Jersey Shore in January
Start the year with the famous Polar Bear Plunge, score the best hotel deals of the year, enjoy Cape May Restaurant Week, and spot seals along the coast.
Polar Bear Plunge
New Year's Day tradition
Lowest Rates
Best hotel deals of the year
Restaurant Week
Cape May prix fixe deals
Seal Watching
Winter wildlife viewing
January Week by Week
| Week | Weather | Water Temp | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
Week 1 (New Year's) Jan 1-4, 2025 | 36-42°F | 38-41°F |
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Week 2 Jan 5-11 | 35-40°F | 37-40°F |
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Week 3 (MLK Weekend) Jan 12-18 | 34-40°F | 36-39°F |
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Week 4 Jan 19-25 | 35-41°F | 36-38°F |
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Week 5 Jan 26-31 | 36-42°F | 36-38°F |
|
What's Open in January
Beaches
Open for WalksBeaches are accessible year-round but swimming is not possible (water 36-41°F). Bundle up for peaceful winter walks. Watch for seals on jetties and beaches.
Restaurants
Year-Round Towns OpenCape May, Atlantic City, and Asbury Park have year-round dining. Cape May Restaurant Week (late Jan) offers prix fixe deals. Most seasonal towns are closed.
Hotels & B&Bs
Best Rates of YearJanuary offers the lowest rates of the year. Atlantic City has excellent midweek casino deals. Cape May B&Bs offer cozy winter packages with fireplaces.
Casinos
Open 24/7Atlantic City casinos operate year-round with full entertainment. January brings the best hotel deals and lighter crowds. Midweek rates are exceptional.
Indoor Attractions
Great OptionJenkinson's Aquarium (PPB), Atlantic City shows, Cape May museums, and indoor arcades provide entertainment when it's too cold for beach time.
Nature/Wildlife
Seal SeasonHarbor seals are regularly spotted along the coast from Sandy Hook to Cape May. Winter birding continues at Cape May. State parks remain open.
January Events & Activities
Polar Bear Plunge
New Jersey's largest and most famous cold-water swim. Thousands run into the frigid Atlantic to raise money for Special Olympics NJ. A beloved tradition since 1994.
Cape May Restaurant Week
Top Cape May restaurants offer special prix fixe menus at reduced prices. Excellent opportunity to dine at upscale establishments without summer prices.
Atlantic City Entertainment
Casinos host major concerts, comedy shows, and events throughout January. Check Hard Rock, Borgata, Ocean, and Tropicana schedules.
Seal Watching
Harbor seals rest on beaches and jetties from Sandy Hook to Cape May. Best viewing at Sandy Hook, Barnegat Lighthouse, and Cape May beaches.
Winter Birding at Cape May
Cape May Bird Observatory offers winter birding programs. Winter species include snow buntings, purple sandpipers, and various waterfowl.
MLK Weekend Getaways
Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend (Jan 18-20) is a popular time for quick winter getaways. Atlantic City and Cape May see slightly more visitors.
Best Towns to Visit in January
Atlantic City
Best January destination. Casinos, shows, dining, and entertainment operate 24/7. Midweek hotel rates are exceptional. Indoor fun when it's cold.
Learn more →Cape May
Restaurant Week in late January. Cozy B&Bs with fireplaces. Winter birding at the point. Year-round restaurants and Victorian charm.
Learn more →Seaside Heights
Home of the Polar Bear Plunge on New Year's Day. Otherwise very quiet in January - visit for the plunge event.
Learn more →Asbury Park
Year-round music scene at Stone Pony and local venues. Cookman Avenue restaurants stay open. Vibrant even in winter.
Learn more →Long Branch
Pier Village offers year-round dining and shopping. Ocean Place Resort has spa packages. Good train access from NYC.
Learn more →Point Pleasant Beach
Jenkinson's Aquarium stays open year-round - great for families on cold days. Some downtown restaurants remain open.
Learn more →Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside Heights
On New Year's Day, thousands of brave souls run into the frigid Atlantic Ocean (around 40°F) at Seaside Heights to support Special Olympics New Jersey. This beloved tradition since 1994 has raised millions for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Participate
Register online, fundraise, and take the plunge yourself
Spectate
Watch the excitement from the boardwalk or beach - free to attend
Donate
Support a plunger or donate directly to Special Olympics NJ
Winter Seal Watching
January is prime seal-watching season along the Jersey Shore. Harbor seals migrate south and rest on our beaches and jetties. Keep a respectful distance (at least 50 feet) and never approach or disturb them.
Best Viewing Spots
- • Sandy Hook beaches and jetties
- • Barnegat Lighthouse inlet jetty
- • Cape May beaches
- • Manasquan Inlet
Viewing Tips
- • Bring binoculars for safe distance viewing
- • Best at low tide when seals haul out
- • Report sightings to Marine Mammal Stranding Center
- • Never touch or feed seals
January Insider Tips
Best Value
- • Midweek Atlantic City stays can be 70%+ off summer rates
- • Cape May B&Bs offer winter packages with breakfast included
- • Restaurant Week offers upscale dining at prix fixe prices
- • Book MLK Weekend early - slightly busier
What to Pack
- • Heavy winter coat, hat, and gloves
- • Wind-resistant outer layer for beach walks
- • Binoculars for seal and bird watching
- • Layers - indoor venues can be warm
January at the Shore FAQs
Related Guides
Plan Your January Shore Escape
Take the Polar Bear Plunge, score amazing hotel deals, or enjoy Cape May Restaurant Week. January offers unique winter experiences at the shore.