When you’re contemplating the waves as they crash on to the shore it can be difficult to remember that Long Island is a part of New York city. This exciting island is a favourite with surfers and beach lovers, and lies in the Atlantic ocean to the east of New York Harbour.
Thanks to good transport links, you can reach Long Island from any other part of the US, and international flights make getting to the beach from further afield relatively simple. The beaches of Long Island sound are fabulous, and fans of ‘The Great Gatsby’ will adore the North Shore.
The water temperature at Long Island sound ranges from winter lows of around 35F or 1.6C in February when it is at its coldest to around 72F or 22.2C in August when it is warm enough for surfing in a surf vest and board shorts and pleasant for swimming.
The water temperature climbs steadily from the spring onwards, and South Shore in particular is a haven for surfers. You will need a wetsuit during spring and autumn, but excellent waves have made Long Island one of the most famous surfing locations in the world, and the sport is popular with locals and visitors.
Long Island weather 14 day forecast
Best time to visit Long Island
Hot summer days and excellent surf conditions make Long Island a terrific beach holiday destination. Cold winters are to be expected in the north east of the US, but thanks to its coastal location Long Island temperatures are slightly higher than other areas of New York State. Temperatures range from 35F or 2C in January to 80F or 27C in July. It is rare for temperatures to drop below 5F or -15C or rise higher than 95F or 35C. Take light clothing for summer and wrap up warmly and be ready for snow if you visit Long Island in winter.
Long Island climate
| January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | |
| High. Temperature in °F (°C) | 43 (6) |
44 (7) |
52 (11) |
63 (17) |
73 (23) |
83 (28) |
87 (30) |
85 (30) |
78 (26) |
68 (20) |
57 (14) |
47 (8) |
| ø Temperature in °F (°C) | 35 (2) |
36 (2) |
43 (2) |
54 (6) |
63 (17) |
73 (23) |
78 (26) |
77 (25) |
70 (21) |
59 (15) |
49 (10) |
39 (4) |
| Low. Temperature in °F (°C) | 28 (-2) |
28 (-2) |
34 (1) |
44 (7) |
53 (12) |
64 (18) |
70 (21) |
69 (21) |
62 (17) |
51 (11) |
42 (5) |
32 (0) |
| Days with rain (d) | 15 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| Preciption (inches) | 3.5 | 2.57 | 4.26 | 3.98 | 3.8 | 4.15 | 4.41 | 5.13 | 4.34 | 4.04 | 3.54 | 3.78 |
Database: 2009-2013
The top attractions in Long Island
Although it is an island, the area is one of the most densely populated in New York state and its size means that there is much to discover. As well as excellent beach areas like North Shore and the Hamptons, there are plenty of picturesque towns along the coast such as Huntington Village and Port Jefferson where chic restaurants and quirky one off boutiques and stores are a delightful way to spend an afternoon.
If shopping is your thing, a visit to the Miracle Mile shopping resort in Manhasset is essential. Take a trip to the North Fork to discover the scenic wine country, or enjoy a day at Long Island’s main amusement park, Adventureland in Farmingdale.
Picture Copyright Flickr CC 2.0 RealMattKane
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