Summer in Hatteras: A Traveler’s Guide

Looking for the best place to spend your summer? Let us introduce you to Hatteras Island. Situated in the Outer Banks of North Carolina (OBX), this quaint barrier island is the epitome of relaxation. It’s perfectly situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound, offering beautiful views on all sides and an endless list of attractions and activities.

While Hatteras Island is a top-notch destination year-round, it really shows off during the summer months. So what are you waiting for? Book your Edgecamp suite or villa and get ready for the ultimate summer getaway.

We’ve included everything you need to know to make your Hatteras Island vacation unforgettable.

A Case for Summertime on Hatteras Island

While we are big fans of Hatteras Island year-round, summer is arguably the most popular season to visit this sun-soaked destination.

The sleepy beach town comes alive as the weather warms up and visitors flock from all over to take advantage of the unique landscape that makes up Hatteras. Whether your ideal summer trip involves relaxing at the beach, learning a new water sport, or taking the ultimate fishing excursion, summertime allows you to take advantage of all of these activities. Local businesses are all open in the busy season, so you’ll never run out of delicious restaurant options and unique souvenir finds.

The crowds might be busier in the summer, but we think that makes the island all the more fun! We love welcoming visitors from all over to witness the beauty of Hatteras Island’s natural landscape.

SUMMER WEATHER

Summer average temperatures are typically between the 70s and high-80s. Rarely does the weather fall below the 70s, but some days could reach up to the 90s at peak temperature.

Unfortunately, this time of year also brings summer storms. June to November is considered North Carolina's wetter season.

WHAT TO PACK

It isn’t a summer vacation without packing all of your beach essentials. Make sure to bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. If you plan to participate in water sports, such as kiteboarding and windsurfing, you’ll want to bring your own water shoes and wetsuit if you have one.

Because it's rainy season, we also recommend packing a rain jacket and umbrellas.

Summer Activities on Hatteras Island

TRY ADVENTUROUS WATER SPORTS

Photo Credit: Bryan Elkus via Flickr CC2.0

It’s no secret that Hatteras Island is known as a hub for water sports. Between the town of Hatteras and Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the area offers the perfect blend of terrain for all types of water activities.

Because of the ideal wind conditions, Hatteras has become a premiere East Coast destination for kiteboarding, surfing, and windsurfing. Experienced riders looking for epic waves can head to Rodanthe or Frisco Pier. But for beginners, Buxton and the Pamlico Sound soundside is the perfect spot to practice before hitting the waves.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are both popular options for more relaxed water activities. Between Cape Hatteras and the Salvo Sound Access, there are plenty of ideal spots to launch.

Hatteras Island Boardsports offers surf, kayak, paddleboard, and wet suit rentals and surf lessons. Kitty Hawk Kites is one of the best places to go for kiteboarding lessons, as well as jet ski rentals, parasailing, tubing trips, hang gliding, and more.

VISIT PEA ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Address: 14500 North Carolina Hwy 12, Rodanthe, NC
Website: fws.gov/refuge/pea-island

Just north of Hatteras Island, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is a nature preserve providing a habitat for migrating birds and endangered species. Home to over 370 species, visitors can witness all kinds of wildlife, from bald eagles to sea turtles to swans and more.

While it’s a birder’s paradise, there is a range of other activities that can be enjoyed at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can go fishing at Oregon Inlet, hike the wildlife trails, or join staff for a canoe tour during the summer. Between the oceanfront, soundfront, and nature trails, it offers the best of Outer Banks’ preserved landscape.

GO ON A FISHING TRIP

Are you an avid angler looking for your next fishing trip? There’s no better place than the Outer Banks. Hatteras is home to a thriving ecosystem with a wide variety of fish species. Here, you’ll find plenty of drum, king mackerel, tuna, marlin, and more.

A fishing charter is the best way to experience the epic fishing that Hatteras is known for. Running from the Hatteras Landing Marina, Sea Angel Charters offers full-day offshore fishing trips and half-day inshore fishing trips, including off of Ocracoke Island. Got-Em Charters also offers a variety of inshore trips, from half-day to full-day excursions. No fishing license is required.

If you’re looking for the best place to cast a rod, head to the infamous Canadian Hole off of Highway 12 in Avon for epic fishing. Canadian Hole is part of the Pamlico Sound, making it easy to wade out in soundside water while fishing.

EXPLORE CAPE HATTERAS LIGHTHOUSE

Address: 46379 Lighthouse Rd, Buxton, NC
Website: nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/chls.htm

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the perfect summer activity for history buffs. As part of the national park service, the 198-foot lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in the United States. This life-saving station protects one of the most dangerous parts of the Atlantic coast. The area has been given the name “the Graveyard of the Atlantic” for its many shipwrecks over the years.

The lighthouse grounds are open year-round for visitors to come and explore. You’ll find the keeper’s quarters, a lighthouse museum, and gift shop. The grounds are beautiful, with views of the towering lighthouse from every angle. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is undergoing restoration efforts, so visitors cannot climb it at this time. However, you can head to nearby Nags Head to climb Bodie Island Lighthouse.

Pro tip: If you want to keep the history lessons coming, head to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum next.

Play and Stay on Hatteras Island

We are clearly big fans of summertime in Hatteras. This Outer Banks island is the perfect backdrop for your epic summer adventures. From world-class watersports to iconic fishing excursions, the many activities of Hatteras Island are on full display during the summer.

Come stay with us at Edgecamp Sporting Club and enjoy the summer weather, natural scenery, and many adventures that await you. We promise it will be a summer to remember!

Summer in Hatteras: A Traveler’s Guide