The Typical Crowded Seasons Vs. the Winter Season

The spring and summer months (March 21- September 21) are the busiest times of the year for Topsail Island. Visitors come from all over to experience the beautiful sandy beaches and all of the outdoor seaside activities available. Though swimming, sunbathing, and patio dining are all enviable aspects of the warm weather months, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful outdoors during the winter. Topsail Island is a great destination for winter vacations (December 21- March 21), as temperatures are typically chilly but mild. So you`ll be able to enjoy an outdoor walk during the day since the temperatures generally fall in the forties and fifties. At night, it can get a bit colder at around thirty degrees Fahrenheit, so you`ll want to bundle up for evening cocktails. If you are looking for a cozy winter getaway, then this seaside island is perfect for experiencing the tranquil coast.  

Why Stay in the Winter?

There are quite a few benefits to putting off your yearly summer vacation till the winter. If you don`t mind not swimming at the beach, then a winter vacation might be a good option that will save you money. Many people don`t consider visiting the island during the weather, as they want to experience the hot sunny beaches. Because of its popularity during the summer, not many people visit during the winter, resulting in a price cut for vacation rentals, few crowds for popular attractions and restaurants, and more lodging options. 

Lower Prices

Are you wanting to visit the beach but have a tight budget this year? Since winter is the offseason, you`ll find steep price decreases in vacation rentals from late December to late March. You can potentially save thousands of dollars when you choose to book a rental property in the winter instead of the summer. Though you won`t be able to swim at warm beaches, you will still be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the coast.

If you have flexibility in your annual calendar, try searching different times of the year for the same property. You`ll undoubtedly find a big difference between summer and winter pricing. For example, this house that sleeps ten people is available during the wintertime at $2,125. That same house has a rate of $5,705 during the peak summer season. 

Larger Selection of Vacation Rentals Available

During the spring and summer months, you`ll find that popular properties tend to get booked up pretty quickly. This can be a problem if you have a large party or if you are working with a tight budget. Sometimes, it can be difficult finding what you need at peak times of the year. If you aren`t looking to swim or sunbathe, then visiting the island during the wintertime is more likely to get you the best rental property you want. If you are looking for particular features, like a pool, hot tub, ocean view, or a number of bedrooms, then you`ll have more luck getting the property you most desire during the winter months. This is also helpful for those who can`t make plans that far in advance due to their jobs or schedules; you`ll have more rental options available closer to the date of your vacation. 

Fewer Crowds and Visitors

Do you hate crowds? One of the big perks of coming to the island during the winter months is avoiding all the visitors who come at other times of the year. In the late spring and summer, the island sees a huge influx of visitors. This leads to crowded beaches, long wait times at restaurants, busy bars, and long lines at local attractions. If you`re the type of person who prefers a quieter atmosphere while you dine out, then you`ll love to stay on the island during the winter. Though it`s true that some restaurants and other establishments close down during the winter months, you`ll be able to avoid the tourist places and enjoy the places locals frequent instead. 

Things to Do During the Winter

Winter vacations are the perfect time to indulge in cozy self-care activities. Since the prices are much lower than in the summer, it might be possible to choose vacation rentals with upscale amenities, like a hot tub, oceanfront balcony, fireplace, or bathtub. Vacation rentals can become the cozy retreat you need after a brisk day of fishing or hiking. Curl up under a blanket with a glass of wine and watch the beautiful sunset from your balcony. Or take advantage of the fresh seafood, and cook up a delicious meal in your own kitchen. No matter what way you like to relax, make sure you pick vacation rentals that will accommodate your favorite cozy activities.

Along with cozy activities, beachcombing is excellent this time of year. With so few crowds and beachgoers, you`ll have the first pick at a lot of beach treasures. You`ll find sand dollars, beach glass, and shells all along the coast. Normally, it can be difficult to search for these shells and glass with so many people, but the near-empty beaches and winter storm waves churning new shells onto the coast make it the perfect time to do some treasure hunting. If you have a metal detector, you can find even more of these coastal mementos. 

With mild winter weather, you`ll find that most outdoor activities can still be enjoyed, even if swimming is out of the question. Walks along the beach or long hikes are easy to do during the day if it`s not raining. You can also still do some fishing at this time of year. Just be sure to take a look at the forecast, dress appropriately, and be aware of any incoming storms. 

Winter vacations can be a fun way to explore nature at low prices. If you enjoy brisk weather and would like to experience the island the way locals do, then booking a visit for the winter is a great idea. Not only will you get to experience the beauty of the coast, but you will be able to do so with a lot fewer people. Topsail Island is a wonderful place to visit any time of the year, but if you are interested in taking advantage of the low prices in the winter season, then take a look at all of the vacation rentals we have available and book your next winter getaway.