Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Nags Head in January
This is the coldest month in Nags Head: highs average 51°F (10°C) and lows 42°F (6°C), with about 3.3 in (85 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 57/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cloud cover.
- Avg high
- 51°F (10°C)
- Avg low
- 42°F (6°C)
- Rain
- 3.3 in (85 mm)
- Humidity
- 80%
- Cloud cover
- 74%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 49 min
- Comfort score
- 57/100 · Fair
What January feels like
Cool days top out near 51°F (10°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
Nights cool to an average low of 42°F (6°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.3 in (85 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
It's breezy, with average winds near 12 mph (5.4 m/s) at ground level.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April – June and October & November.
- Comfort slips from 64/100 in December to 57/100.
- Our Outer Banks Beach Road route recommends May – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Insulated jackethighs only 51°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.3 in of rain
- Windproof shellaverage wind 12 mph
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Nags Head in January
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Site of the first powered flights, with markers and a granite monument on Kill Devil Hill.
Jennette's Pier
Concrete ocean pier with fishing, exhibits and views over the surf.
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Refuge ponds with herons, egrets and winter waterfowl along NC 12.
Kitty Hawk Kites hang gliding
Beginner hang gliding lessons on the dunes of Jockey's Ridge.
Jockey's Ridge State Park
Tallest living sand dune system on the East Coast; prime for sunset and kite flying.
Nearby in January
- Corolla in January~31 mi · highs 48°F, 3.3 in rain · 1°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Ocracoke in January~62 mi · highs 56°F, 3.3 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Williamsburg in January~109 mi · highs 45°F, 2.8 in rain or snow · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Richmond in January~148 mi · highs 44°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Nags Head in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Nags Head?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 57/100, held back mainly by cloud cover. The best months are April – June and October & November. Expect highs of 51°F (10°C) and 3.3 in (85 mm) of rain. Our Outer Banks Beach Road route recommends May – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Nags Head in January?
Average highs are 51°F (10°C) and average lows 42°F (6°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Nags Head in January?
Some: about 3.3 in (85 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the driest month of the year. The annual total is about 52.0 in (1320 mm).
What should I pack for Nags Head in January?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 51°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.3 in of rain), windproof shell (average wind 12 mph) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Nags Head in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.