Ditch the humidity and grab your shades! From battleship decks to salty oyster roasts, winter in Wilmington is shucking awesome.
Wilmington, NC
January, 2026
Wilmington, North Carolina, refuses to hibernate. While the rest of the country shivers, we’re embracing our secret “coat-and-sunglasses” season. The suffocating humidity has finally packed its bags, the summer crowds have vanished, and the Port City hums with a laid-back, inviting rhythm that you just can’t find in July.
Start your adventure by conquering the Battleship North Carolina. Exploring this nine-level WWII titan during summer is a guaranteed sweat-fest, but the crisp winter air makes roaming the decks a breeze. Afterward, grab a hot coffee and wander the scenic two-mile Riverwalk. If your timing aligns (Feb 5–7), the North Carolina Jazz Festival takes over the Hotel Ballast, filling the air with world-class swing that’s sure to warm you up.
If the wind bites, duck into the brick-lined maze of The Cotton Exchange for some historic retail therapy. Come twilight, the river mist makes the Ghost Walk legends feel spine-tinglingly real though if you prefer cozy over creepy, snuggle under a heavy blanket on a horse-drawn Carriage Ride through the Historic District.
Craving salt air? Wrightsville Beach delivers unmatched violet sunsets and prime beachcombing. Nearby, Airlie Gardens proves winter isn’t gray with an explosion of colorful camellias, and Fort Fisher’s Aquarium offers a warm greeting from Luna, the rare albino alligator.
Finally, don’t leave without joining our local “religion”: the winter oyster roast. Find a riverfront spot, get shucking, and wash it all down with a pint from a local brewery. It’s a shucking good time!
