Visiting North Carolina any time of the year can be a memorable experience, but there are certain times that are worse than others.
Summers in North Carolina can be oppressively hot and muggy, with the humidity often reaching high levels. The hurricanes can make the fall months a difficult time to travel as well since they have an increased probability of making landfall during that time period.
Moreover, the spring months tend to be rainy and unpredictable, so visitors may find themselves dealing with inclement weather throughout their stay.
All in all, for those who want to experience all that North Carolina has to offer without any of the elements proving too challenging, it’s best to visit during the winter or early summer months.
Therefore, I have prepared a complete guide to visiting North Carolina in the early summer months.
Why summer the worst time to visit North Carolina?
If you’re planning a trip to North Carolina, you may want to save it for another season. Here are certain reasons why summer is the worst time to visit this beautiful state.
#1 High Temperatures and Humidity
North Carolina can get hot in the summer, with temperatures often reaching into the mid-90s. The humidity also tends to be high, making it seem even hotter than it really is. This means that if you do plan on visiting during the summer months, you should plan on packing plenty of sunscreen and drinking lots of water to stay hydrated.
#2 Mosquitoes and Insects
With the heat comes bugs lots of them. Mosquitoes and other insects are abundant in North Carolina during the warmer months, so if you have an aversion to bug bites then summer might not be the best time for your visit. The good news is that there are many insect repellents on the market that can help keep these pesky critters away while you enjoy your time outdoors.
#3 Crowded Beaches
One of the reasons why people flock to North Carolina in droves during the summer is because of its stunning beaches. But with all those visitors come large crowds that can make it difficult to find a spot on the sand or access some of the more popular attractions along the coast. So if beach visits are part of your plans, just know that it will likely be much more crowded than usual during peak season.
#4 Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
Another thing that makes summer such a bad time for visiting North Carolina is its vulnerability to hurricanes and tropical storms which tend to hit between June and September each year. While these storms are usually mild compared to those seen in other parts of the country, they still pose a risk and could potentially disrupt your plans or cause damage while you’re there. Therefore, it’s important to check local forecasts before committing to any specific dates for your trip.
#5 Traffic Congestion
With all those tourists come long lines at airports and train stations as well as traffic jams on major highways throughout North Carolina in July and August especially around popular vacation spots like Myrtle Beach or Asheville where traffic can become unbearable at times due to construction projects or high levels of visitor activity related activities taking place throughout these areas You may also find yourself stuck in heavy traffic when trying to get from one destination point within NC so keep this mind when planning out your itinerary accordingly.
What is NC hottest month?
North Carolina is known for its hot and humid months, but the hottest month of the year is usually July.
This month brings a sustained and intense heat throughout much of the state with temperatures reaching mid-90s at least and even topping 100 degrees in some areas.
Evenings don’t offer much respite as temperatures rarely dip below 70 at night, and humidity can be stifling.
If you plan to visit North Carolina during the summer months, it’s important to stay hydrated, find ways to keep cool when outside for prolonged periods of time, and perhaps plan an escape if the heat gets too unbearable!
Precautions to take while visiting during summer months:
With its beautiful beaches, stunning mountains, and vast array of activities, North Carolina is a great place to visit during the summer months. However, there are some important precautions you should take when visiting this state. Here are five tips for staying safe while visiting North Carolina during the summer months.
Wear Sunscreen – The sun in North Carolina can be intense during the summer months and it’s important to protect your skin from damage. Make sure you wear SPF 15 or higher sunscreen any time you plan on spending an extended amount of time outside. Reapply as needed and don’t forget to wear protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses.
Be Aware of Ticks – Ticks are a common problem in North Carolina during the summer months and can carry a variety of dangerous diseases, including Lyme disease. Avoid walking through tall grass or wooded areas and always check yourself for ticks after being outdoors. If you spot any ticks, remove them immediately using tweezers and contact your doctor if you have any concerns or symptoms of Lyme disease.
Beware of Alligators – Alligators are a common sight in many parts of North Carolina during the warmer months of the year and should be avoided at all costs! If you see an alligator, do not approach it; instead, back away slowly and keep your distance until it leaves the area. Also make sure to never feed them or throw food into their habitats as this can encourage them to approach humans more frequently which increases their risk of attack.
Watch Out for Venomous Snakes – Venomous snakes like copperheads, rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and coral snakes can be found all over North Carolina during the summer months so be careful where you step! Always wear sturdy shoes when hiking or walking through wooded areas and stick to trails whenever possible; this will reduce your chances of coming across any snakes unexpectedly. Additionally, if you see a snake do not try to capture it; instead back away slowly while keeping an eye on it until it slithers away out of sight.
Stay Hydrated – Finally, make sure that you stay hydrated while outdoors! Bring plenty of water with you whenever possible as heat exhaustion can quickly set in if you don’t drink enough fluids throughout the day; this is especially important if you plan on doing any strenuous activities such as hiking or swimming in lakes or rivers as these activities will cause your body temperature to rise rapidly without proper hydration! Additionally, avoid drinking alcohol while hiking or swimming as this will further increase your risk for dehydration due to both alcohol’s diuretic effects and its decreased ability to recognize thirst signals from your body (among other things).
Conclusion
Even though North Carolina experiences beautiful spring and summer weather, the worst time to visit this southern state is in late May.
During this time of year, the humidity is the highest and temperatures are often uncomfortably hot. Once autumn arrives and the cooler months follow, then North Carolina is more enjoyable to visit.
The air is pleasant and there’s something special about watching the foliage change in autumn.
From October to mid-November, it’s an ideal time to explore what North Carolina has to offer.
