets and enjoy unbeatable meals from the comfort of your home! Answers emails is a lot more fun with a plate of shrimp or a softshell crab for lunch. - Day 3: Take a Spa Day in Duck
Work hard, play hard! Treat yourself to a day in Duck, a charming coastal town with lots of things to do and places to eat. Get a massage or a facial at Aqua Spa or the Spa at Sanderling for a relaxing afternoon and stop by the Timbuck II Shopping Center to grab a snack and a coffee before heading back to work! - Day 4: Watch the Sunset at Jockey's Ridge State Park
After you've spent the day working, head down to Jockey's Ridge State Park where you can enjoy a breathtaking sunset. Let the refreshing breeze and beautiful colors be your reward for getting things done! You're on vacation, after all. Be sure to take some time to get outside and experience the best of the Outer Banks. - Day 5: Take Some Time to Enjoy the Beach
And speaking of getting outside, take at least a few hours to hang out at the beach! While it may not make sense to bring your laptop, you can certainly bring your favorite beach read or simply let yourself relax with the sound of the ocean waves in the background. - Day 6: Treat Yourself to a Delicious Dinner at the Black Pelican
Dinner at one of the most famous restaurants on the Outer Banks is a must during your work-cation. Enjoy delectable daily specials or a seafood staple at the the Black Pelican. The historic interior combined with a delicious menu and rustic charm ensures a rejuvenating evening that will be the capstone experience of your stay.
For Large Families
- Day 1: Take a Corolla Wild Horse Tour
The whole family will enjoy the trip up to see the Corolla Wild Horses! Take a safari-style tour where kids of all ages will be able to catch a glimpe of these beautiful wild animals and make memories that will last a lifetime! The ease of these tours makes them a great option for bigger family groups to enjoy something special together. - Day 2: Visit the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island
For the perfect blend of learning and fun, get the whole family to the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island. Enjoy estuary exploration and be sure to check out the S.T.A.R. Center to learn more about sea turtle rehabilitation on the Outer Banks. Make reservations for the whole family and spend some at the Graveyard of the Atlantic exhibit where the whole family can relax, watch sharks and fish swim around a replica of a shipwreck, and maybe even catch a dive show on certain days! - Day 3: Go the Beach
Check out our guide to Beach and Ocean Safety and head to the beach to enjoy some surf, sand, and sun! Build a sandcastle, go boogie boarding, or even try your had at surfing or kiteboarding while you're there. Stretching out on the sand with your favorite beach read is sure to be a good time, as well. However you spend it, a day at the beach is always a must during your stay at the Outer Banks. - Day 4: Explore the Wright Brother's Memorial
Whether or not you like flying, a trip to the Wright Brother's Memorial completes an Outer Banks vacation. Learn about the brothers who changed the world and spend some time exploring the spacious memorial with lots of grassy areas to roam and interesting exhibits to explore. - Day 5: Spend the Day at Jockey's Ridge State Park
Jockey's Ridge State Park is a must when you're visiting. Head to the top of the hill for an unforgettable view! Hike through the trails to see wildlife and take a hang gliding lesson with Kitty Hawk Kites! Make memories for the whole family and learn a new skill! Kid's hang gliding is available, as well, so nobody has to feel left out as you get to experience the wind beneath your wings! - Day 6: Day Trip to Cape Hatteras National Seashore
For a truly escapist experience, your whole family is sure to love a trip to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Spend the day exploring Hatteras Island and enjoy the quiet seclusion of these protected beaches. Check out the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and visit the Chicacomico Lifesaving Station before grabbing a bite at one of Hatteras Island's amazing little eateries.
Book Your May Vacay Today!
So whether you're looking for a way to celebrate Mom for Mother's Day or you want to get away before things start heating up for the summer, an Outer Banks May Vacation is fun for everyone.
Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next historic adventure to the Outer Banks. And don't forget about our layaway plan, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free. Give us a call today! Be sure to provide accurate information and make any necessary payments.
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We’ll see you at the beach.
About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, trained historian, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.
