Best Time to Visit Monmouth Beach
When to visit, what to expect each season, and tips for planning your trip to Monmouth Beach.
🌟 Our Recommendation
Best Time to Visit
September - October
Monmouth Beach's peaceful atmosphere is best enjoyed when summer crowds have departed but weather is still pleasant.
Alternative
Late May - Early June
Warming weather before peak crowds arrive.
Monmouth Beach by Season
summer (June, July, August)
High
80-88°F
Water
65-74°F
Crowds
Very High
Pros:
- ✓ Warmest water
- ✓ All attractions open
- ✓ Maximum daylight
- ✓ Beach events
Cons:
- ✗ Peak crowds
- ✗ Highest prices
- ✗ Traffic delays
- ✗ Book months ahead
fall (September, October, November)
High
55-75°F
Water
55-68°F
Crowds
Low to Moderate
Pros:
- ✓ Empty beaches
- ✓ Lower prices
- ✓ Warm water (early fall)
- ✓ Fall festivals
Cons:
- ✗ Some attractions closed
- ✗ Shorter days
- ✗ Cooler weather (late fall)
winter (December, January, February)
High
38-45°F
Water
38-45°F
Crowds
Very Low
Pros:
- ✓ Lowest prices
- ✓ No crowds
- ✓ Holiday events
- ✓ Restaurant availability
Cons:
- ✗ Most attractions closed
- ✗ Cold weather
- ✗ Limited beach activities
spring (March, April, May)
High
50-70°F
Water
45-60°F
Crowds
Low to Moderate
Pros:
- ✓ Warming up
- ✓ Attractions reopening
- ✓ Spring deals
- ✓ Easter events
Cons:
- ✗ Variable weather
- ✗ Cool water
- ✗ Some attractions not yet open
Month-by-Month Guide
january
Off-season quiet. Polar bear plunges on New Year's Day.
💡 Best for locals seeking solitude. Many restaurants closed.
february
Valentine's getaways. Winter sales.
💡 Romantic B&B weekend without summer crowds.
march
Spring awakening. St. Patrick's events.
💡 Book ahead for parade weekends. Variable weather.
april
Easter events. Attractions begin opening.
💡 Spring break crowds in late month. Cool but pleasant.
may
Memorial Day kickoff. Boardwalks fully open.
💡 Water still cool (55-65°F). Great rates early in month.
june
Summer begins. Schools out late month.
💡 Early June has summer feel without peak crowds.
july
Peak summer. July 4th fireworks everywhere.
💡 Book months ahead. Expect maximum crowds.
august
Warmest water. All attractions at full capacity.
💡 Most crowded month. Water temps peak at 72-75°F.
september
Post-Labor Day sweet spot. Warm water, thin crowds.
💡 Best-kept secret month. Water still 68-72°F.
october
Fall colors. Halloween events. Fishing season.
💡 Some attractions closing. Great for leaf peeping.
november
Off-season begins. Restaurant week deals.
💡 Many beach businesses closed. Good for nature walks.
december
Holiday lights and events. Victorian celebrations.
💡 Charming off-season events. Book holiday weekends early.
Monmouth Beach Tips
📍 Getting There
- • From NYC: 1hr 10min
- • From Philadelphia: 1hr 30min
- • NJ Transit accessible (Long Branch station)
🏖️ Beach Badges
- • Daily: $10
- • Season: $75
- • Kids under 12: FREE
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Monmouth Beach?
September - October is generally the best time to visit Monmouth Beach. Monmouth Beach's peaceful atmosphere is best enjoyed when summer crowds have departed but weather is still pleasant.
What is the weather like in Monmouth Beach?
Monmouth Beach has four distinct seasons. Summer (June-August) brings temperatures of 80-88°F with ocean water around 65-74°F. Fall is mild at 55-75°F. Winter averages 38-45°F. Spring warms from 50-70°F.
How crowded is Monmouth Beach in summer?
Summer is the busiest time at Monmouth Beach, especially July and August. Beaches can fill by mid-morning on weekends. For fewer crowds, visit weekdays or consider September when the water is still warm.
Is Monmouth Beach open in the off-season?
Yes, Monmouth Beach has year-round residents and some businesses remain open. However, many beach-oriented attractions close or reduce hours from October through May. Restaurants and lodging options are more limited but available.
When are beach badges required in Monmouth Beach?
Beach badges are typically required at Monmouth Beach from Memorial Day through Labor Day, approximately 10am-5pm. Daily badges cost $10. Beach badges required Memorial Day through Labor Day. Limited public beach access.