Are you thinking about visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Cumberland Island National Seashore worth visiting?
This island is a good place to visit for one to three days. Cumberland Island is a barrier island off of the Georgia coast. It's managed by the National Park Service and it is 18 miles long. There are miles of beaches and hiking trails, as well as campgrounds and wildlife, including wild horses. Many visitors come for the day, but those who stay the night get to experience the island on a whole new level.
Cumberland Island
Reasons to Visit Cumberland Island National Seashore
Beaches
There are 17 miles of pristine beaches along the island. You'll also find wild horses and miles of hiking trails. Swimming is popular, but do take note that there are no lifeguards on the island.
Hiking
You'll find more than 50 miles of hiking trails on the island. They pass through a number of ecosystems such as wetlands, forests, and beaches. Most visitors come for the day and spend most of their time on the Southend of the island. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of hiking trails. Some of the most popular trails are Dungeness Roadways, River Trail, and Nightingale Trail.
Authenticity
Cumberland Island National Seashore has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Cumberland Island National Seashore worth visiting in the Summer?
This is the low season for travel in Cumberland Island National Seashore. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
The weather in Cumberland Island National Seashore is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 28°C (82°F). But it can get as warm as 33°C (92°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. During this season it's fun to experience the beaches and the hiking.
Summer Weather in Cumberland Island National Seashore
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 28°C (82°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| August | 28°C (82°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| September | 26°C (79°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
Is Cumberland Island National Seashore worth visiting in the Autumn?
The warm weather in autumn is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 21°C (70°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 27°C (80°F).
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Cumberland Island National Seashore, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. Even though Cumberland Island National Seashore is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
This is a great time of year to take in the beautiful scenery and go hiking.
Autumn Weather in Cumberland Island National Seashore
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 21°C (70°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| November | 17°C (62°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| December | 13°C (56°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
Is Cumberland Island National Seashore worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the high season for travel in Cumberland Island National Seashore, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is fairly touristy, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 12°C (53°F).
You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to .
Winter Weather in Cumberland Island National Seashore
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 12°C (53°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| February | 13°C (56°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| March | 17°C (62°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
Is Cumberland Island National Seashore worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Even though Cumberland Island National Seashore is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
The warm weather in spring is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 20°C (68°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 27°C (80°F).
A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. During this season it's fun to experience the gorgeous scenery.
Spring Weather in Cumberland Island National Seashore
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 20°C (68°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 24°C (74°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| June | 27°C (80°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore
Museums
Cumberland Island National Seashore isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. There aren't any museums on the island, but on the mainland there's a visitor center as well as the Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum.
Food
Cumberland Island National Seashore doesn't top the list for most foodies. There are no restaurants on the island, so you need to pack any food that you might need before you arrive.
Nightlife
Most people don't associate Cumberland Island National Seashore with a lively nightlife scene. Stargazing is amazing on the island, but you're left to your own devices when it comes to evening entertainment options.
Shopping
Cumberland Island National Seashore isn't exactly a shopper's destination. There aren't any shops or stores on the island so plan accordingly.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Cumberland Island National Seashore might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Cumberland Island National Seashore here or see if Cumberland Island National Seashore is expensive here.
Related
What is Cumberland Island National Seashore most famous for?
Cumberland Island National Seashore is most famous for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses. People visit this impressive island for its great beaches and hiking. It is often described as pristine, secluded, undeveloped, and untouched.
What is the most famous sight in Cumberland Island National Seashore?
The most popular sight in Cumberland Island National Seashore is the Dungeness Ruins. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Cumberland Island National Seashore on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Dungeness Ruins and other attractions here.
How touristy is Cumberland Island National Seashore? Is it a popular island to visit?
Cumberland Island National Seashore is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
How long should I spend in Cumberland Island National Seashore?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Cumberland Island National Seashore is one to three days. Since Cumberland Island National Seashore has a variety of activities such as beaches and hiking, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Cumberland Island National Seashore?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Cumberland Island National Seashore?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Cumberland Island National Seashore?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.