10 Reasons You'll Fall in Love with Topsail Island During Autumn

A North Carolina beach vacation is not just a summer thing. In fact, many visitors and locals alike prefer Topsail Island during the autumn season. Why? Well, there are a lot of reasons. Here are some of the best!

10 Reasons You'll Fall in Love with Topsail Island During Autumn

1. Fall weather in North Carolina is absolutely lovely.

Yes, yes it is. Warm days and cool nights set the tone during the autumn season. The average daytime temps for Topsail Island linger at the 80 degree mark and above in September, the 70 degree range in October and sometimes even into November, and then drop into the 60s and below thereafter.

The nights are a bit cooler but make for perfectly refreshing evenings to be on the beach or out and about in our Topsail Island towns.

2. The coastal color palette comes alive thanks to the decreased humidity.

The drop in humidity allows the bright greens, beautiful blues and the full spectrum of the color palette to be seen in the sunrises and sunsets. Those vibrant colors standout against the backdrop of coastal whites, tans and browns found in the beach landscape. There's no warm summer haze to dull your view of our island paradise.

3. Agreeable water temps.

The water stays warmer longer into the year than the air, so you can expect the water temp to stay at least a few degrees above the air temp during the fall season.

Check out Topsail Island's agreeable average air and water temps for yourself right here.

4. Stunning sunrises and sunsets set the sky ablaze.

We touched on this in #2 but it's worth mentioning again. The sunrises and sunsets are amazing year round, but especially in the fall when the colors are pure and uninhibited by humidity and haze. Watch the sun rise over the ocean and set over the sound. What could be better than that?

5. The island is less crowded.

Topsail Island isn't really that crowded compared to other beaches along the Eastern Seaboard, but during the fall months you may find yourself day dreaming that this is your own private island. You may look out the window of your beach vacation rental and not see another soul in sight. That's just how it is some days here on our little island paradise during the off-season.

And traffic? Well there's a lot less of that both on and off the island, making your excursions around town and/or your day trip to Wilmington a real breeze.

It's best to enjoy it now, while it still remains this way. The word is out about Topsail Island as a rising vacation rental destination, so who knows how long it will stay a somewhat hidden gem.
 

6. The fall fishing is abundant.

Fall is an ideal time to try your hand at fishing the Atlantic (and Gulf Stream) waters. Surf fishing, pier fishing, deep-sea fishing, and even fly fishing are available to you here. Interested in learning more? Click here.

7. Topsail area festivals and events are an annual highlight of the fall season.

The end of summer does not, we repeat, does not mean the end of local festivals, event and family-friendly fun. No way! Autumn offers some of our favorite area annual happenings that delight both residents and visitors alike. Here are some we highly recommend you attend if you happen to be here during the fall season. Mark your calendars!

September:

• The NC Muscadine Festival

• North Carolina Spot Festival

October:

• Topsail Island Surf Fishing Challenge

• Two Town Half Marathon

• Autumn with Topsail

• Surf City Fall Festival

• Surf City Costume Fun Run

8. Family-friendly attractions for you to enjoy.

All of the Topsail area attractions you know and love are still going strong during the off-season autumn months. Shorter lines at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital, less crowded Belle of Topsail cruises, beautiful weather to tour the Poplar Grove Plantation, no waiting on the tees at our golf courses, and perfect autumn days to spend at Soundside Park are just a few of the family-friendly attractions and things to do during your stay on Topsail Island.

9. Long walks on empty beaches.

Revisiting a common theme here, long walks on our pristine beaches can only get better when you're able to do it without anything to block your view of the sand and sea. No hustle and bustle of people, no distractions. Inhale the rejuvenating sea salt air, listen to the rhythm of the tide, and get some exercise while you're at it. It's good for the mind, soul and body.

Hold hands with your sweetie or go it alone, either way you're sure to feel like a million bucks each and every time you do it. Catch an early sunrise over the Atlantic or grab a light jacket and stroll the sands under the stars.

10. Discounted beach vacation rentals.

One of the best benefits of vacationing on Topsail Island in the fall are the off-season rates reflected in the seasonal savings and discounts on your favorite beach vacation rentals. Enjoy everything you love about our island, beaches and towns during the summer and do it for less! Take a look at our featured beach vacation rentals and see what suits you best for your autumn in Topsail.

What do you love most about Topsail Island in autumn? We'd love to hear it!