NJ Shore Gear by Month
The NJ shore changes drastically by month. Pick yours for the gear, water temp, and conditions you'll actually face.
NJ shore in January (38°F water, empty beaches) is a different planet from August (75°F water, peak crowds). The right gear for each month dictates whether you have a great trip or a miserable one.
January
Water: 38-42°F
Air: 30-40°F
Empty NJ shore + hurricane swell remnants
February
Water: 35-40°F
Air: 32-42°F
Coldest NJ ocean + birding migration prep
March
Water: 40-45°F
Air: 40-50°F
Spring striper run starts + shore wakes up
April
Water: 45-52°F
Air: 50-60°F
Striper run peak + first beach days
May
Water: 52-60°F
Air: 55-70°F
Memorial Day weekend opens + warm weather returns
June
Water: 60-68°F
Air: 65-78°F
Peak season starts + first tourist crowds
July
Water: 68-74°F
Air: 75-88°F
Peak summer + 4th of July crowds + warmest water
August
Water: 72-76°F
Air: 78-90°F
Warmest NJ water + still peak crowds
September
Water: 70-75°F
Air: 70-82°F
Empty NJ shore + warmest water + best surf
October
Water: 60-68°F
Air: 55-70°F
Fall striper run + pumpkin season + dramatic light
November
Water: 50-58°F
Air: 40-55°F
Striper run peak + empty shores + storm photography
December
Water: 42-50°F
Air: 30-45°F
Striper run end + holiday shore visits + winter prep
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