If you're planning a trip to New York, you'll want to consider visiting the state's many beaches. You'll find information on the best time to surf in New York, crowds, and hazards, as well as the best beaches in the city. These surfing guides will help you find the perfect waves, regardless of the weather, your level of experience, or your budget. Here, we've listed our recommendations for the best beaches in New York.

Best Surf Season in New York

When is the Best Surf Season in New York? The winter months are the best time to catch some waves in New York City. The swell is consistent, and big ESE groundswells are fed into the area by hurricanes that make their way up the Atlantic coast. These swells produce long-period days with strong, consistent waves. The water temperature reaches the mid-60s in June, and it hovers around 70 degrees in July.

Although most of New York is inland, the infamous "bomb cyclone" brought record-low temperatures and high winds to the city in January. Surfers, including famous surfer Joe Falcone, looked at the waves at that time, when the air temperature was only 35 degrees and the water temperature of the Atlantic Ocean was just 38 degrees. Surfers from New York City's beaches still managed to catch some waves even in that chilly weather. Although fall and winter are the ideal seasons to catch waves in New York City, the summer can be stifling downtown and not much surf is available.

Surf Crowds in New York

The surf in New York City can be unbearable, and the crowds are even worse. With just one route to the shore, the city is overrun with tourists. Water temperatures are chilly, but can rise into the sixties in June and July. You can even find a few decent waves in mid-October. But the crowds are not worth the chilly conditions! Here are some things to keep in mind when surfing in New York:

The south shore of Long Island is divided into several main surfing beaches. Lincoln Beach is the most popular, and is marked by yellow flags and lifeguards. Lido Beach is another good spot for summer crowds. To get away from the crowds, head to Connolly's on 95th street, which is renowned for its frozen drinks. While you're waiting for a wave to come up, try body surfing.

Surf Hazards in New York

In recent weeks, two people died and two others were injured while surfing the subway system. While this trend is partially fueled by social media, the majority of victims are young and naive. In addition to the deaths, subway surfing has caused 2,700 delays since it began in 2017.

The conditions for surfing in New York can vary dramatically depending on the time of year. Winter and fall are the best times to visit the city, as they offer long periods and a mix of distant groundswells and hurricane swells. Summer months can be stifling in downtown and the surf is less than ideal. If you're looking to catch some waves this summer, check the surf forecast in advance to make sure it is suitable for you.

Top Beaches in New York

The best time of year to go surfing in New York City is during the fall and winter, when the swells from the distant tropics and regular hurricanes feed the beaches of Long Island and the boroughs. During these seasons, waves are long-period and powerful, and there are usually some strong offshore winds as well. Winters are cold, but summers can be stifling in the city and offer little surf.

Surfing in New York can be an incredible experience for both beginner and advanced surfers. The glamorous Hamptons region is home to some of the richest people in the world, and even NYC denizens flock there during the summer months. There are several beaches in the Hamptons, and you could bump boards with billionaires or complete beginners. The coastal scenery is also absolutely breathtaking. If you haven't been there yet, you should plan a trip soon.

Top Surf Spots in New York

If you're looking for a great surf spot that is close enough to the city, then look no further than NYC. With miles of beaches and endless waves, NYC has everything you need to experience the ultimate Endless Summer of surfing. You can choose to surf on the mellow waves at Lido beach or try out your surfing skills at Tobay Beach, where Marilyn Monroe once posed for her famous photo.

Located at the western end of Fire Island, Robert Moses State Park is the perfect spot for mid-winter surfing. This place is protected and has a mix of distant groundswells and hurricane swells. These waves are hollow on stronger days and can make a great practice for surfing. Unlike other Manhattan surf spots, the surf here is consistent and is ideal for beginners. There are also several other locations throughout the city where you can catch a good wave.