OBX in January - what's it like
 

I am seriously thinking of renting a cottage on the beach for the month of January. I know the weather will not be great but somehow just the idea of being on a beach really appeals to me during that time of year. I am considering either Ocracoke or Hatteras Island. Would most of the shops/restaurants on Ocracoke be closed that time of year? What about the rest of the Outer Banks?

Pam

Pam, I have been down there in January in the past. I actually had a week of near seventies, gorgeous blue skies and generally pleasant weather one year. The next it was cold, wet and grey with gale force winds. As I recall enough restaurants and shops were open to keep me entertained. (Cannot speak to Ocracoke) On my last trip I stayed at the Sanderling Inn, did some spa treatments on bad days and walked the beach on the good ones. It is a special time, good for reflection and assessment of life direction. Have a lovely time.

Pam, winter beach walks can be very enjoyable. Don't forget, there are folks who live year-round here and love it. Just bundle up for walks, but bring clothes to layer - it might be warm one day, cold the next. But no hurricanes! have fun.

I spent some time on the Outer Banks in January and had a great time. My personal experience was that Ockracoke was a little sleepy during January but other places along the Outer Banks were fine.

topping... in conjunction with my own current thread, with a similar (but broader... indeed, set of) question(s).

Thanks for any additional replies to "this" or "that".

Best wishes,

Rex

There will be more activity in places such as Nags head and Kill Devil Hillls but the odds would predict such anyway because there are more commericial businesses there anyway.

We generally rent an oceanfront cottage in Hatteras Village and when we have been there in the very off season there was little activity, espcially on the beach itself which makes it wonderful.

I know there are only so many hours you can spend walking the beach and some other diversion helps a great deal. But the problem down there always seems to be finding that very special place that offers truly deserted beach and also other things to do which are close by.

We generally rent a house in Duck. Although the most off-season we've been is April, I think January would be wonderful. Of course it will be winter - but that could be special in its own way. Many of the houses have fireplaces. Maybe you could check that. We generally rent through Resortquest.com and they've been fine.