July at the Jersey Shore
Peak season: July 4th fireworks, Night in Venice, warmest water, and the full summer experience. July is the busiest month at the shore, but with planning, you can navigate the crowds and create unforgettable memories.
July 2026 Weather & Conditions
80-90F
Average temps (often 90s)
68-76F
Ocean temperature (warmest)
Very High
Crowd level
High
UV Index
July is peak season - expect the warmest water, hottest air temps, and biggest crowds. Book everything in advance and arrive early to beaches for the best experience.
July 2026 Week by Week
| Week | Crowds | Water Temp | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
July 4th Week July 1-5, 2026 | Extreme | 68-72F |
|
Week 2 July 6-12, 2026 | Very High | 70-74F |
|
Week 3 July 13-19, 2026 | Very High | 72-75F |
|
Week 4 (Night in Venice) July 20-31, 2026 | Very High | 73-76F |
|
July 4th 2026 Fireworks Guide
Complete guide to fireworks displays across the Jersey Shore. Every town celebrates - here are the best places to watch.
Ocean City
July 4, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Music Pier / Beach
One of the largest fireworks displays on the East Coast. Launched from the beach near the Music Pier. Arrive 2+ hours early for prime viewing. Dry town, so no alcohol.
Atlantic City
July 4, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Beach / Boardwalk
Free fireworks over the ocean visible from anywhere on the beach or boardwalk. Casino hotels offer rooftop viewing parties. Great dining options nearby.
Wildwood
July 3-4, 2026 at 10:00 PM
Beach / Boardwalk
Multiple nights of fireworks! Free beach means no badge needed for viewing. Watch from the boardwalk or beach. Morey's Piers adds to the atmosphere.
Asbury Park
July 4, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Beach / Convention Hall
Fireworks launched over the ocean. Great viewing from the beach or near Convention Hall. Vibrant bar and restaurant scene for before and after.
Long Beach Island
July 4, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Bay Village, Beach Haven
Community celebration with fireworks launched over the bay. Family-friendly atmosphere with food vendors and live music beforehand.
Cape May
July 4, 2026 at 9:15 PM
Beach near Convention Hall
Sunset Beach is magical at sunset, then head to the main beach for fireworks. Victorian charm adds to the celebration. Less crowded than larger towns.
Point Pleasant
July 4, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Jenkinson's Boardwalk
Fireworks launched from the beach near Jenkinson's. Boardwalk rides and games make it a full evening of entertainment.
Seaside Heights
July 4, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Beach / Boardwalk
Classic Jersey Shore July 4th experience. Boardwalk fully operational with rides and games. Gets very crowded - arrive early.
July 4th Pro Tips: Book accommodations 3-6 months ahead. Arrive at viewing spots 2-3 hours early for the best locations. Consider staying in a less central town and driving to fireworks. Traffic will be heavy - plan for delays. Many towns have fireworks on July 3rd as well.
Night in Venice 2026
Ocean City's Night in Venice is one of the shore's most beloved traditions. Hundreds of decorated, illuminated boats parade through the back bays while thousands of spectators watch from shore, docks, and bridges.
Best Viewing Spots
- • 34th Street Bridge (most popular)
- • Bay Avenue from 34th to 59th Streets
- • Private docks (if you know someone)
- • Bayfront restaurants
- • Boat rentals to watch from the water
Tips for Attending
- • Arrive by 7 PM for viewing spots
- • Bring chairs, blankets, and snacks
- • Some restaurants offer viewing dinners - book months ahead
- • The parade route runs through the bay from 34th to 59th Street
Baby Parade Preview
Ocean City's famous Baby Parade has been running since 1901, making it one of the oldest baby parades in America. While the parade takes place in early August, July is the time to plan costumes, design decorated strollers, and register for the event.
Parade Categories
- • Decorated strollers and wagons
- • Best costumes (individual and family)
- • Themed floats
- • Group entries
July Planning Tips
- • Start designing costumes and decorations
- • Register online (opens in July)
- • Check theme announcements
- • Book August accommodations now
More July 2026 Events
Night in Venice
July 25, 2026 (Sat) • Ocean City
Ocean City's legendary boat parade. Decorated, illuminated boats cruise through the bay while thousands watch from shore. One of the shore's most magical traditions.
Baby Parade Preview
August 2026 (Coming Soon) • Ocean City
Ocean City's famous Baby Parade has been running since 1901. July is the time to plan costumes and register. The actual parade is in early August.
Sand Sculpting Championship
July 2026 • Atlantic City
Professional sand sculptors create incredible beach art during this multi-day competition. Free to watch on the beach.
Thunder Over the Boardwalk
July 2026 • Atlantic City
Air show and military demonstrations over the Atlantic City beach and boardwalk. Military aircraft flyovers and aerobatic performances.
Quick Chek Balloon Festival
July 24-26, 2026 • Readington (Day Trip)
Massive hot air balloon festival in Readington (about 1 hour from shore). Over 100 balloons, concerts, and family activities. Popular day trip.
Crowd-Beating Strategies
Arrive Before 9 AM
Get to beaches before 9 AM for parking and prime spots. Many beach checkers do not arrive until 9.
Go Mid-Week
Tuesday-Thursday are significantly less crowded than Saturday-Sunday. Monday can be busy with weekend overflow.
Choose Quieter Towns
Spring Lake, Sea Girt, Avalon, Stone Harbor are less chaotic than Wildwood, Seaside, or Ocean City.
Use State Parks
Island Beach State Park and Sandy Hook have more space per person. Arrive early as they fill to capacity.
Stay Late
Crowds thin after 4-5 PM. Evening beach time is magical, often free (no badge check), and much cooler.
Book Everything
Reserve restaurants 2+ weeks ahead. Book parking apps where available. Plan activities in advance.
Beating the Heat in July
July is the hottest month at the shore. Temperatures regularly hit the 90s, and the UV index is at its highest. Here is how to stay safe and comfortable.
Beach Umbrella is Essential
Bring or rent a beach umbrella. July sun is intense from 10 AM to 4 PM. Sunburn risk is highest of the year.
Hydrate Constantly
Bring extra water. Freeze water bottles overnight - they will melt and stay cold. Dehydration is common.
High SPF Sunscreen
Use SPF 50+ and reapply every 90 minutes, more if swimming. UV index peaks in July.
Take Mid-Day Breaks
Leave the beach between 12-3 PM when heat peaks. Get lunch, nap in AC, return for evening beach time.
Light, Breathable Clothing
Wear light colors and breathable fabrics. Consider UV-protective swim shirts for extended water time.
Evening Activities
Shift activities to mornings and evenings. Boardwalk strolls after sunset are cooler and magical.
Best Time for Water Sports
July's warm water (68-76F) makes it the best month for water sports at the Jersey Shore. No wetsuits needed, and conditions are ideal for everything from jet skiing to fishing.
Jet Skiing
Best: Morning (calmer water)
Most bay areas - Wildwood, LBI, Point Pleasant
Rentals available hourly. Calmer conditions in bay than ocean.
Kayaking/Paddleboarding
Best: Early morning or evening
Bays throughout the shore, Island Beach State Park
July water temps are perfect. Watch for boat traffic in bay areas.
Parasailing
Best: Mid-morning
Wildwood, Cape May, Atlantic City
Book in advance during peak season. Best views of the coastline.
Surfing
Best: Early morning or during storms
Manasquan, Belmar, Long Beach Island
July can have smaller waves. Watch forecasts for swells. No wetsuit needed.
Boogie Boarding
Best: Any time waves are running
All ocean beaches
Perfect family activity in July. Warm water makes extended sessions enjoyable.
Fishing Charters
Best: Early morning departures
Point Pleasant, Cape May, Atlantic City
Tuna, mahi, and shark charters popular in July. Book 2-3 weeks ahead.
What to Pack for July
Sun Protection
- • High SPF sunscreen (50+)
- • Beach umbrella or tent
- • Wide-brim hat
- • UV-protective sunglasses
- • Rash guard for water
Hydration
- • Large cooler with ice
- • Lots of water bottles
- • Frozen water bottles (double as ice)
- • Electrolyte drinks
- • Spray bottle for cooling
Beach Gear
- • Beach chairs or sand-free blanket
- • Boogie boards (water is warm!)
- • Cash for badges, parking, boardwalk
- • Beach towels
- • Waterproof phone case
July at the Shore FAQs
Related Guides
Ready for July at the Shore?
Peak season requires planning. Book accommodations now, make restaurant reservations, and prepare for the best summer of your life.