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.
Long Island Sound: The current water temperature 39.2 °F
The temperature is too cold to swimThe 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
21. February
Light freezing rain
↓ 26.6 / ↑ 32 °F
22. February
Partly Cloudy
↓ 26.6 / ↑ 32 °F
23. February
Moderate rain
↓ 26.6 / ↑ 32 °F
24. February
Moderate or heavy snow showers
↓ 26.6 / ↑ 32 °F
25. February
Light rain
↓ 26.6 / ↑ 32 °F
26. February
Light freezing rain
↓ 30.2 / ↑ 33.8 °F
27. February
Heavy rain
↓ 41 / ↑ 46.4 °F
28. February
Moderate or heavy rain shower
↓ 37.4 / ↑ 48.2 °F
01. March
Moderate or heavy rain shower
↓ 32 / ↑ 41 °F
02. March
Light freezing rain
↓ 33.8 / ↑ 39.2 °F
03. March
Light freezing rain
↓ 24.8 / ↑ 28.4 °F
04. March
Blowing snow
↓ 15.8 / ↑ 21.2 °F
05. March
Moderate snow
↓ 28.4 / ↑ 33.8 °F
06. March
Moderate or heavy sleet
↓ 32 / ↑ 44.6 °F
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
Nice Travel-Locations: atlantic ocean
Jones Beach Water Temperature
As you approach Jones Beach State Park from the Wantagh Parkway, the Jones Beach Water Tower is an iconic landmark. The most visited beach on the east coast of the USA, Jones beach is a world class swimming and surfing destination, and Nikon at Jones Beach Theater is a popular…Atlantic City water temperature
Atlantic City is a popular destination thanks to the famous boardwalk, wonderful white sandy beach and its many casinos. Though it is just 9 miles from Atlantic City International Airport, many travelers prefer to fly into Philadelphia Airport which is accessible from anywhere in the world and take one of…Outer banks water temperature
The Outer Banks are a lovely link of islands off the gorgeous coasts of North Carolina that make a wonderful vacation spot for all water related sports and activities. Historically, these islands are well known for being the place where the Wright's brothers' first ever flight took place. These islands…Myrtle Beach Water Temperature
Are you planning for a vacation to the coastal city of Myrtle Beach in South Carolina? Myrtle Beach is an ideal place to vacation during the summer season. You can enjoy the bright sun as well as the gentle ocean breeze in this season. Typically, this weather may last for…Ocean City MD Water Temperature
Located at the shore of Atlantic Ocean, the island of Ocean city in Maryland, US is an exotic travel destination. It is very close to Assateague island that got separated from ocean city during heavy storms in 1933. The island extends 10 miles towards Delaware state lines. You can go…