Best Time to Surf Cape May (2026)
Cape May, New Jersey — Month-by-month surf guide
0
Minimal
Surfing in April
April
Cape May is between peak seasons right now. Expect 2-4 ft waves and 48°F water. Peak month: November.
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 peaking3
Nor'easter swells, empty lineups
February
0
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp38°F
Wetsuit5/4mm + boots/gloves/hood
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking3
Winter storms, dedicated crew only
March
0
Waves3-5 ft
Water temp40°F
Wetsuit5/4mm + boots/gloves/hood
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking2
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 peaking0
Small clean days
June
0
Waves1-3 ft
Water temp65°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking0
Summer begins, mostly small
July
0
Waves1-2 ft
Water temp72°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking0
Flat season, beach days
August
0
Waves1-3 ft
Water temp75°F
Wetsuitboardshorts
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking0
Hurricane swell potential
September
Peak0
Waves3-8 ft
Water temp72°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking3
Hurricane swells, warm water
October
Peak0
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp65°F
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking3
Fall swells, offshore winds
November
Peak0
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp55°F
Wetsuit4/3mm
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking3
Nor'easters firing, thinning crowds
December
0
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp45°F
Wetsuit5/4mm + boots/gloves/hood
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking3
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 Cape May
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 Cape May
Broadway Beach
intermediatecrowded
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Poverty Beach
advancedlight
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
The Cove (Cape May)
upper-intermediatemoderate
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb