Due to multiple factors, expect to potentially pay more when booking in May. For low rates, October can be a great choice for travel to North Carolina. Flights to North Carolina from Columbia, Missouri in October are about $408 on average during October, but can be found for as low as $213.
Regardless of the time of day you decide to fly, the ticket price will remain around the same. Book flights from Columbia, Missouri to North Carolina as you normally would.