January on the Outer Banks -

Ever thought about visiting the Outer Banks in January? Although the Outer Banks is a well-known destination for summer vacationers, there is a bustling local community that lives and works here all year long; including the winter months! Dare and Currituck Counties have thousands of local families who call the OBX home. The month of January may be an unconventional time to visit the OBX but, honestly? It’s a great time to come and slow down, recoup from the holiday season, and charge your internal batteries by the sea. Keep reading to get the gist of what January on the OBX is like from a local’s perspective.

Outer Banks January Weather

We’re not going to lie to you, January on the OBX can be blistery and cold. The average high is around 49º and the low around 40º. It can definitely get quite chilly on the Outer Banks. We’re not even strangers to some snow on the OBX either! Don’t let this be a turn-off to a January Outer Banks visit, though. Sometimes we get the occasional warm January day. Plus, when the sun is shining and the wind is minimal, those chilly days turn out to be some of the best days to stroll the beach and see the beauty of a wintry OBX day.

Outer Banks January Events

January is historically home to the Outer Banks Wedding Expo weekend. This event date changes year to year, but if you’re a bride (or groom) to be who wants to get married on the OBX, it’s an event that’s totally worth planning an Outer Banks getaway around. You’ll be able to meet with local wedding vendors face-to-face, take advantage of expo-only promotions, and so much more. You can get more information about the wedding expo here.

Outer Banks January Rental Rates

You’ll typically find Outer Banks rental rates in January are some of the lowest out of the year. For example, a 2 bedroom oceanfront condo will rent for less than $1,500 for the week in January. During peak summer, you’re looking at about $2,700 for the week. Plus, January is home to a bunch of homes offering partial week stays, allowing you to enjoy a winter weekend getaway to the OBX.

January Recommendations From A Local

As a lifetime local on the Outer Banks and a notoriously bad sea glass scavenger, I’ve found some of the best sea glass and whole seashells during my January beachcombing walks. The stronger currents and empty beaches make for the best beachcombing experience imaginable. Remember what we said about the weather being chilly but really nice when the sun is out and the wind isn’t blowing? It makes for the perfect beach combing/beach walking weather. Grab a hot coffee from Front Porch Cafe, Ashley’s Espresso Parlour, or Shore Coffee Roasters, and take to the beach to find some salty treasures. It’s the best way to spend a winter morning.

Long Story Short…

January is an unconventional time to visit the OBX, but it’s such a great time to take in the stillness and beauty of the beach. From lower rental rates to empty beaches perfect for strolling and finding seaside treasures, it’s so worth it to come and explore the Outer Banks in January.