Cape May in October
America's Original Seaside Resort in October
Cape May October 2026 events, by date
5 confirmed events with a date on file.
October 9 – October 12
Various events throughout · Throughout Cape May
October 15 – October 18
Cape May Fall Festival
Cape May — field-trip sites across the peninsula
October 23 – October 25
Autumn Exit Zero Jazz Festival
Cape May Convention Hall and club venues
October 25
Cape May City Halloween ParadeFree
3:00 PM · Downtown Cape May (judging on S. Lafayette Street)
October 31
Halloween Crafts & Collectibles Show
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM · Emlen Physick Estate
October is one of the best times to visit Cape May. While too cool for swimming (63°F), the weather is pleasant for exploring. Known for its victorian elegance, Cape May is especially popular with beaches and relaxation. Victorian Week transforms the town with house tours, mystery dinners, and period costume events.
Weather & Conditions
65°F
High / 49°F Low
63°F
Swimmable
7
Rainy days avg
Beautiful fall weather. Water still swimmable early month. Fall foliage. Halloween events.
Beach Status
Beach Badges
Not required
Lifeguards
Not on duty
Swimming
Comfortable
Water cooling (63°F). Hardy swimmers only. Good for beach walks.
Why Visit Cape May in October
5 dated October events
Victorian Weekend (October 9 – October 12); Cape May Fall Festival (October 15 – October 18); Autumn Exit Zero Jazz Festival (October 23 – October 25); and more below.
Romantic Getaway
Cape May is quieter in October, which suits a couples' weekend.
Great Fishing
Fall fishing is excellent for striped bass, bluefish, and tautog.
Victorian Week
Cape May's famous Victorian Week features house tours, murder mysteries, and period costume events.
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October Events in Cape May
Victorian Week
Cape May's signature celebration of Victorian heritage with house tours, vintage baseball, murder mystery dinners, and themed events.
Book Your Cape May Trip
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Activities in October
| Activity | Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beach Swimming | Water warming up | |
| Fishing Charters | Fall run | |
| Restaurant Scene | Most restaurants open | |
| Whale Watching | Shoulder season |
Where to Eat
Romans Pizza House-N Cape May
Local favorite
Phinney's Pub
Local favorite
Ostara's Coffee House
Local favorite
Where to Stay in October
Build a Cape May shortlist for October, then compare complete quotes for your dates and group.
Tip: Confirm the event or holiday activity dates first, then check nearby rooms and their cancellation terms. An event listing is not proof of room availability.
Choose your Cape May stay
Before you book: the stay-cost checklist.
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Tips for Visiting Cape May in October
- •NJ Transit serves Cape May by train or bus, so you can skip parking.
- •Book fishing charters in advance - spring and fall runs are popular.
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Cape May in October FAQs
What is the weather like in Cape May in October?
October in Cape May averages highs of 65°F and lows of 49°F. Beautiful fall weather. Water still swimmable early month. Fall foliage. Halloween events. Water temperature is around 63°F.
Can you swim at Cape May beaches in October?
Water temperature is around 63°F - swimmable but cool. A wetsuit helps for longer swims.
Do you need beach badges in Cape May in October?
No badges required during the off-season.
How crowded is Cape May in October?
October is shoulder season with manageable crowds. A great time to visit for those who want good weather without the peak-season rush.
What are the best things to do in Cape May in October?
In October, Cape May is great for Fall getaways, Wine tasting, Fishing. Also consider Victorian District.