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The best time to visit Atlantic City is from May to early September, during the spring and summer. The weather is warm and sunny which is perfect for all activities, especially the famous boardwalk and beach.
Deciding when to visit Atlantic City depends on what you’d like to see and do when you get there. New Jersey has been my home since my early childhood, so I’ve experienced all the nuances of weather. I can tell you exactly when the best time is to get the most out of America’s Favorite Playground.
While you’re here, check out some of the best things to do in Atlantic City. I’m sure you’ll love it!
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When is the Best Time to Visit Atlantic City?
Visiting Atlantic City can be great any time of year, depending on what you’re looking for. However, the general best time to visit is the spring and summer months, from May to September.
The best time to visit AC varies depending on why you’re visiting, as well as what you want to do when you get here.
Let’s break down some common factors that might influence your decision on when to come to visit Atlantic City:
When to Visit Atlantic City for Good Weather
Visit between May and September if you want to see Atlantic City during its best weather. Visitors flock to the city around this time for a reason, and it coincides with the best time to visit New Jersey as a whole.
The weather in May is just starting to warm up, making outdoor excursions all the more enjoyable. April tends to be rainy, while May is more predictable.
Come June and July the weather starts to get hot – like really hot! But, it’s also a perfect time to visit Atlantic City Beach for a cool dip in the ocean. Spring is also great to enjoy that refreshing ocean breeze.
When to Visit Atlantic City on a Budget
If you want the cheapest prices, then you’ll want to come either right before or right after peak travel season. Atlantic City hotel prices start to drop around late September and continue to stay low until about March.
These colder months rule out some of the popular activities such as visiting the beach, resulting in fewer visitors. As a result, hotels drop their prices and often offer incentives to get guests to come out. Depending on where you stay in Atlantic City, this allows you to get some of the best deals, even on some of the most luxurious hotels in the city.
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When to Visit Atlantic City for Sunny Beach Days
Who doesn’t love a day at the beach? The best time to visit for a sunny beach day is during the peak summer months of June through August. Average temperatures hover in the vicinity of 75 – 95° F, making for great beach days.
Beach season officially begins on Memorial Day and continues on throughout the summer until Labor Day.
Atlantic City Beach is one of the best beaches in New Jersey! Because it’s so popular, it’s a good idea to go to the beach earlier in the day to get a good spot on the sand. Just make sure to bring your SPF and beach umbrella!
When To Visit Atlantic City for Families and Kids
If you’re traveling with kids, then you want lots of outdoor spaces for them to run off their energy.
The warmer temperatures of spring (around the time that kids have spring break), and summer offer just that. These are the best times to visit Atlantic City with your family.
After a long, cold winter cooped up inside, kids will love the opportunity to get outside and hit the beach or Steel Pier Amusement Park.
When to Visit Atlantic City to Avoid Crowds
Atlantic City hotels tend to be the most packed during the peak travel season in summer. As a result, you’ll find bigger crowds throughout the city – especially at the beach.
Visit between Labor Day and Memorial Day if you want to avoid crowds. This is right outside of tourism season, which means the crowds are either starting to thin out or haven’t arrived yet.
Prices on hotels also tend to drop around this time – perfect if you’re on a budget.
Atlantic City Travel Seasons
Visiting Atlantic City from January through March
Winter is one of the quietest times in Atlantic City. Being so close to the water, this area experiences very cold temperatures, which makes a lot of outdoor activities uncomfortable. Because of this, Atlantic City hotel rates tend to drop significantly.
Because of the temps, winter activities in Atlantic City are limited to whatever you can do indoors:
- ❄️ Casinos – Pay a visit to any one of Atlantic City’s famous casinos to game inside where it’s warm. You can even enjoy perks such as free drinks.
- ❄️ Ripley’s Believe It Or Not – When it’s cold, take in some indoor attractions like this museum of oddities.
- ❄️ Absecon Lighthouse – The tallest lighthouse in New Jersey is open year round. They even have special events.
Visiting Atlantic City in April and May
Atlantic City weather starts to warm up in April and May, but it also comes with the rainy season. Expect moderate precipitation in April. Temperatures tend to vary between 50 – 60° F, with colder temps in the morning.
Spring is great to start enjoying some outdoor activities – but make sure to bring an umbrella:
- 🌼 The Boardwalk – Since the weather is warming up, it’s the perfect time to take a walk along the iconic Boardwalk. Take in the sights and enjoy cool sea breezes on an afternoon stroll.
- 🌼 Marina District – The Marina District is great for taking in shows at popular hotels in the area, such as the Borgata.
- 🌼 Historic Gardner’s Basin – Enjoy some fresh seafood at one of the Basin’s fine restaurants. Take in the sights as boats leave and arrive at the docks. You can even go fishing.
Visiting Atlantic City June through August
June through August is the warmest time of the year in Atlantic City, and also the busiest. The average high temperature is about 85° F, with higher temperatures in mid-July. This is the best time to enjoy all that Atlantic City has to offer:
- ☀️ Atlantic City Beach – Beat the heat with a refreshing dip at the beach! Or work on that perfect tan as you lay out and relax on the sand. Don’t forget the sunscreen.
- ☀️ Steel Pier Amusement Park – Grab the kids and have fun with rides and games.
👉 Summer is the peak tourist season, which means the city is at its busiest. Atlantic City is a safe destination to visit, but it”s always good to be aware of your surroundings. Read our Atlantic City safety guide for more info.
Visiting Atlantic City in September and October
Tourism season dies down in September and October, as do temperatures. Crisp autumn air graces the area, making it great for indoor activities:
- 🍂 Tanger Outlets – Get your holiday shopping started early with some great deals at this outdoor outlet mall.
- 🍂 Visit a Distillery – Move to indoor activities, and visit a Distillery such as Little Water Distillery for some award-winning spirits.
Visiting Atlantic City in November and December
The holiday season is in full swing in November and December, as is the shopping season. Find some unique gifts for loved ones in stores like the boutiques on the Boardwalk.
Be sure to bring a coat or jacket if you come during this time. The temperatures are dropping, and the breezes from the ocean make it even colder:
- 🎄 Playground Pier – There aren’t many stores here, but you can shop at the few that are. It also offers great ocean views, while staying warm inside.
- 🎄 Boardwalk Boutiques – Visit some of these shops for unique gifts for loved ones.
Atlantic City Weather and Climate
Atlantic City weather is much like the rest of New Jersey. Winters are cold, and snow accumulations can get high, especially in areas further south and closer to Pennsylvania. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to drop below 0°F around this time.
Spring is rainy, with temperatures hovering around 50°F on most days. The summers are hot, averaging at about 85°F with occasional thunderstorms. The fall brings crisp weather, with temperatures around the 50 – 60°F mark.
FAQs About When to Visit Atlantic City
Is the Atlantic City Boardwalk Open Year Round?
The Atlantic City Boardwalk is open year-round, yet is most popular in the warmer summer months.
Is Atlantic City Worth visiting in the winter?
Atlantic City is worth visiting in the winter if you’re going to the casinos and doing other indoor activities. The hotels are also at their lowest prices, but this isn’t the best season for enjoying the beach and Boardwalk.
What is the hottest month in Atlantic City?
The hottest month in Atlantic City is July, which is the peak of summer. You can expect high temperatures that climb well into the 90s or even 100°F.
Which part of Atlantic City is the best?
A fan favorite neighborhood of Atlantic City is the Boardwalk. It’s lined with boutiques, casinos, and great restaurants. The boardwalk also gives you amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Is Atlantic City fun if you don’t gamble?
Atlantic City is known for its casinos, but it has plenty of other attractions to choose from. The Steel Pier Amusement Park, Absecon Lighthouse, and iconic Boardwalk are also fun and popular.
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Thanks for reading my guide to when to visit Atlantic City! Want to explore more of New Jersey? Then check out these other great places to visit in New Jersey!
(Featured Image Credit: Vlad G / Shutterstock)
