How are the Outer Banks in Early October? (how much, hotels)

[Bmateo]

Really want to take my family to OBX, especially my daughter who is studying about that area in her 4th grade class.

Wondering if the weather is completely nasty by that time, or if it would be a decent trip. We enjoy the beaches in the winter, but I've heard OBX can be a little bit more harsh. Also, I don't know how much stuff is open. We realize all the tourist stuff will be long-closed, but would hope we could find a restaurant or two, and a grocery store (at least)

What do you think?

[gibbie99]

I'd also like to know, we're thinking of a vacation in mid Oct, either to the outer banks, to DC (but we've been there) or to the mountains in west NC/SC.

[gonetocarolina]

Originally Posted by gibbie99

I'd also like to know, we're thinking of a vacation in mid Oct, either to the outer banks, to DC (but we've been there) or to the mountains in west NC/SC.

The mountains of western NC have the possibility of being quite cold that time of year. I remember taking a road trip through there several years ago, and stayed overnight in the mountains. The high was only around 60, misty, with a cold wind. We had to put the heat on in the motel room. Oh...... and it was late JULY! We were totally unprepared for the drop in temperatures when we reached the higher elevations - it had been in the mid-upper 80's previously. I don't know what the average temps are for that area in mid-October, but if that trip was any indication, they can fluctuate wildly. At any rate, I would reckon temps would be quite a bit cooler than at the beach - but I guess that's "a gimme".

But on the brighter side, it was absolutely beautiful there, though.........So, if you just remember to pack for temperature drops, just in case, you should be fine.

[macjr82]

I can't vouch for the outerbanks, but the crystal coast area in carteret county is great. the water is still warm and beaches are alot less crowded and even alot of the seasonal places are still open. By extension I imagine cape hatteras and Cedar Island are still pretty good as well.

[Dusty Rhodes]

It's nice, quiet, largely deserted, still warm, good fishing, still places to stay, eat, boats still available for charters or headboat bottom fishing.

[Bill Hitchcock]

October in OBX is fantastic. October anywhere coastal NC is fantastic. Light northerly winds-Air temps in the 70's. Water temps vary depending where coastal NC you are. (Generically speaking-Thing of the point of Hatteras as the dividing line between gulf stream waters to the south and the cooler New England waters to the north)
But this I can tell you: Over-all fishing in October is probably the best of all the months.
Bill

[AllenKarber]

I will be 40 in October,and I want to make some sort of trip for the occasion. We just got back from over there,but I believe I would come back over if my wife had enough vacation time.

[johnniereb]

It's by far the best month of the year to visit the Outer Banks. The water is still warm enough to swim in, the tourist are gone for the most part, and the prices on everything are lower because of that. My sister had an outside wedding at the end of September last year and it was absolutely gorgeous. You will on occasion get snotty weather in October but that can happen any time of year there.

Johnniereb

[LLN]

It is the end of the hurricane season. Those will not make for a good week, but if not REAL SERIOUS, they pass in a day or two.

Lots of fishing in early October, so a lot of things are still open.

If the weather is even "decent" a great time to visit.

[skeeter20]

me and my buddy is planning a surfing trip there in oct 2010 and i was wondering on the water temp ?? wetsuits or no ?? we are in college so our budget is tight anybody know some cheap hotels or campgrounds with shower houses ?? i would love some advice