Cape May
Victorian Week, whale watching, birding migration, and most restaurants stay open.
Learn more →October at the Jersey Shore
Uncrowded beaches, fall foliage, Victorian Week, and the legendary striper run. One of the best and most affordable times to visit.
60-70°FAvg Temperature
Oct 3–4LBI Chowderfest
PeakStriper Run
October paints the Jersey Shore in entirely different colors—literally. Fall foliage transforms the pine barrens and coastal marshes into amber and gold, Halloween decorations adorn Victorian porches, and a distinctly autumnal energy replaces summer's frenzy. The ocean is still swimmable for the adventurous (warmer than spring!), beaches require no badges, and the legendary fall striper run draws anglers from across the region. This is the shore for those who prefer pumpkin spice to sunscreen.
Weather
Air temperatures range 50-68°F with crisp mornings and pleasant afternoons. Ocean water cools from 64°F to 58°F through the month—wetsuit weather but still swimmable. October often delivers gorgeous Indian summer days mixed with occasional nor'easters. Bring layers: beach-worthy midday, jacket-required evenings.
Crowds
Weekdays are peaceful; weekend day-trippers visit but nothing like summer. Halloween weekend and Victorian Week (Cape May) draw notable crowds to specific towns. Columbus Day weekend sees moderate activity. Most beaches feel spacious, though some surf fishing spots get competitive during the striper run.
Pricing
Weekly rentals are rare; hotels compete for guests with promotions. No beach badges required anywhere. Exception: Victorian Week in Cape May commands premium prices and requires advance booking. Otherwise, October offers excellent value.
October at a Glance
Best for:
Anglers, history buffs, Halloween enthusiasts, birders
Water activities:
Surf fishing (striper run), kayaking, brave swimming, surfing
Must-experience:
Victorian Week, fall foliage, Halloween events, striper fishing
Insider tip:
Early October feels like extended summer; late October is solidly autumn
Transitional Season Note: October is when many seasonal businesses wind down. Most boardwalk rides close after Columbus Day weekend; some restaurants shift to weekends-only. Call ahead for hours. That said, enough remains open to make October visits rewarding—you'll just find a quieter, more local-focused shore.
🍂
Fall Foliage
Beautiful autumn colors along the coast
🆓
No Badge Fees
Free beach access all month
🎣
Striper Run
Best surf fishing of the year
October Week by Week
| Week | Weather | Water Temp | Crowds | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Week 1 Oct 1-7 | 65-70°F | 63-65°F | Low |
|
Week 2 (Columbus Day) Oct 8-14 | 62-68°F | 60-63°F | Low |
|
Week 3 Oct 15-21 | 58-65°F | 58-60°F | Low |
|
Week 4 (Halloween) Oct 22-31 | 55-62°F | 55-58°F | Low |
|
Advertisement
What's Open in October
🏖️
Beaches
Open - Free AccessAll beaches open with no badge required. No lifeguards. Water is cold but beach walks are beautiful. Bring layers for cool ocean breezes.
🎡
Boardwalks
Weekend OnlyOcean City and Wildwood boardwalks open select weekends in October. Most rides closed. Food stands vary by weather.
🍽️
Restaurants
Year-Round Towns OpenCape May, Asbury Park, and Atlantic City have year-round dining. Some seasonal restaurants close after Columbus Day. Call ahead.
🏨
Hotels
Open🎣
Fishing
Prime SeasonFall striper run is the best fishing of the year. Surf fishing excellent at Island Beach State Park, Sandy Hook, and LBI.
🦅
Nature/Wildlife
Peak MigrationCape May is a world-renowned birding destination in October. Hawk migration, monarch butterflies, and fall shorebirds.
October Events & Activities
Cape May Victorian Weekend
Cape May MAC's Victorian Weekend over the Columbus Day long weekend: house tours, the crafts and collectibles show, trolleys and period programmes.
October 9-12, 2026Cape May
View Complete Guide →HCANJ Convention
Healthcare Association of NJ annual conference for long-term care professionals. 1,500+ healthcare professionals at Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center.
Mid-OctoberAtlantic City
View Complete Guide →Fall Striper Run
The striped bass migration brings fish within surf range down the whole coast. Best surf fishing of the year.
October-NovemberStatewide
View Complete Guide →Cape May Lighthouse Night Climbs
Climb the lighthouse after dark for spectacular views of the Delaware Bay sunset.
Select October datesCape May Point
Halloween Events
Ghost tours in Cape May and Asbury Park. Haunted hayrides. Family-friendly Halloween activities throughout the shore.
Throughout OctoberVarious
Fall Birding at Cape May
October brings massive raptor migration through Cape May. Hawks, eagles, and falcons fill the sky. Cape May Bird Observatory offers guided walks.
Throughout OctoberCape May Point
Best Towns to Visit in October
Asbury Park
Year-round dining scene, live music venues, Halloween events, and ghost tours.
Learn more →Spring Lake
Beautiful fall boardwalk walks, fewer crowds, and elegant B&Bs with off-season rates.
Learn more →Ocean City
Boardwalk still active weekends, fall festivals, and family-friendly Halloween events.
Learn more →Atlantic City
Casinos and entertainment year-round. Excellent midweek hotel deals. Indoor activities.
Learn more →Beach Haven (LBI)
Quiet island atmosphere. Excellent fall fishing. Many restaurants stay open through October.
Learn more →Plan Your October Trip
Review each provider's cancellation, payment and deposit terms
The Fall Striper Run
October kicks off the legendary fall striper run - the best surf fishing of the year. Striped bass migrate south along the coast, feeding heavily before winter. Island Beach State Park, Sandy Hook, and LBI are prime spots. False albacore (little tunny) and bonito also blitz through in October, offering fast-action light-tackle fishing.
October Bay Adventures
October offers spectacular bay experiences. Barnegat Bay fishing is excellent for flounder and stripers as fish prepare for migration. Kayaking through fall-colored salt marshes is magical, and osprey migration provides great birding. Waters are cooler but still pleasant for paddling on calm days.
Book a fall-run charter out of Belmar
Book online through FishingBooker
Check cancellation terms•Confirm trip details
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
October Insider Tips
Essentials
- • Light jacket or fleece for cool evenings
- • Layers (mornings are cool, afternoons warm)
- • Comfortable walking shoes for beach walks
- • Sunglasses & sunscreen (still needed!)
If Swimming/Surfing
- • Wetsuit required (water is 55-65°F)
- • Towel (no lifeguard stands for changing)
- • Beach blanket for relaxing
- • Be aware of stronger currents
Plan your next Shore trip
The free Shore Insider Guide, then a Thursday email with the weekend ahead and a planning guide on the 1st.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Choose your stay
Check dates, full price, room details and terms.
Compare the full price and cancellation terms
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Vacation Rentals
Beach houses, condos & more
Advertisement
October at the Shore FAQs
Is October a good time to visit the Jersey Shore?
October is one of the best times to visit the Jersey Shore. Weather is pleasant (60s-70s), beaches are uncrowded, lodging costs less than peak summer, and special events like Cape May Victorian Week make it magical. The fall striper run also draws fishing enthusiasts.
Can you swim at the Jersey Shore in October?
Swimming is possible in early October with water temperatures around 65°F, but most beaches no longer have lifeguards. Late October water drops to the upper 50s. Many visitors enjoy beach walks, surfing (wetsuits required), and fishing instead.
What is Cape May Victorian Week?
Victorian Weekend is Cape May MAC's signature autumn event, held over the Columbus Day long weekend (October 9–12 in 2026). It celebrates the town's Victorian heritage with historic house tours, the Crafts & Collectibles Show, trolley tours, lectures and period dinners.
Helpful Resources
🌤️
Weather Guide
Seasonal forecasts & tips
🌧️Rainy Day Activities
Indoor fun when weather turns
💡Local Tips
Insider advice from regulars
🌊Tide Charts
Plan around tide times
Popular Places to Stay
Related Guides
Plan Your October Trip
Find hotels, activities, and restaurants for your fall shore getaway.
This article was originally published on Jersey Shore Guide.
Source: https://www.shore-guide.com/planning/october/ | © 2026 Jersey Shore Guide. All rights reserved.
October Planning Guides by Town
Town-specific october guides — what's open, what to wear, what to skip.
- Cape May in October
- Wildwood in October
- Ocean City in October
- Atlantic City in October
- Asbury Park in October
- Point Pleasant Beach in October
- Seaside Heights in October
- Belmar in October
- Spring Lake in October
- Avalon in October
- Stone Harbor in October
- Sea Isle City in October
- Brigantine in October
- Long Branch in October
- Beach Haven in October
- Barnegat Light in October
- Margate in October
- Ventnor in October
- Manasquan in October