May at the Jersey Shore
Spring blooms, whale watching, Memorial Day festivities, and pre-summer deals. May offers the perfect blend of pleasant weather, lower prices, and exciting events before the summer rush begins.
Pre-Summer Pricing
Hotels and rentals are 20-40% cheaper than peak summer rates through mid-May.
Peak Whale Season
Humpback and fin whales migrate close to shore. Best viewing of the entire year.
Cape May Tulips
Gardens throughout Cape May burst with tulips, azaleas, and spring flowers.
Smaller Crowds
Enjoy beaches and boardwalks without summer congestion (until Memorial Day).
No Badge Required
Most beaches are free until Memorial Day weekend saves families significant money.
Perfect Weather
Comfortable temps (60-72F) for biking, hiking, festivals, and exploring.
May 2026 Weather & Conditions
60-72F
Average temps
55-62F
Ocean temperature
Free
Beaches until Memorial Day
Low
Crowd levels (pre-holiday)
Water temperatures remain cool for swimming but are perfect for surfing with a wetsuit. Air temperatures are ideal for outdoor activities, festivals, and exploring shore towns on foot or by bike.
May 2026 Week by Week
| Week | Crowds | Water Temp | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
Early May (Week 1-2) May 1-10, 2026 | Low | 55-58F |
|
Mid May (Week 2-3) May 11-17, 2026 | Low-Moderate | 58-60F |
|
Late May Pre-Holiday May 18-22, 2026 | Moderate | 59-61F |
|
Memorial Day Weekend May 23-25, 2026 | High | 60-62F |
|
May 2026 Events & Festivals
Cape May Spring Festival
Early-Mid May 2026 • Cape May
Garden tours showcasing Cape May tulips and spring blooms, Victorian architecture walks, wine tastings, and elegant spring brunches throughout town.
Exit Zero Jazz Festival
May 2026 (Multiple Weekends) • Cape May
World-class jazz performances across Cape May venues. Indoor and outdoor concerts featuring renowned artists in intimate Victorian settings.
Soar & Shore Festival
Memorial Day Weekend 2026 • Cape May
Cape May celebration featuring kite flying demonstrations, beach activities, live music, and the official kickoff to summer. Family-friendly fun all weekend.
Wildwood International Kite Festival
Late May 2026 • Wildwood
One of the largest kite festivals on the East Coast with professional kite flyers from around the world performing on Wildwood beach.
Peak Whale Migration
April-May 2026 • Cape May
Humpback and fin whales migrate north along the coast. Whale watching tours from Cape May have 90%+ success rates during peak season.
Memorial Day Weekend
May 23-25, 2026 • All Shore Towns
Official start of summer. Boardwalks fully open, parades, fireworks in many towns. Beach badges required, lifeguards on duty.
Whale Migration Season
May is peak whale watching season at the Jersey Shore. Humpback and fin whales migrate north along the coast, often coming remarkably close to shore as they follow schools of menhaden. Cape May whale watching tours report 90%+ success rates during this period.
Species You May See
- • Humpback Whales
- • Fin Whales
- • Dolphins
- • Occasional Minke Whales
Tips for Your Trip
- • Book morning trips for calmer seas
- • Bring layers - it is cold on the water
- • Motion sickness medication recommended
- • Binoculars enhance the experience
Spring Flowers & Gardens
Cape May is famous for its spring tulip displays. Victorian homes throughout town are adorned with thousands of tulips, and the Spring Festival includes self-guided garden tours.
Cape May Tulip Display
Throughout Cape May
Victorian homes adorned with thousands of tulips. The Spring Festival includes self-guided garden tours.
Leaming Run Gardens
Cape May Court House
One of the largest annual gardens on the East Coast. Spring brings azaleas, dogwoods, and wildflowers.
Cape May Point State Park
Cape May Point
Natural spring wildflowers, migrating birds, and the famous Cape May Lighthouse.
Historic Cold Spring Village
Cape May
Heritage gardens and farm animals in a recreated 19th-century village setting.
Memorial Day Weekend 2026 Tips
Planning Ahead
- • Book accommodations 2-3 months in advance
- • Reserve dinner spots for popular restaurants
- • Purchase beach badges online before arrival
- • Plan to arrive Friday early or Saturday morning
- • Check event schedules for parades and fireworks
What to Expect
- • Beach badges required (most towns)
- • Lifeguards on duty
- • All boardwalk rides and attractions open
- • Heavy traffic on Friday afternoon and Sunday evening
- • Soar & Shore Festival in Cape May
What to Pack for May
Beach Essentials
- • Layers (mornings can be cool)
- • Light jacket or sweatshirt
- • Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- • Beach blanket or chair
- • Windbreaker for breezy days
For Whale Watching
- • Binoculars
- • Warm layers (cold on the water)
- • Motion sickness medication
- • Camera with zoom lens
- • Hat and sunglasses
Nice to Have
- • Bike or rent one locally
- • Birding field guide
- • Rain jacket (spring showers)
- • Cash for boardwalk and parking
- • Comfortable walking shoes
May at the Shore FAQs
Related Guides
Ready for a May Getaway?
Book early for Memorial Day weekend or enjoy pre-summer deals earlier in the month. Find the perfect shore town for your spring visit.