Are you thinking about visiting Wilmington, North Carolina? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Wilmington worth visiting?
This city is a good place to visit for two to five days. We first visited Wilmington in as young kids and returned many times since. During our time here, we fell in love with its wide sandy beaches and great coastal restaurants. Wilmington is a port city in North Carolina with access to several great beaches. The city has a nice Historic District with restaurants and shops, but it's also close to several great beaches such as Wrightsville Beach. This is a great destination for a combination of local charm and fun beaches.
Wilmington, NC
Reasons to Visit Wilmington
Beaches
Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.
Museums
There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.
Food
Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.
Nightlife
Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.
Historical Sights
The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.
Shopping
Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.
Authenticity
Wilmington has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Wilmington worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Wilmington is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat touristy, so in the high season it's usually busier.
The weather in Wilmington is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 27°C (81°F). But it can get as warm as 32°C (90°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. During this season it's fun to experience the beaches, the museums and landmarks, and the historic old town. Also, you can experience the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Wilmington
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 27°C (81°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) |
| August | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| September | 24°C (75°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
Is Wilmington worth visiting in the Autumn?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 18°C (65°F).
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Wilmington, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. Even though Wilmington 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 admire the historic sights and wander through the museums.
Autumn Weather in Wilmington
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 18°C (65°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| November | 14°C (56°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| December | 9°C (49°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
Is Wilmington worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Wilmington. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
The weather in Wilmington can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 7°C (45°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to browse through museums, taste delicious cuisine, and browse around the old town. Also, you can check out the nightlife.
Winter Weather in Wilmington
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 7°C (45°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
| February | 9°C (47°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| March | 13°C (55°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
Is Wilmington worth visiting in the Spring?
The high season for travel in Wilmington is the spring, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat touristy, so in the high season it's usually busier.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 17°C (63°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the quaint shops, the famous sights and museums, and the historic old town. Also, you'll be able to enjoy an evening out.
Spring Weather in Wilmington
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 17°C (63°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| June | 25°C (77°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Wilmington
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, Wilmington might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Wilmington here or see if Wilmington is expensive here.
Related
What is Wilmington most famous for?
Wilmington is most famous for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. People visit this impressive city for its great beaches. It is also known for its great museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. It is often described as charming, historic, and welcoming.
What is the most famous sight in Wilmington?
The most popular sight in Wilmington is the Battleship North Carolina. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Wilmington on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Battleship North Carolina and other attractions here.
How touristy is Wilmington? Is it a popular city to visit?
Wilmington is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Half-Day E-Bike Tour of Wilmington's History, Haunts & Breweries: $85
- Half-Day E-Bike Tour of the Filming Locations in One Tree Hill: $85
- 4.5 Hour Wilmington River to Sea E-Bike Adventure Tour: $85
- 2.5 Hr E-Bike tour of Wilmington's History, Haunts & one Haunted Pub: $65
- Eco Kayak Tour in Wrightsville Beach: $75
- History and Architecture Walking Tour: $25
- Trolley Pub Public Tour: $49
- 2-Hour Tour de Wilmington E-Bike Tour: $55
How long should I spend in Wilmington?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Wilmington is two to five days. Since Wilmington has activities such as beaches, many visit for up to five days.
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 Wilmington?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Wilmington?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Wilmington?.
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.