Merri

We are renting an RV and are planning to drive from Atlanta to the Outer banks this November. Do you think it will be too cold to enjoy the OB - we've never been there. Also considered trying to see the Builtmore Estate - should we go on the way there or on the way home?

Kathy Collins

It'd still be a good time to go, I think. Here's what the Fodor's miniguide has to say about weather on the North Carolina Coast:

Fall is the most popular season at Cape Lookout, largely because it's the best time for fishing. Many people find the heat, humidity, and mosquitoes too much to handle in summer.
Cape Hatteras, which attracts mostly families, is busiest in July and August, when school is out and recreational opportunities reach their peak. But if you're more interested in solitude than a suntan, visit in spring or fall, when the weather is milder, the beaches are less crowded, and the insects not as hungry.

From March through May, temperatures reach the 60s and 70s and rainfall is lowest; wildflowers bloom in the maritime forests and birds begin nesting. Sun worshipers flock here during June, July, and August, when temperatures are usually 80-84°F. The beach remains pleasantly warm in September and October, with highs from 72-80°F.

November and December, when temperatures range from 56-64°F, are a good time for shelling and fishing, and you'll often have the beach to yourself. The only two months to avoid are January and February, when temperatures fall between 38-53°F and the winds are most intense. Many businesses close for these two months.

June 1 to November 1 is hurricane season, but it's a good idea to check the weather before visiting the Outer Banks. Conditions can change rapidly, bringing severe storms with dangerous lightning.

Here's the link to the entire miniguide:
http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgr...ur_section=ove

Tar Heel

Hi,

You might be pleasantly surprised and get a string of 70-degree days, or you might end up with some 30-degree days. Most likely, it'll be in the 50-60s, but yes, watch the weather in case of a storm. Nov. isn't known for them out there, but it can get raw and windy.

Re: Biltmore --(Was "Builtmore" an intentional pun? Funny.) Asheville is a pretty far detour -- and a very, very long drive from the OB. You'll end up either driving for 9-10 hrs. or else consider an overnight in Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area.

fran

Hi Tarheel - what are the outer banks like in FEbruary?

Sharon

Went to the Outer Banks in November. First several days were warm and sunny, shirt sleeve weather. It turned cold over night, freezing cold windy. It was a great time to visit, no was there. Of course this meant a lot of resturants and shops were closed for the season too.

Sharon

Went to the Outer Banks in November. First several days were warm and sunny, shirt sleeves. Overnight it turned very cold and windy, winter coats. It was a great time to go as no one was there. A lot of the resturants and shops were closed for the season. I would chance it in November again.

KNoel

Kathy--I don't think you meant to say "Cape Lookout" in your first sentence--it's not accessable by land, and tho' it's the end of the outer banks, it's near Beaufort, N.C. (we go there by sailboat) Merri: As you can tell by the responses, there's no telling what the weather will be like in November! As long as you're not planning to swim and romp around in your bathing suits, you'll be fine! The outer banks are beautiful all year.

Rob

I've beendoing some research myself and most of the parks close to RV traffic on 10/8/01. So, I hat to attach a question to a question, but does anyone have any other ideas for places to saty. Quaint cabins or inns, etc.?

S

Here is a website that lists the various rental agencies on the Outer Banks. You'll find that many families meet at the big homes for the Thanksgiving holidays.

http://www.segetaway.com/OuterBanks/LodgingList.html