Winter Solitude on the Outer Banks

Peace and Quiet in a Beautiful Setting

Winter solitude on the Outer Banks is a powerful way to kick off your year. A vacation on the Outer Banks in the winter provides a perfect environment for self-reflection. The sunrises over the ocean and the sunsets on the sound are unbelievably beautiful, as winter clouds assist with coloring the sky. Watching the changes in the ocean and clouds is reason enough to love wintertime at the beach. Old Man Winter rarely visits the Outer Banks, however, it’s a stunning and peaceful sight to behold when the area is covered in a blanket of snow. 

What is Winter like on the Outer Banks?

Winter on the Outer Banks is incredibly peaceful. Temperatures in January, February, and March are mild on average (high 40’s and low 50’s), but a 60+ degree day is not out of the ordinary. Neither is a 35-degree day with a wind chill of 23 degrees. Pack layers!

Many Outer Banks businesses close for a while during the winter months to relax and enjoy some downtime. But there are still plenty of things to do on the Outer Banks during the winter. Visiting the Outer Banks during the winter is an opportunity to take a break and enjoy the natural beauty of the coast. 

winter solitude obx

Visiting your favorite summertime vacation spot during the winter allows you to explore new ways to experience the Outer Banks. Hit reset and start your year off with a clear mind by choosing your favorite way to relax. Take a daily stroll on the beach, then retreat to your vacation home to curl up by the fire with a good book. Treat yourself to a relaxing soak in a warm bath. Binge a season of Outer Banks on Netflix all in one day. 

winter solitude sand formations

Winter Solitude Fascination

The waves and sand still glisten at sunrise, but it looks a little different with the sun farther to the south in the sky. The winds shape the sand into curious patterns day in and day out. Visit during a particularly cold time of the winter and you could be treated to seeing the sound iced over. The stillness of the frozen sound gives a sense of peace and connection to a coastal ecosystem that is energetic during warmer months. 

 

winter kill devil hills

Take a Breath of Fresh Salt Air

Morning temperatures can be frigid, but it’s definitely worth stepping out onto the beach for a stunning sunrise and a breath of fresh ocean air. 

Some say that ocean air has curative powers and includes natural elements that are beneficial to the body. Throughout the past several centuries, ocean air was thought to be the universal remedy for a variety of ailments, including depression and many respiratory conditions. 

Watching the seagulls and other coastal birds frolic in the surf connects you to nature.

winter solitude seagulls

Renew Your Spirit with the Ocean’s Energy

Visiting the beach during the winter can be a truly meditative experience. Stroll along an empty beach and savor the brisk salt air. Allow the soothing ocean breeze to rejuvenate your soul. Hear the calming sound of the waves continuously lapping the shore. Observe the energy of wave after wave constantly rolling in. 

winter solitude salt spray

Make it a Bleisure Trip

With the rise in remote work, trips that blend business and leisure are on the rise. The absence of summer hustle and bustle on the Outer Banks makes winter the perfect time of year to book a bleisure trip or to schedule a corporate retreat. Work remotely from your vacation home and do some beachcombing during your lunch break. Since OBX vacations are in lower demand during the winter, booking a last-minute bleisure trip is totally possible. More and more Outer Banks vacation homes are now equipped with a home office.

Experience a Winter Solitude Vacation on the Oceanfront

Sitting in an oceanfront home and watching the ocean is an excellent way to self-reflect and set intentions for a productive year. Since winter is the off season on the Outer Banks, rental fee rates are at their lowest for the year. An oceanfront vacation home on the OBX can be within many budgets during the winter months.


Courtney Wisecarver

Courtney Wisecarver

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