Finding The Best Time To Visit North Carolina: 10+ Tips For Your Next Vacation

Picking the best time to visit North Carolina can be tricky. If you go in the heat of summer, you’ll deal with sweltering temperatures and huge crowds. If you travel during the dead of winter, you might miss out on some of the State’s natural beauty. 

Here’s some good news for travelers that want to visit one of America’s most stunning states: There are plenty of options between those two extremes! Enjoyfuntrip got the details on when it is best to visit North Carolina. 

If you love exploring nature, immersing in local culture, and going on adventures – no matter when they fall – this article is a must-read. From where to stay, what activities are available, and when the good time for your trip is, we have everything you need to plan your next getaway in North Carolina.

Best Time To Visit North Carolina

Spring Travel To North Carolina

If you’re a nature lover, spring is the perfect time to visit. It marks the beginning of the State’s mildest season and features a wide variety of beautiful blooms, such as wildflowers and cherry blossoms. 

In Durham, you can visit the American Tobacco Trail, which is typically in full color during spring. As one of the best hiking trails in the State, the trail takes you through rolling hills, past tobacco fields, wildflowers, and creeks. 

In case you prefer an urban setting filled with springtime blooms, head to the Duke Gardens in Durham. Stunning flowers adorn the garden from late March through the beginning of May. Durham’s Tudor Parrish is also a must-see at this time of year. 

Visit Durham's Duke Gardens if you want to see an urban area covered in springtime flowers.
Visit the Duke Gardens in Durham for an urban environment bursting with springtime flowers. Source: virginiatraveltips

Spring is warm and mild, with average temperatures ranging from 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a great time for outdoor activities, and you can expect low rainfall and humidity levels.

Summer Travel To North Carolina

North Carolina is lively during the summertime. The weather is warm and sunny, so you can spend the day at the beach or go out to explore the State’s beautiful park system. The neighbor, South Carolina, might boast the stunning Myrtle Beach, but it doesn’t mean you should overlook North Carolina’s beautiful coastlines. 

Summer in North Carolina is also the time for various music and arts festivals, as well as many sporting events like baseball games and golf tournaments. 

You may go to the beach or wonderful parks since it's nice and warm outside.
Since it’s nice and warm outside, you may visit the beach or lovely parks. Source: visitnc

Additionally, you can enjoy plenty of fresh farm produce, such as peaches, watermelons, blueberries, and more. Since you’re too busy having fun and exploring everything the State has to offer, you might not notice the high temperatures typical for the summer months in North Carolina, with average temperatures ranging from 76-90 degrees Fahrenheit.  

Fall Travel To North Carolina

Autumn is the perfect season to travel to North Carolina if you’re a fan of fall colors. During this time of year, the leaves change color, and you’ll be treated to truly spectacular landscapes. 

As autumn rolls around, you can also experience some of the State’s most popular festivals and events, including the Durham Arts Festival, the North Carolina State Fair, and the World Folk Music Festival. 

When the trees turn color at this time of year, you'll be treated to absolutely breathtaking views.
You will be treated to absolutely breathtaking scenery in autumn as the trees change color. Source: followmeaway

And since autumn is also the best time to visit North Carolina for outdoor activities like hiking, you can enjoy some of the State’s most beautiful trails without the summer crowds. The autumn weather in North Carolina is warm and mild, with average temperatures ranging from 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit and minor to no rainfall.

Winter Travel To North Carolina

What things to do in North Carolina in the winter? The State is home to some top-notch ski resorts, including Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain, and Appalachian Ski Resort. These ski resorts offer plenty of activities, such as snow tubing, tubing parks, ice skating, and much more. 

Winter is the ideal season to visit North Carolina if you enjoy skiing and snowboarding.
Winter in North Carolina is ideal if you enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Source: onlyinyourstate 

You can also visit some of the State’s top attractions during the winter months, including the North Carolina Arboretum and the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Don’t miss out on the chance to participate in holiday events in North Carolina, including the Christmas Tree Festival in Wilmington, Santa Parlez in Raleigh, the Holly Jolly Festival in Durham, and so much more.

Things To Do In North Carolina No Matter When You Visit

Walk The Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a national park that runs from one end of the State to the other. You can walk, drive, or cycle this breathtaking road. All of them are great ways to take in North Carolina’s beauty during the fall and spring seasons. 

During the fall and spring seasons, you may travel by bicycle, car, or on foot.
You may travel the lovely road by bicycle, car, or foot. Source: romanticasheville

Explore North Carolina’s Old Towns

North Carolina has 15 historic towns preserved and protected by the State. The Gilded Age Historic District, Rocky Mount, is an excellent place for history buffs to explore. You can walk, hike, and bike around these old towns and learn about their history. 

The State has conserved and safeguarded 15 historic communities in North Carolina.
The State of North Carolina has conserved and safeguarded 15 historic communities. Source: onlyinyourstate

Visit Pisgah National Forest

The Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina is home to the Pisgah National Forest. After its establishment in 1916, the forest was one of the first to be classified in the eastern US. It is famous for mountain biking, hiking, and charming mountain villages. 

Mountain biking, hiking, and quaint mountain towns are all popular in the Pisgah National Forest.
Mountain biking and hiking are all popular activities in the Pisgah National Forest. Source: peakvisor

Go On A Whale Watching Tour

North Carolina is known for its whale-watching opportunities. Depending on when you visit, you may be able to spot a gray whale right off the State’s coast.

There are several places to see whales in North Carolina.
Whale viewing possibilities are well-known in North Carolina. Source: travelchannel

Bottom Line

If you’re unsure of the best time to visit North Carolina, don’t worry. This article has tips for visiting each season and what you can expect during each one. From spring to winter, North Carolina is a beautiful place to visit, and there are plenty of things to do no matter what time of year you decide to visit.

After over 10 years in the field, I've learned enough about the "business" of travel to pass along some precious insights to other globetrotters. You can call me a seasoned-world traveler or an "off-the-grid" pioneer, as I've actually dabbled in both. Traveling is part of my whole life; thus, I go out of town at least once a month for new getaways. Hopefully, all tips and tactics I've picked up along the way can help anyone as enthusiastic about exploring the globe as I am.