Fall in Ocean City, MD
Every Autumn, the summer crowds clear out and temperatures begin to slowly fall, ushering in a new, exciting season for taking in the sights and sounds of the charming Atlantic resort town of Ocean City, Maryland. Though the weather shifts to a different pattern, there’s no reason to avoid visiting the beach during the fall.
In fact, you may find the weather to be even more pleasant! In September, high temperatures average 76˚, with low temps averaging 65˚. October sees highs settling in the mid-60s and lows in the mid-50s, while November temperatures hover around 56˚ for daily highs and 44˚ for nightly lows. You can expect an average of 5-6 days of rain per month during autumn in Ocean City.
From fun festivals and family-friendly Halloween activities to the tastiest food and beverage events around the Eastern Shore, there’s plenty to do when you visit Ocean High in the fall. Read on to discover five experiences you won’t want to miss during your autumnal beach getaway.
1. O.C.toberfest
For two weekends each October, the Ocean City Boardwalk area is transformed into a fall extravaganza, featuring a range of both kid-friendly activities, as well as events for the 21+ crowd. Think a happy haunted beach maze filled with participants decked out in their Halloween costumes, a Howl-oween Pet Parade, and an iconic Great Pumpkin boxcar race. All Octoberfest events on the Boardwalk are free. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy the Shore Craft Beer Fest: O.C.toberfest, featuring unlimited tastings from 16 breweries. The beer fest is kid and pet-friendly and also includes food trucks, shopping vendors, and live music.
OC Bike Fest
Every September, thousands of bikers from around the world converge in Ocean City for the largest motorcycle rally on the east coast. This fall Ocean City event draws in over 100,000 visitors. In 2020, the event takes place from September 17-20 and includes a variety of attractions, such as live entertainment and food and beverage vendors. Motorcycle enthusiasts can enjoy perusing the scene, meeting new people, and enjoying the beautiful scenery of Ocean City. The festival works in conjunction with Go Green OC to ensure that it is a zero-waste event. In 2019, more than 26,000 cans were collected and recycled!
Sunfest
Year after year, Ocean City residents and visitors say goodbye to summer at the annual Sunfest. The resort town’s most popular festival of the year occurs in the Inlet Lot at the south end of the Boardwalk and has been a favorite of locals and tourists alike for over 40 years. The festival features more than 30 food vendors, as well as live entertainment on multiple stages. The event offers fun for all, with inflatables and hayrides on the beach to kick off the start of the fall season in Ocean City.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Ghost Tour
Join the paranormal investigation squad for an evening of searching for happy haunts on the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Ghost Tour. Participants utilize EMF meters and laser grids as they look for the spirits that call the Ocean City Odditorium home. The Ripley’s team hosts these fun and thrilling adventure tours every Friday and Saturday night throughout October. Visit Ocean High in the fall to take part in this unbelievable escapade.
Ocean City Fall Restaurant Week
Since 2007, Ocean City has hosted an event that offers residents and visitors the chance to sample an array of dishes across the many restaurants located in the beach town. Now, more than ten years later, there are seasonal restaurant weeks, including the taste bud dazzling Fall Restaurant Week. The autumn version of the event takes place for seven days in October and throughout Restaurant Week, participating restaurants feature special fixed menus in addition to their standard food offerings. Try a little at each spot or make it a fine dining experience—the choice is yours! Reservations are not required but are recommended.
Why Should I visit Ocean City, MD in the Fall?
While summer tends to get all the attention when it comes to beach fun and vacation getaways, you can enjoy a more laid-back seaside escape when you visit during the fall. Plus, there’s no shortage of fun activities and events to take your beach vacation to the next level. Plan to spend time with us at Ocean High during the fall shoulder-season–we know you’ll enjoy it!