Southeastern North Carolina’s coast offers year-round delights. In Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender counties, each month brings its own magic – from succulent seasonal seafood to perfect surf days and stunning skies at dusk. This month-by-month cheat sheet will help locals and newcomers alike savor the seasonal highlights: when to dig into oysters, catch the best waves, spot dolphins, and enjoy those golden-hour sunsets.
January
Winter Surfing
January is the heart of winter and the off‑season at the beach – serene, invigorating, and surprisingly rich in simple coastal pleasures. Daytime temperatures hover in the 50°F range, and the chill brings oysters into their prime. Surfers suit up in thick wetsuits to chase winter’s bigger swells, while early sunsets (around 5:30 pm) paint brilliant skies. For an uplifting local event, don’t miss the TreeFest—a free annual tree and grass giveaway—with a suggested donation, held at Independence Mall in mid‑January. It’s an eco‑friendly way to kick off your year and support a greener community.
February
Blooming Camellias
February remains cool and quiet, yet the tide of local life flows on. Oysters remain a fixture on menus, and creamy seafood stews help warm the soul. The surf stays strong, though only the hardy are lining up in cold water. Winter blooms like camellias begin to signal spring’s return. February buzzing includes the 46th Annual North Carolina Jazz Festival (early February, at Hotel Ballast), bringing international jazz artists into town, and charity Polar Plunge events on local beaches.
March
Soft-shell Crab Dish
March brings the first real hints of spring. Soft-shell crab season begins, and shad roe makes an appearance in coastal kitchens. Surf is variable but can still deliver, especially with late-season nor’easters. Gardens and azaleas bloom, and migratory birds return. Events include Wilmington’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival, the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival, and early craft beer week celebrations.
April
Blooming Azaleas
April is peak spring. Azaleas bloom in full glory, and locals feast on soft-shell crabs and the last oysters of the season. Surf is light but pleasant, and beach days are back. Sunset colors stretch longer as evenings warm. Notable events: the iconic North Carolina Azalea Festival, the Pleasure Island Spring Surf Fishing Challenge, and Earth Day celebrations at Long Leaf Park.
May
Greek Baklava
May is summer’s preview: shrimp season kicks off, seafood markets brim, and water temperatures nudge toward 70 °F. Surf is mellow and beginner-friendly. Dolphins glide nearshore and sea turtles begin nesting. A great spring event to spotlight now is the Wilmington Greek Festival, typically held in May at the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church—it’s a beloved annual gathering celebrating Mediterranean food, music, and culture that locals return to year after year.
June
Blueberry Pie
June sees full-on summer vibes. Shrimp boils, crab feasts, and fresh mahi dominate menus. The ocean is warm; surf is mellow but swim-friendly. Dolphins are abundant, and turtle nesting continues. June is also home to the North Carolina Blueberry Festival in Burgaw (June 20–21, 2025; dates vary slightly each year), celebrating Pender County’s blueberry heritage with live music, blueberry treats, a car show, and family activities. Add in the Carolina Beach Music Festival, the Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament, and outdoor concerts and fireworks, and you have one of the liveliest months of the year.
July
Boy Riding Bike on 4th of July
July is peak season: hot, crowded, and celebratory. Shrimp and crabs dominate seafood menus, and surf is mostly small unless a tropical swell develops. It’s prime time for turtle hatchings and frequent dolphin sightings. Patriotic festivities peak at the Southport NC 4th of July Festival, along with fireworks shows in Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, and Carolina Beach. Weekly Airlie Gardens concerts and family-friendly boardwalk events keep the evenings lively.
August
Sea Turtle Hatching
August keeps the summer heat alive with warm ocean water and long, golden evenings. Shrimp, crabs, and scallops remain plentiful, while neighborhood fish fries are a coastal staple. Surf is usually mellow, but tropical systems offshore can deliver rare, powerful swells. It’s also peak sea turtle hatching season, a magical time to spot hatchlings making their way to the ocean, and the Perseid meteor shower adds extra sparkle to summer nights. Notable events include the Oak Island Art Guild Arts & Craft Festival, the Poplar Grove Open Air Market, Market in the Park at Sunset Beach, and Free Movies at the Lake in Carolina Beach.
September
Locals Summer
September is “Local Summer” – warm weather with lighter crowds. Oyster season returns, and spots and mullet begin their famous runs. Surf is at its absolute best with hurricane swells producing long, clean lines. Sunsets gain that golden autumn light, and monarch butterflies migrate through the dunes. Major events include the YMCA Wrightsville Beach Sprint Triathlon (one of the nation’s largest sprint triathlons), along with the start of community oyster roasts and fish fries.
October
Oyster Roast
October is beloved for its balance of warmth and crispness. Oysters are celebrated at the NC Oyster Festival in Ocean Isle Beach, and king mackerel tournaments highlight the fishing season. Surf is stellar, and sunsets over the ocean begin in Brunswick County. Wildlife migrations continue, and festivals abound: Autumn With Topsail, the Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival, the Wilmington Riverfest...as well as spooky Halloween ghost walks downtown.
November
Kites Flying Over Beach
November is peaceful and picturesque. Sunsets over the ocean are now a regular phenomenon on Brunswick County’s south-facing beaches. Oyster roasts are a staple, and speckled trout and striped bass fishing heats up. Surfers enjoy consistent winter swells, and bird migrations bring ducks and geese to marshes. Events include the NC Spot Festival in Hampstead, the Cape Fear Kite Festival, Enchanted Airlie, Merry and Bright Festival at Poplar Grove, and the dazzling North Carolina Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach over Thanksgiving weekend.
December
Beach House Decorated for Christmas
December brings serenity to the coast. Oysters are at their sweetest, and holiday seafood traditions thrive. Surf is strong for those braving cold water in thick wetsuits, and beaches are blissfully empty. Sunsets are early but golden. Communities celebrate with Christmas parades, the Southport Winterfest Craft Market, Carolina Beach’s Island of Lights Festival, and multiple flotillas. Many of the Christmas light events continue throughout December. The year ends with fireworks, New Year’s Eve parties, the Blueberry Drop in Burgaw, and the promise of a January Polar Plunge to start it all over again.
Quick Reference: Events & Activities by Month
January – TreeFest (Independence Mall, Wilmington)
February – North Carolina Jazz Festival (Hotel Ballast, Wilmington); Charity Polar Plunge (area beaches)
March – Wilmington St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival; Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival; Early Craft Beer Week celebrations
April – North Carolina Azalea Festival; Pleasure Island Spring Surf Fishing Challenge; Earth Day celebrations at Long Leaf Park
May – Wilmington Greek Festival (Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church); Wrightsville Beach Wahine Surf Classic; Beach Wrestling Nationals
June – NC Blueberry Festival (Burgaw); Carolina Beach Music Festival; Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament; Outdoor concerts & fireworks
July – Southport NC 4th of July Festival; Fireworks in Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, and Carolina Beach; Airlie Gardens Concert Series; Family-friendly boardwalk events
August – Oak Island Art Guild Arts & Craft Festival; Poplar Grove Open Air Market; Market in the Park (Sunset Beach); Free Movies at the Lake (Carolina Beach); Turtle hatchlings; Perseid meteor shower
September – YMCA Wrightsville Beach Sprint Triathlon; Community oyster roasts and fish fries
October – NC Oyster Festival (Ocean Isle Beach); Autumn With Topsail; Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival; Wilmington Riverfest; Halloween ghost walks
November – NC Spot Festival (Hampstead); Cape Fear Kite Festival; Enchanted Airlie; Merry and Bright Festival (Poplar Grove); NC Holiday Flotilla (Wrightsville Beach)
December – Christmas Parades; Southport Winterfest Craft Market; Island of Lights Festival (Carolina Beach); Holiday flotillas; New Year’s Eve fireworks & parties; Blueberry Drop (Burgaw); Polar Plunge (January 1)
