Best Time to Surf Montauk (2026)
Montauk, New York — Month-by-month surf guide
0
Good
Surfing in March
March
2 of 2 beaches are in peak season right now. Water temperatures range 38-75°F year-round. 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
Water temp~38°F
Wetsuit5/4mm + boots/gloves/hood
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking0
February
0
Water temp~38°F
Wetsuit5/4mm + boots/gloves/hood
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking2
March
0
Water temp~57°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsLow-Moderate
Beaches peaking2
April
0
Water temp~57°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsLow-Moderate
Beaches peaking0
May
0
Water temp~57°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsLow-Moderate
Beaches peaking0
June
0
Water temp~75°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking0
July
0
Water temp~75°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking0
August
0
Water temp~75°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking2
September
0
Water temp~75°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsLow-Moderate
Beaches peaking2
October
0
Water temp~57°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsLow-Moderate
Beaches peaking2
November
0
Water temp~57°F
Wetsuitspring suit
CrowdsLow-Moderate
Beaches peaking2
December
0
Water temp~38°F
Wetsuit5/4mm + boots/gloves/hood
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking0
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 (~38°F in winter)
- Best for beach breaks and exposed reef setups in Montauk
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 Montauk
Ditch Plains
lower-intermediatecrowded
Peak: Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Feb, Mar
Turtle Cove
advancedlight
Peak: Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Feb, Mar