May is a great time to be on the Outer Banks. The air and water are warming up and there are more sunny days than rainy days. It’s a little cooler here compared to inland this time of year. That’s because we’re surrounded by water and the water has not warmed up too much yet. Every time of year there are different things to do on the Outer Banks. If you are a resident or just on the Outer Banks alot, then you’ll likely want to do those bucket list things when they are at their best. Here’s an Outer Banks Bucketlist for May to consider.
Fishing
This time of year there are many types of fish that are migrating to or past the Outer Banks. With the right conditions you’ll find speckled trout and red drum in the surf and in the sound. Look for some of the deeper holes inside the inlet around sunrise when the wind is less than 15 MPH for your best chances for these fish in the sound. In the surf, they’ll often be on the south side of piers and other types of structure. Inshore fishing heats up as well. Cobia start migrating past the Outer Banks when the ocean temperature approaches seventy degrees. Sight casting to these fish can be very exciting!
Visit Jockey’s Ridge
May is a good time of year to visit this state park. The sand won’t be too hot and it won’t be crowded. Park at the Kitty Hawk Kites Shopping area and sign up for a hang gliding lesson. It is usually not too windy in May, there are fewer visitors and the sand is a soft place to land. Besides, hang gliding and checking out the view, this is also a great time to be along the western side of Jockey’s Ridge at the sound. This time of year the sound water will be much warmer than the ocean water. When the wind is from the northeast and it’s cool, you can still catch some rays along the sandy beach at this westernmost point of the park. It can be accessed from Soundside Road or on some trails along the backside of the sand dune.
Dining Out
May is a great time of year to visit your favorite Outer Banks restaurants. Once the colleges let out, they’ll be fully staffed and won’t have the crowds that they have in the summer. Some restaurants will be introducing new fare and the seafood will be as fresh as you can get. In April and May, many restaurants add soft shell crabs to the menu because this is the time of year that native crabs molt. Frequently, new restaurants open up in the spring. By May they’ve worked out the kinks. Many will offer great meals and great service in May.
Spending time on the Outer Banks in the summer is great. If you don’t come to the beach before Memorial Day then you’re missing out on one of the best times of year. We hope that you enjoy this Outer Banks Bucketlist for May.
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