The Best Time to Visit North Carolina for the First Time | What to Do and When
The Road Knott Taken has teamed up with Family Adventure for All, residents of North Carolina, to bring their expertise and insight to you. Learn all the inside knowledge perfect for planning your adventuring and exploring in North Carolina. Be sure to also check out their post featuring some ideas for off-the-beaten-path family attractions in North Carolina.
If it’s your first time planning a trip to North Carolina, you may be asking yourself, “When is the best time to visit?” It really is an important question because if you visit the wrong place during the wrong season, you’ll be setting yourself up for a miserable trip. I have called North Carolina my home state for all my life, and I’m here to share with you the best times of the year to visit NC’s prettiest places and get the most out of your stay.
North Carolina boasts three distinct regions: the Mountains, the Piedmont, and the Coastal Plains. Each region enjoys all four seasons. With each region having its own unique weather patterns, North Carolina has something worth seeing in every season. Let’s take a look at where to go in each season in order for your family to have the best time together!
What to Do in the Fall in North Carolina
Fall is arguably the best time for first-timers to visit North Carolina. Fall foliage, milder temperatures, festivals, pumpkins, apples, and more make fall a wonderful time to see the Tarheel State. Here are some can’t-miss things to see and do in the fall in NC:
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
One of the most scenic drives in the eastern part of the U.S., the Blue Ridge Parkway, traverses the state north-to-south along the Blue Ridge Mountains and is wildly popular in the fall. Meander along the winding, curving roads and take in mountain vistas colored in vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges. Take a hike off the parkway to walk beneath the gorgeous trees and hear the leaves crunching under your boots. For these reasons, October is the most popular month to book a trip to the North Carolina mountains and explore the parkway.
CONS
The only bad thing about visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall is that it’s everyone’s favorite time to visit, so you’ll have to fight the crowds. Book your stay 6-8 months in advance, just to be safe.
See the Outer Banks
The North Carolina coast, and especially the Outer Banks, are a popular vacation choice for many locals and out-of-staters. But, most vacationers make the mistake of going in the summer when temperatures are unbearably hot. We argue that early fall, just after Labor Day, is the best time to visit the North Carolina Outer Banks. Rates drop in September, and the summer crowds begin to dwindle. Some restaurants and shops are only open seasonally, but most will still be open for you to enjoy throughout September. Also, the temperatures are warm but comfortable, and the ocean still retains some of its warmth from summer.
CONS
The only bad thing about visiting the Outer Banks in early fall is that you will be there during hurricane season. I suggest purchasing trip insurance and having a Plan B just in case a storm approaches during the time of your trip.
Go to a Fair or Festival
There are so many fun fairs and festivals in North Carolina, and most are held in the fall. The NC State Fair in Raleigh, the Dixie Classic Fair in Winston-Salem, the Autumn Leaves Festival in Mount Airy, and Merlefest in Wilkesboro are among some of the favorites. Fairs and festivals are the perfect places to ride rides, play games, and take in a concert. Plus you can try out popular (albeit unhealthy) southern fair foods like fried chicken, deep-fried turkey legs, funnel cakes, kettle corn, candied apples, sweet tea, lemonade, and every deep-fried dessert you can imagine!
CONS
Some festivals in NC are free, but most fairs and even a few festivals do require an entrance or parking fee. These fees along with the cost of rides, food, and souvenirs can really add up. If there is a fair or festival that you really want to go to, check online to see if they have a discounted day. We love going to the Dixie Classic Fair when they collect canned foods instead of ticket fees.
What to Do in the Winter in North Carolina
Winters can be cold and wet in North Carolina. At the coast and in the Piedmont, winter can be gray, rainy, and cold — not the best weather for a family trip. However, the North Carolina mountains with their higher elevation become a snowy winter playground and offer loads of family fun! If your family likes wintry activities, here are the best things to do in North Carolina in the winter.
Spend the Day at a Ski Resort
There are numerous ski resorts to choose from in North Carolina. Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, and Appalachian Ski Mountain are all great choices. These ski resorts offer slopes and activities for all ability levels including bunny slopes, snow tubing, terrain parks, ice skating, snowshoeing, dining, and relaxing lodges. Plus, some of the best little mountain towns are close to all of these ski resorts. The towns of Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, and Boone are all nearby and provide fun, family-friendly places to stay.
CONS
Of course, the slopes are more fun with freshly fallen powder, but use caution when traveling in the North Carolina mountains during a winter storm. The narrow, curvy mountain roads can quickly become treacherous. Be sure to have a four-wheel-drive vehicle to get your family around if snow is in the forecast.
Visit Biltmore Estate at Christmas
Biltmore Estate is one of the top NC attractions for both out-of-staters and locals alike. I have toured this gorgeous residence in almost every season, and I can attest that Christmastime is the most magical time to experience Biltmore. Kids who would otherwise be bored from looking at room after room of old furniture become enchanted by the elaborately decorated Christmas trees and holiday music playing throughout the residence. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the property for an especially festive Biltmore experience.
CON
Although Christmastime is the most fun and festive season to visit Biltmore, it’s also the most expensive time to visit. Check Biltmore’s website for pricing and tickets.
Swim at the Great Wolf Lodge
Located in Charlotte, NC, Great Wolf Lodge is the perfect place to visit for a quick weekend trip. The resort’s most popular feature is the indoor water park. Even though it’s cold outside, your family will love being able to swim and ride water slides indoors. When you book your stay at the lodge, you can add on other indoor activities as well such as mini-golf, laser tag, or bowling. It’s the perfect place to visit for a kid-friendly winter vacation.
CON
It is pricey! It’s easy to get carried away with adding on extra activities when booking. Be prepared for the price, and only choose a couple of activities during your stay. Though expensive, it remains one of those places you need to visit at least once while the kids are young.
What to Do in the Spring in North Carolina
North Carolina comes to life in the spring! Trees bloom and flowers bud, the sunny days return and temperatures rise. It can be a great time to visit the Piedmont region and take in all the adventures that North Carolina’s biggest cities have to offer. If you are planning your visit to North Carolina this spring, here are the best things to see and do:
Visit the North Carolina Zoo
The NC Zoo boasts a huge exhibit of the African plains where elephants and antelope roam freely. 
There are several gift shops near the zoo entrance where kids can pick out their favorite stuffed animal.
There are many science centers and children’s museums in central North Carolina that are worth a visit, but the North Carolina Zoo tops our list. The NC Zoo is proud to be the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, and spring is the best time to visit. Most of the animals become lethargic during summer’s sweltering temperatures and winter is too cold for many of the animals to be out and about. However, on a mild spring day, you’ll have the best chance of seeing animals playing, interacting, swimming, and climbing in their enclosures. Your kids will love the animals, but they’ll also love playing in the Kids Zone, an outdoor natural playground in the North American section of the zoo. The nearby city of Asheboro offers plenty of lodging options.
CON
The NC Zoo is very large, and it can be a lot of walking for little ones. I suggest starting in the Africa section while little legs are fresh, and doing the North America section after lunch. Save the Kids Zone for last, then ride the tram back to your parking lot.
Spend the Day at a Park
North Carolina offers so many fun state parks, regional parks, and city parks that are great for families to explore. Spring is the perfect time to spend the day at a park. The weather is pleasant and the trees, grass, and flowers are in bloom. Here’s a list of some of our family’s favorites:
- Stone Mountain State Park – excellent hiking and camping options with views of the foothills and waterfalls
- Hanging Rock State Park – waterfalls, plenty of hiking trails, a lake, and a gorgeous view
- Pilot Mountain State Park – great views of the unique “knob” and fun, easy hiking trails
- Tanglewood Park – regional park with bike trails, playgrounds, hiking, and a great RV park
- Triad Park – huge park with two playgrounds, paved walking paths, wooded hiking trails, disc golf and more!
- Dan Nicholas Park – a kid-friendly park with a petting zoo, train ride, carousel, and more!
CON
While spring in North Carolina is beautiful, it is also allergy season. With blooming trees and flowers comes pollen. People who suffer from seasonal allergies will want to pack allergy medication when visiting North Carolina in the spring.
What to Do in the Summer in North Carolina
Summer in North Carolina can be unbearably hot and humid. With daytime temperatures typically soaring into the 90’s and 100% humidity almost every day, summer is not the best time to plan a trip to North Carolina with lots of outdoor activities. However, you can escape to higher elevations or you can choose indoor adventures during your stay. Here are our favorite things to see and do in the summer in North Carolina.
Keep Cool Inside a Museum
If you’re staying in the Raleigh area and looking for something fun to do that beats the heat of summer, I suggest visiting the NC Museum of History and the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. These museums are stellar and fun for the whole family, and they have FREE ADMISSION. Both museums are within walking distance of each other. A whole day of free, educational fun in the air conditioning. What more could you ask for?
CON
Free parking is limited in downtown Raleigh where these museums are located. Be prepared to pay about $2 per hour no matter where you park.
Experience the NC Aquariums
If you find yourself at the North Carolina coast during the summer, you’ll quickly discover that some days are just too hot to spend on the beach. Our family’s favorite thing to do on a hot summer day at the NC Coast is take in one of the aquariums. There are actually three aquariums: Fort Fisher, Pine Knoll Shores, and Roanoke Island. They are all excellent choices, but Pine Knoll Shores is our favorite! We especially love the indoor otter exhibit and the shaded outdoor walking trails complete with the best swing ever! These aquariums are associated with the NC Zoo and may be a part of your reciprocal zoo membership. Check before you visit!
CON
On a hot summer day, everyone else may be trying to beat the heat as well, so you’ll likely find the aquariums to be quite crowded.
Our daughter enjoying the rope ladder at the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores 
Getting up close and personal with American alligators at the NC aquarium.
Let Us Plan Your North Carolina Trip for You!
Want a 10 day NC itinerary that will take you through all the best places to visit in all three regions of North Carolina? Check out our itinerary here!
About the Author:
Shelly is co-founder of Family Adventure For All, a special needs family RV travel blog. She and her family traveled full-time coast to coast for a year, but they now reside in her home state of North Carolina. Shelly is the author of the ebook, Parents’ Survival Guide to Full-time RV Living. Her book helps parents manage the challenges that come with living and traveling in a small space with kids. The ebook can be purchased from her website: www.familyadventureforall.com. Follow her on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram @familyadventureforall.
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