Late spring · Weather & things to do
Nags Head in May
Nags Head warms up: highs climb to 70°F (21°C), from 62°F in April, with lows of 64°F (18°C) and about 4.0 in (102 mm) of rain.
At 74/100 for comfort (4th of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 70°F (21°C)
- Avg low
- 64°F (18°C)
- Rain
- 4.0 in (102 mm)
- Humidity
- 83%
- Cloud cover
- 56%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 54 min
- Comfort score
- 74/100 · Good
What May feels like
Days are mild at around 70°F (21°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 64°F (18°C).
Some rain is likely, about 4.0 in (102 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around May
May is one of Nags Head's best months on the climate data.
- Comfort slips from 80/100 in April to 74/100.
- May sits inside the May – Oct window our Outer Banks Beach Road route recommends.
What to pack for May
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 64°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 4.0 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Nags Head in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Bodie Island Lighthouse
Black-and-white banded tower with a marsh boardwalk; climbs in season.
Why now May scores 74/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Jennette's Pier
Concrete ocean pier with fishing, exhibits and views over the surf.
Sam & Omie's
Fishing-shack restaurant since 1937 serving seafood and breakfast.
Outer Banks Brewing Station
Wind-powered brewpub with house beers and live music.
Kitty Hawk Kites hang gliding
Beginner hang gliding lessons on the dunes of Jockey's Ridge.
Why now Highs near 70°F and 4.0 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in May
- Corolla in May~31 mi · highs 67°F, 3.8 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Ocracoke in May~62 mi · highs 74°F, 4.4 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Williamsburg in May~109 mi · highs 77°F, 4.1 in rain · 4°C (7°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Richmond in May~148 mi · highs 78°F, 4.4 in rain · 4°C (8°F) warmer 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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Nags Head?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 74/100. Expect highs of 70°F (21°C) and 4.0 in (102 mm) of rain. May is inside the May – Oct window our Outer Banks Beach Road route recommends.
How hot is Nags Head in May?
Average highs are 70°F (21°C) and average lows 64°F (18°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Nags Head in May?
Some: about 4.0 in (102 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 52.0 in (1320 mm).
What should I pack for Nags Head in May?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 64°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 4.0 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in May
- Outer Banks Beach Road May – Oct
Planning Nags Head in May?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.