Cape Lookout (North Carolina) facts for kids

Cape Lookout appears left of center near the bottom of this view of North Carolina Coast.

Cape Lookout is a special place located on the coast of North Carolina. It's the very southern tip of the Core Banks, which are long, thin islands called barrier islands. These islands protect the mainland from ocean storms. Cape Lookout is where two big bays meet: Onslow Bay to the west and Raleigh Bay to the east.

The Core Banks and Shackleford Banks, which are nearby, are part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. This is a protected area where people can enjoy nature.

Cape Lookout is in Carteret County, North Carolina. It's about 11 miles (18 km) southeast of a town called Beaufort. It's one of North Carolina's three main capes, along with Cape Hatteras to the north and Cape Fear to the south.

A tall lighthouse, the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, stands about three miles (5 km) northeast of the cape's point. It's 163 feet (50 meters) tall!

Weather at Cape Lookout

Cape Lookout has a warm and wet climate. This means it has hot, humid summers and cool winters. Rain falls throughout the year.

Summer Weather

During summer, the days are often hot and sticky. A cool sea breeze usually blows in the afternoon, which helps to cool things down. However, sometimes it can get extremely hot and humid. The "feels like" temperature, called the heat index, can reach 100°F (38°C) or even higher.

Hurricane Season

Cape Lookout is in an area where hurricanes can hit. The main time for hurricanes is from June 1st to November 30th. The busiest part of this season is usually in late August and September.

Winter Weather

In winter, it gets cool, and sometimes it can be very windy. The wind chill can make it feel colder than 10°F (-12°C). It doesn't snow much here, usually less than 2 inches (5 cm) each winter. February is often when strong winter storms, called "nor'easters," are most common.

Ocean Water Temperature

The ocean water temperature near Cape Lookout changes throughout the year. It's coldest in February, around 46°F (8°C). It gets warmest in August, reaching about 80°F (27°C).

Plants and Nature

The natural plants you would find at Cape Lookout are mostly Live oak trees and Sea Oats (a type of grass). These plants are common in coastal areas and help to hold the sand dunes in place. The area is like a Coastal Prairie, which means it has lots of grasses and open spaces near the ocean.