Long Island has four distinct seasons: cool, changeable springs; warm, humid summers; gradually cooling autumns; and cold winters that can bring snow and coastal storms. The surrounding Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound influence temperatures, breezes, and local conditions. Coastal neighborhoods and inland communities can experience noticeably different weather on the same day.
For current conditions and trip planning, visit our Long Island Weather page. Seasonal averages help explain what to expect generally, while the forecast for your specific destination is more useful for deciding what to wear, when to travel, and whether outdoor plans need to change.
Spring: Cool at First, With Gradual Warming
Spring runs from March through May, but the difference between the beginning and end of the season is substantial. March can still bring freezing nights and occasional snow, while April usually brings more opportunities for outdoor activities between cool, rainy, or windy days. By May, warmer afternoons and greener landscapes make gardens, parks, and village walks increasingly appealing.
Coastal areas can warm slowly because the surrounding water remains cold after winter. A sunny inland afternoon may feel much chillier beside the ocean or along an exposed waterfront. Bring layers for outings on the North Shore, South Shore, and East End, particularly when your plans extend into the evening.
Summer: Warm, Humid, and Sometimes Hot
June through August brings Long Island’s warmest season. Average daytime highs rise from the upper 70s in June to the low 80s in July and August at the MacArthur Airport observation station. Individual days can be much hotter, and humidity can make conditions feel more uncomfortable than the temperature alone suggests.
Sea breezes sometimes provide relief near the shore, but they do not guarantee a cool beach day. Summer also brings showers and thunderstorms that can interrupt swimming, boating, and outdoor events. Check the forecast before visiting destinations such as Jones Beach State Park, Fire Island, or Montauk, and follow local directions when conditions change.
Air temperature and water temperature are separate considerations. A hot day does not necessarily mean comfortable swimming conditions, especially early in the season. Our guide to seasonal ocean temperatures explains that distinction, while our guide to beach opening and closing schedules covers seasonal access and swimming arrangements.
Autumn: Warm September Days Give Way to Chilly Nights
Autumn spans September through November and includes a wide range of conditions. September can still feel summery, October generally brings cooler afternoons and evenings, and November is often distinctly chilly. Lower humidity can make parts of early fall comfortable for walking and sightseeing, although rain, wind, and coastal storms remain possible.
The season offers opportunities for exploring the North Fork, visiting villages in the Hamptons, and planning apple-picking or pumpkin-picking outings. Foliage timing and farm conditions vary by year, so avoid assuming a particular weekend will deliver peak color or ideal weather.
Winter: Cold Weather, Snow, and Coastal Storms
December through February is the core winter season, although wintry conditions can extend into March. Daytime temperatures may rise above freezing while nights fall below it. Winter precipitation can arrive as rain, snow, sleet, freezing rain, or a mixture, depending on the storm and temperatures at different levels of the atmosphere.
The surrounding water moderates some temperature extremes compared with inland parts of New York State, but Long Island still experiences freezing weather and significant snowstorms. Snowfall varies considerably between winters and communities. Our guide to snow on Long Island provides more detail about seasonal snowfall and local differences.
Key Facts & Details
The following temperatures are average daily highs and lows at Long Island MacArthur Airport, rounded to the nearest degree, using NOAA’s 1991–2020 climate normals. They provide a local reference rather than an island-wide forecast. Actual weather can be considerably warmer or colder.
| Month | Average High | Average Low |
|---|---|---|
| January | 39°F | 25°F |
| February | 41°F | 26°F |
| March | 48°F | 32°F |
| April | 58°F | 41°F |
| May | 68°F | 51°F |
| June | 77°F | 61°F |
| July | 83°F | 67°F |
| August | 81°F | 66°F |
| September | 75°F | 59°F |
| October | 64°F | 47°F |
| November | 54°F | 38°F |
| December | 44°F | 30°F |
Does Weather Differ Across Long Island?
Yes. Proximity to the water, wind direction, cloud cover, and local terrain can create differences within both Nassau County and Suffolk County. An oceanfront location may be cooler on a spring afternoon, while a sheltered inland neighborhood may feel warmer. Neither county is consistently warmer, colder, wetter, or snowier during every weather event.
Rain is possible throughout the year, so no season guarantees dry conditions. Coastal storms can bring strong winds, rough water, and flooding, while tropical systems can affect the region during hurricane season. For beach visits and boating trips, check marine and surf conditions as well as the general forecast.
Whether you prefer summer beaches, autumn farm visits, spring gardens, or winter museums and dining, Long Island offers a different experience in each season. Use our guide to the best time to visit to match your interests with the season, then check the Long Island Weather page for conditions closer to your travel date.