Very Best Time to Visit Kure Beach

Just off the coast of North Carolina, you’ll find the charming coastal community of Kure Beach. This small beach town is surrounded by water, flanked by the Atlantic on the eastern side and the Cape Fear River to the west.

This scenic area offers sprawling sandy shores, excellent fishing opportunities, outdoor activities galore, and plenty of family friendly attractions. While summer months are bustling, this coastal retreat offers reasons to visit year round.

To help you plan your visit, we’ve created this quick travel guide to help you determine the best season to visit the sandy shores of Kure Beach. 

Summer in Kure Beach

Undoubtedly, summer is the most popular time of year to visit Kure. The hot, sunny weather is perfect for spending a day at the beach enjoying the balmy ocean water. 

Summertime is also the best time to enjoy the myriad of water sports offered at Kure Beach, from kayaking and paddling boarding to surfing and scuba diving. 

Summer Weather

The summer months of June to August are considerably warmer in Kure Beach. Temperatures typically range from the high 70s to mid-90s (Fahrenheit), but the average temperature hovers in the high 80s. 

Humidity runs much higher in the summer, and occasional rain showers and thunderstorms occur, often in the later hours of the day. 

Summer Events & Festivals

Summer months are bustling with activity, and you’ll find many different festivals and events this time of year. The Carolina Beach Music Festival takes place in June and is held at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. It’s the perfect place to shag dance while enjoying some of the wide variety of foods and beverages found here. 

Additionally, you’ll find many events taking place all summer long at the Ocean Front Park & Pavilion. Here, you’ll find activities for all ages, including Storytime by the Sea, Turtle Talks, and the Boogie in the Park concert series. On Tuesdays, you can even shop at the local Kure Beach Market and discover delicious locally grown food and handcrafted goods.  

Summer Fishing 

The summer months offer plenty of opportunities for anglers hoping to reel in their next big catch. 

This time of year, fish find themselves attracted to the warmer waters in shallow areas, which are brimming with flounder, red drum, and speckled trout. Offshore fishing can produce prize game fish like king mackerel, mahi-mahi, and wahoo. 

Sea Turtle Nesting Season

The summer months also offer a unique opportunity to witness the sea turtles coming inshore to nest. From early May to the end of August, nests can be found tucked away beneath the sands of the shores. Hatchlings emerge in the later months of summer, making their way to the ocean waters they’ll call home. 

The Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project offers a chance to learn more through Turtle Talks or volunteer opportunities.

Fall in Kure Beach

As summer winds into fall, the atmosphere at the beach transforms. The crowds start to dwindle, cooler temperatures prevail, and fall foliage starts to appear. 

Fall Weather in Kure Beach

While September temps can linger in the low 80s, fall nights quickly take over, and October and November bring milder temperatures in the 60 to 70 degree range. 

Peak hurricane activity is often seen in the months of September and October, but the area typically sees a decrease in precipitation overall in the fall. 

Fall Events & Festivals

The Cape Fear Kite Festival is held in November at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. It is a festive 3-day event known for its spectacular display of kites flying high above the sandy shores. Live music, food trucks, and various vendors make this a popular fall event. 

Kure Beach hosts an annual Farewell Summer Jazz Funeral in October. This musical processional is a fun way to mourn the end of summer. Visitors are invited to wear their best funeral attire, masks, and beads. 

Fall Fishing 

Fall is a popular fishing season at Kure Beach. Fall marks the peak of the flounder run along the inner coastline. King mackerel and red drum also migrate closer to shore in fall, making the Kure fishing pier a great spot to reel in a big one. 

Winter in Kure Beach

While winter weather may seem a dreary time to visit, you’ll actually find this time of year very bright and festive. Secluded beaches make the perfect backdrop for a long beach walk, and shell hunters find many treasures along the less traveled beaches.

Winter Weather in Kure Beach

While winter certainly isn’t a time to go swimming, temperatures this year typically hover in the mid-50s. Cooler weather can happen occasionally, with temps dropping into the 30s.

Winter Events & Festivals

Each year, the combined beaches of Fort Fisher, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach (also known as Pleasure Island) work together to create the Pleasure Island of Lights. These lights are displayed from late November to early January. Many events occur during this display, including The Christmas Parade, The Christmas Flotilla, and the annual New Year Celebration.

The cooler temperatures also invite the perfect time of year to enjoy indoor attractions such as the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.  Open year-round, this large aquarium offers a wide array of marine exhibits displaying many different marine species. You’ll also enjoy much lighter crowds this time of year and can enjoy the museum at a leisurely pace. 

Winter Fishing 

With many fish migrating to warmer waters, inshore fish become more active. Oyster beds become more accessible, drawing in fish in search of a food source. This is a great time of year to go oyster bed fishing. Winter anglers typically successfully target species such as sheepshead, red drum, and speckled trout. 

Spring in Kure Beach

Watching the Earth emerge from its winter sleep is an incredible site to behold at Kure Beach. The welcoming temperatures, blooming flowers, and ocean breeze bring more people to the beach in spring. 

The crowds of summer have not yet appeared, though, so there’s plenty of room on the beach.

Spring Weather in Kure Beach

From March to May, temperatures at Kure Beach steadily increase, seeing as low as mid-50s in March and mid-80s by May. Spring often offers more breezy winds, and the occasional rainy days result in beautiful spring flowers. 

Spring Events & Festivals

Each April, the town of Kure Beach holds a Spring Festival. The family-friendly event hosts games, food trucks, vendors, and live music, all with the backdrop of the beach in bloom.   

Located a short drive from Kure Beach, you can visit the Azalea Festival in Wilmington. This five-day festival celebrates the blooming azaleas that represent the region and its rich cultural history. Several annual events occur during the festival, including a spectacular parade and the coronation of the Azalea Festival Queen. 

Spring also offers a great opportunity to get outside and watch nature’s return. Both Carolina Beach State Park and the Fort Fisher State Historic Site are great places to witness many bird species as they return north for warmer weather. While visiting Fort Fisher, be sure to take advantage of the spring beach weather and tour the grounds of this historic Civil War fort.

Spring Fishing 

In addition to birds migrating north, spring also sees an influx of fish migrating. In warmer weather, anglers can reel in prize catches like Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, striped bass, and bluefish. 

Stay in Kure Beach Year Round

No matter the season, Kure Beach offers the perfect combination of sprawling beaches and plenty to do. 

For the ultimate coastal getaway, skip the generic motels and book a stay in our premiere Kure Beach house. Our Wander oceanfront home offers sweeping ocean views, direct beach access, and all the comforts and amenities of home in a luxurious setting that’s perfect any time of year.