Best Time to Surf Bradley Beach (2026)
Bradley Beach, New Jersey — Month-by-month surf guide
0
Minimal
Surfing in April
April
Bradley Beach is between peak seasons right now. Expect 2-4 ft waves and 48°F water. Peak month: September.
Surf Score by Month
Score reflects overall surf quality each month — combining peak season activity, water temperature, and crowd levels.
Monthly Breakdown
January
0
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp40°F
Wetsuit5/4mm + boots/gloves/hood
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking1
Nor'easter swells, empty lineups
February
0
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp38°F
Wetsuit5/4mm + boots/gloves/hood
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking1
Winter storms, dedicated crew only
March
0
Waves3-5 ft
Water temp40°F
Wetsuit5/4mm + boots/gloves/hood
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking1
Late winter swells, water warming
April
0
Waves2-4 ft
Water temp48°F
Wetsuit4/3mm + boots
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking0
Spring swells, fewer crowds
May
0
Waves2-3 ft
Water temp55°F
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking1
Small clean days
June
0
Waves1-3 ft
Water temp65°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking1
Summer begins, mostly small
July
0
Waves1-2 ft
Water temp72°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking1
Flat season, beach days
August
0
Waves1-3 ft
Water temp75°F
Wetsuitboardshorts
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking1
Hurricane swell potential
September
Peak0
Waves3-8 ft
Water temp72°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking2
Hurricane swells, warm water
October
Peak0
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp65°F
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking2
Fall swells, offshore winds
November
Peak0
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp55°F
Wetsuit4/3mm
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking2
Nor'easters firing, thinning crowds
December
0
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp45°F
Wetsuit5/4mm + boots/gloves/hood
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking1
Winter begins, consistent storms
Dawn Patrol vs Afternoon Sessions
Dawn Patrol
- Typically glassier conditions before onshore winds build
- Smaller crowds, especially on weekdays
- Water temps at their coolest — plan your wetsuit for the low end (40°F in winter)
- Best for beach breaks and exposed reef setups in Bradley Beach
Afternoon Sessions
- Onshore winds can create chop, but swell is often more consistent
- Higher crowds on popular beaches, especially weekends
- Water warms through the day — upper end (75°F in summer)
- Sunset sessions can be magic when winds die down
Top Surf Spots in Bradley Beach
3rd Avenue Beach
beginner-intermediatemoderate
Peak: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Brinley Avenue
intermediatelight
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar