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Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Park

An Outer Banks refuge protecting barrier island, dunes and salt marsh habitat; birders, anglers and beachgoers come for shorebirds, waterfowl and long quiet stretches of sand.

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Charlotte, North CarolinaRaleigh, North CarolinaGreensboro, North CarolinaDurham, North CarolinaWinston-Salem, North CarolinaFayetteville, North CarolinaWilmington, North CarolinaAsheville, North CarolinaPea Island National Wildlife Refuge
In this guide

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge essentials

Address: Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Outer Banks, North Carolina
Website: fws.gov
Hours: Daily sunrise-sunset
Admission: Free (fee for some vehicle permits may apply)
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About Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge sits on the Outer Banks barrier island system of North Carolina and was established to protect habitat for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. The refuge comprises barrier island, dunes, marsh and estuarine habitats on a narrow stretch of oceanfront.

Facilities include walking trails, observation platforms and beach access used for birding, coastal ecology observation and fishing. The refuge’s habitats are especially important during spring and fall migrations.

The refuge occupies part of the Outer Banks barrier islands between Oregon Inlet and Cape Hatteras and lies off North Carolina’s eastern coastline; the nearest mainland access is via the island highway NC-12.

  • Birding seasons: Prime habitat for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl, with viewpoints and boardwalks for birdwatching during spring and fall migration seasons.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Migration seasons (spring and fall) are the best times for birding; summer is busier for beachgoers.

Spring migration
April-May · 10-20°C
Peak bird migration-great for birdwatchers.
Fall migration
September-November · 12-22°C
Another high point for migrating shorebirds and passerines.

Weather & Climate near Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Climate

Temperate climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 3°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1356 mm/year), wettest in August.

Air Quality: AQI 30 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
3°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 3° - 12° 4° 120 mm - - 4.9 m/s - -
February - 3° - 12° 4° 97 mm - - 5.0 m/s - -
March - 6° - 15° 11° 111 mm - - 5.2 m/s - -
April - 10° - 19° 15° 84 mm - - 5.0 m/s - -
May - 15° - 23° 19° 105 mm - - 4.5 m/s - -
June - 19° - 27° 23° 110 mm - - 4.1 m/s - -
July - 22° - 30° 26° 132 mm - - 3.9 m/s - -
August - 22° - 29° 26° 153 mm - - 3.8 m/s - -
September - 20° - 27° 23° 132 mm - - 4.2 m/s - -
October - 14° - 22° 18° 111 mm - - 4.2 m/s - -
November - 10° - 18° 14° 103 mm - - 4.4 m/s - -
December - 6° - 14° 7° 98 mm - - 4.6 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Pea Island NWR is accessed via NC Highway 12 on the Outer Banks. Visitors drive along the seashore route and use designated parking areas; some areas may be seasonally closed due to nesting birds or storm impacts.

Tips for Visiting Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

  • Drive NC Highway 12 along the Outer Banks - Pea Island NWR is best accessed via the National Seashore route and its parking areas.
  • Bring binoculars for spring and fall migration; the refuge is a premier birding stop on the Atlantic Flyway.