What to Pack for Summer Coastal North Carolina Fun

Travelers from all over flock to North Carolina’s beaches during the summer. It’s the perfect season to take advantage of the hot weather and warm water that make popular beach towns like Wrightsville Beach, Surf City, Carolina Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Kure Beach truly come alive!

If your summer vacation is quickly approaching, we’ve put together a packing guide to help you prepare. That means more time at the beach and less time rummaging through unorganized luggage!

Here’s everything you need to maximize your summer trip to coastal North Carolina.

Weather in Coastal NC

Summer is the hottest time of year on the North Carolina coast, with temperatures peaking in July. It averages in the 80s (°F), but with the subtropical climate, the humidity can make it feel warmer. High temperatures can reach the low 90s and expect lows around the mid-70s. This temperature range is perfect for spending time on the beach or enjoying other fun outdoor activities.

The warm weather also heats up the water to a comfortable temperature, so you can get right in without dipping a toe in first. Sea temperatures in Wrightsville Beach are in the low 80s, peaking around July before cooling slightly towards the end of summer.

Check the weather daily because the summer months (especially late summer in July and August) are typically the rainiest of the year. The coast is often affected by hurricane weather, which can lead to storms, rain showers, and rougher water conditions.

Packing essentials for your coastal summer vacation

A benefit of staying in a vacation home is having plenty of space to store your clothes and luggage. Especially if you’re traveling with a big group. That means you can pack everything you need for the perfect beach vacation.

Here’s what we recommend our guests bring during their stay:

Beach gear

What’s a beach vacation without proper beach gear? Pack your beach toys, towels, goggles, cover-ups, etc. Many of our vacation rentals include complimentary beach equipment, including chairs, coolers, and toys. 

Waterproof accessories

Protect your valuables with waterproof cases. Waterproof phone cases, bags, and pouches give peace of mind when spending time on the beach. And you’ll still be able to capture all those special moments!

Lightweight clothing

Prepare for the hot weather with the right wardrobe. Shorts, short-sleeved shirts, linens, and breathable material will help keep you cool.

Sweater, hoodie, or light jacket

Even during the summer, the temperatures can cool down in the evening. Also, the cool ocean breezes. A sweatshirt or jacket will keep you comfortable when dining at waterfront restaurants during the evening or watching the sunsets. There are plenty of local surf shops and boutiques with merchandise if you prefer a destination-branded top.

Hat, visor, sunglasses

Protect your head with proper gear and UV-protection sunglasses for the sun. It’s especially useful if you don’t plan to use a Shibumi Shade while lounging on the beach.

Proper footwear

Flip-flops are a fashion statement in the coastal beach towns. They’re comfortable to wear on the beach and easy to rinse off at outdoor showers. Consider bringing comfortable walking shoes for walking around town, exploring the nightlife, and participating in tours/excursions.

Umbrella

Keep a small umbrella handy in your beach bag in case of sudden rain showers while you’re out and about.

Sunscreen

Most importantly, whenever you’re planning to spend time outdoors. Whether you’re on the beach, relaxing at your vacation rental’s outdoor pool, walking local trails (https://seascapevacationhomes.com/explore-these-hiking-trails-near-wrightsville-beach), or on a boat excursion.

Beach bag or day bag

A small bag makes it convenient for carrying all your beach essentials or storing valuables while walking around visiting attractions. Be sure to check bag policies when visiting attractions like the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher and Battleship North Carolina.

Tips for packing and summer travel

Several factors can affect what you pack when visiting coastal North Carolina. For visitors traveling by plane, these tips can even help lighten the load of your luggage.

1. Book accommodations with beach gear and other amenities

There’s no need to purchase lots of beach equipment, especially if you don’t typically visit the beach. Seaview in Wrightsville Beach and Kure Retreat in Kure Beach are two of our many properties that include complimentary beach gear for guests during their stay, making beach days effortless.

1. Take advantage of special offers from our partner for local rentals

Need beach chairs and umbrellas? Do you want to rent bikes? Our partner Seaside Linen & Rental Co. provides special discounts on beach equipment to Sea Scape guests and delivers it right to your accommodation.

1. Check beach conditions

The weather can impact your beach day. Stormy weather during the summer can cause rip currents unsuitable for swimming and surfing.

We look forward to welcoming you to the NC coast this summer. Check out our tips on reserving accommodations during the peak season.