Best Time to Surf Long Beach (2026)
Long Beach, New York — Month-by-month surf guide
Surfing in April
April
Long Beach is between peak seasons right now. Expect 2-4 ft waves and 50°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
Nor'easter swells, dedicated locals only
February
Winter storm swells, iciest water
March
Late winter swells, water slowly warms
April
Spring transitions, cleaner conditions
May
Small clean days, Montauk crowd building
June
Beach season begins, mostly small
July
Flat Hamptons summer, occasional tropical
August
Hurricane season begins, warm water
September
PeakPeak hurricane swells, warm water
October
PeakFall swells, offshore winds, thinning crowds
November
PeakNor'easters firing, empty lineups
December
Winter storms, hardcore crew
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 (42°F in winter)
- Best for beach breaks and exposed reef setups in Long 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 (72°F in summer)
- Sunset sessions can be magic when winds die down
Top Surf Spots in Long Beach
Peak: Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Feb, Mar