Weather & Seasons
Plan your perfect Jersey Shore trip with our comprehensive weather guide.
When to Visit
🔥 Peak Season
July - August
Hottest weather, warmest water, biggest crowds, highest prices. Perfect for beach lovers who don't mind sharing.
⭐ Best Value
September
Warm water (70°F+), empty beaches, 30-50% lower prices. Locals' favorite month. The shore's best-kept secret.
🏖️ Shoulder Season
June & October
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, better deals. Water swimmable but refreshing. Great for active visitors.
Monthly Weather
January
lowHigh
41°F
Low
26°F
Water
42°F
Cold and quiet. Many businesses closed. Great for off-season exploring and winter beach walks.
February
lowHigh
43°F
Low
27°F
Water
40°F
Still cold but hints of spring. Valentine's getaways popular in Cape May. Fewer crowds everywhere.
March
lowHigh
51°F
Low
34°F
Water
42°F
Spring begins. Weather unpredictable - can be warm or snowy. Businesses start reopening.
April
lowHigh
61°F
Low
42°F
Water
48°F
Spring arrives. Warmer days, cool nights. Great for outdoor activities without crowds.
May
moderateHigh
70°F
Low
52°F
Water
56°F
Perfect shoulder season. Warm, uncrowded, lower prices. Beaches open Memorial Day weekend.
June
highHigh
79°F
Low
62°F
Water
65°F
Summer begins! Warm weather, water getting swimmable. Less crowded than July/August.
July
peakHigh
84°F
Low
68°F
Water
72°F
Peak summer. Hot, humid, crowded. Perfect beach weather. Water is warmest. Book everything ahead.
August
peakHigh
83°F
Low
67°F
Water
74°F
Peak season continues. Hot and humid. Water at its warmest. Still very crowded.
September
moderateHigh
76°F
Low
60°F
Water
71°F
Best kept secret! Warm water, empty beaches, lower prices. Hurricane season but rare impacts.
October
moderateHigh
65°F
Low
49°F
Water
63°F
Beautiful fall weather. Water still swimmable early month. Fall foliage. Halloween events.
November
lowHigh
54°F
Low
40°F
Water
54°F
Off-season begins. Cooler, quiet. Many businesses close. Great for peaceful getaways.
December
lowHigh
45°F
Low
32°F
Water
46°F
Holiday season. Cape May decorated beautifully. Cold but festive. Some businesses closed.
Ocean Water Temperature
42°
Jan
40°
Feb
42°
Mar
48°
Apr
56°
May
65°
Jun
72°
Jul
74°
Aug
71°
Sep
63°
Oct
54°
Nov
46°
Dec
Water temperatures are averages. Actual temps vary by location and year.
🌀 Hurricane Season
Peak period: August through October
The Jersey Shore is occasionally affected by tropical systems, primarily in August through October. Direct hurricane hits are rare, but tropical storms can bring heavy rain and dangerous surf.
Planning Tips
- •Monitor weather forecasts if traveling August-October
- •Purchase travel insurance for hurricane season trips
- •Know your evacuation routes
- •Never swim in rough surf after a storm
- •Storms usually provide 3-5 days notice - plenty of time to adjust plans
Best Months for Swimming
June
65°F
Water 65°F - refreshing but swimmable. Great beach weather.
July
72°F
Water 70-75°F - perfect for swimming. Crowded beaches.
August
74°F
Water 72-76°F - warmest of the year. Best for swimming.
September
71°F
Water still warm (68-72°F). Much fewer crowds. Best month for beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit the Jersey Shore?
September is the best-kept secret - warm water (70°F+), empty beaches, and lower prices. For peak beach weather, July and August offer the warmest water (72-74°F) but are most crowded.
When is the water warm enough to swim at the Jersey Shore?
Water temperatures reach swimmable levels (65°F+) from mid-June through October. The warmest water is in August (74°F). Most people find July through September ideal for ocean swimming.
Does the Jersey Shore get hurricanes?
Direct hurricane hits are rare, but tropical storms can affect the area August through October. Hurricane Sandy (2012) was an exception. Most seasons pass without significant impact.
What is the off-season at the Jersey Shore?
November through April is off-season. Many businesses close, but Cape May stays active year-round. Prices are significantly lower and beaches are peaceful for walking.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
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