Early winter · Weather & things to do
Ocracoke in December
Ocracoke cools off: highs slip to 60°F (15°C), from 65°F in November, with lows of 51°F (11°C) and about 4.2 in (107 mm) of rain.
It scores 71/100 for comfort, 7th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 60°F (15°C)
- Avg low
- 51°F (11°C)
- Rain
- 4.2 in (107 mm)
- Humidity
- 80%
- Cloud cover
- 70%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 39 min
- Comfort score
- 71/100 · Good
What December feels like
Days are mild at around 60°F (15°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 51°F (11°C).
Some rain is likely, about 4.2 in (107 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around December
December is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (April and October & November).
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 39 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 83/100 in November to 71/100.
- Our Outer Banks Beach Road route recommends May – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 51°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Ocracoke in December
December is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
British Cemetery
Graves of British sailors from HMS Bedfordshire, sunk off the island in 1942.
Silver Lake Harbor
Village harbor ringed by docks, shops and seafood spots; best explored by bike.
Why now December scores 71/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Ocracoke Pony Pen
Viewing platform for the island's herd of Banker ponies.
Why now Highs near 60°F and 4.2 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Springer's Point Nature Preserve
Maritime forest trail to a sound beach linked to Blackbeard's hangout.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
SMacNally's Raw Bar & Grill
Dockside raw bar on Silver Lake for shrimp, oysters and fish tacos.
Nearby in December
- Nags Head in December~62 mi · highs 55°F, 4.0 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Corolla in December~88 mi · highs 53°F, 3.9 in rain · 4°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Williamsburg in December~154 mi · highs 49°F, 3.7 in rain · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Downtown Raleigh in December~156 mi · highs 52°F, 3.7 in rain · 4°C (8°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.
Ocracoke in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Ocracoke?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 71/100 against a best of 83 in April and October & November. Expect highs of 60°F (15°C) and 4.2 in (107 mm) of rain. Our Outer Banks Beach Road route recommends May – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Ocracoke in December?
Average highs are 60°F (15°C) and average lows 51°F (11°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Ocracoke in December?
Some: about 4.2 in (107 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 58.0 in (1472 mm).
What should I pack for Ocracoke in December?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 51°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Ocracoke in December?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.