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True to its moniker, the Garden State transforms its personality with the changing seasons. You’ll find New Jersey is a tried-and-true four-season destination with of immaculate sand on the Jersey Shore in the humid summers, a gasp-worthy palette of autumnal colors in the refreshingly brisk fall, a festive holiday season (complete with spritely decorated Victorian homes in Cape May) to warm the spirits during the winter chill and delightfully lush blooms bursting with cheer in the temperate spring.

While those highlights showcase its persona, underneath it all, New Jersey’s urban areas are ready and waiting to entertain visitors any time of the year. Whether it’s the burgeoning cultural playground of Jersey City, the casino mainstay of Atlantic City, the Asian food hub of Fort Lee or the charming small town (complete with a) of Clinton, any time of year is worth a visit to New Jersey.

Summer

Best time for beach days

Admittedly, there’s no relief from the mid-Atlantic’s humid summers in New Jersey — especially in July and August — when it can be scorchingly unbearable to step outside at times. That means that from Memorial Day through Labor Day, locals and travelers alike head to the state’s Atlantic Ocean shoreline for its idyllic beach weather, bringing in the crowds, as well as making it the priciest time to visit (be sure to book accommodations well in advance).

The storied Jersey Shore lives up to its reputation, especially lively Seaside Heights, bustling Asbury Park and family-oriented Ocean City, where boardwalk entertainment mingles steps away from the crashing waves. Belmar and Long Beach Island are favorites for those looking for a community vibe, while Sandy Hook offers more serenity.

The summer months bring outdoor festivals of all kinds to the shore, with many centered around Jersey’s legendary music scene (after all, it is home of The Boss, Bruce Springsteen), like the legendary in Asbury Park and the in Wildwood.

The 9 best beaches in New Jersey

Fall

Best time for autumn colors

As the temperatures dip, Mother Nature lets the Garden State showcase its flora. It doesn’t take much time away from the urban centers to become immersed by mountainsides and forests filled with multicolored leaves. Foliage lovers often head to states further north, making New Jersey an underrated destination in the fall which keeps prices for flights and accommodations reasonable.

Every part of the state brings a different take on what fall foliage means. On the north side, the 70,000-acre has 150 miles of trails and a boat landing to take in the ambiance .

For those looking for more height, just north is with Jersey’s highest summit, Kittatinny Ridge, measuring at 1,803ft above sea level. Also in the area is the state’s largest lake, .

In south New Jersey, — the state's largest tract of land — will immediately envelop you. Even further south, the impresses with the Garden State’s greatest variety of habitats, including , all showing off their new hues.

9 incredible hikes in New Jersey

Winter

Best time for seasonal festivities

The cooler months can bring rain and snow — particularly in January and February — but the Garden State keeps the surprises coming with outdoor activities that are slightly unexpected. The often harsh temperatures and snow keep visitors away and make hotel and flight prices drop, but be aware that in some areas (especially around the shore), seasonal shops and restaurants may close their doors this time of year.

The solid ice on the lakes — including Allentown’s and Hewitt’s — carve out ideal conditions for ice fishing. At the same time, in Flemington and in Tenafly offer maple sugaring programs.

While birding is a popular Jersey activity year-round because of the diversity of species (), winter is the right time to see bald eagles in the Delaware Water Gap and diving ducks and seabirds in Sandy Hook. For those really looking to dive into the season, polar bear plunges take place in and .

Spring

Best time for outdoor wonders

Spring might be one of the most budget-friendly periods to visit New Jersey, with generally reasonable flight and hotel prices. Not only does the weather often hit just the right balance of moderate days with cooler mornings and evenings, but nature also burgeons with delights in all the right ways.

Perhaps the most impressive standouts are the 4,000 cherry blossom trees at , unexpectedly in Newark. Not only does it top Washington D.C.’s famed collection in numbers, but in variety too. The park also hosts a Cherry Blossom 10K run. Don’t miss the spring blooms in Middletown’s or Ringwood’s .

This time of year is also the peak viewing season for the spring bird migration. Among some of the best spots are Institute Woods in Princeton, in Cape May and the , which run through 14 municipalities, most with the New York City skyline in the background.

January

As the snowiest part of the year kicks off, New Jersey celebrates its winter wonderland.
Key events: in Vernon, in Lambertville-New Hope, of ice sculptures in Mt. Holly

February

Skiing, snow tubing, ice skating and ice fishing — the shortest month is prime time to indulge in Jersey’s greatest snow adventures.
Key events: in Glen Ridge, at Terhune Orchards in Princeton, in Edison

March

While the weather can swing both ways, March might be the truest shoulder season, that in-between time to capture both the tail end of winter and the very first hints of Spring.
Key events: in Asbury Park, in Princeton, in Galloway

April

The Garden State starts to flex its muscles in April, with rainy days giving way to pops of color—including one of the most spectacular floral festivals in the nation.
Key events: , in Cape May, in Newark

May

May is a popular month for birding, hiking and biking. Memorial Day Weekend officially ushers in NJ’s beach season.
Key events: at Skylands Stadium, in Bordentown, in Wildwood

June

As the temperatures climb, so do the beachgoers. But really, any reason to get outdoors is lovely, whether it’s renting a Citibike for a ride along the Hoboken waterfront or taking the family for a fun day at South Mountain Reservation, complete with a zoo, train, paddleboats and a fairy trail.
Key events: in Augusta, at Historic Smithville in Galloway, in Randolph

July

Start the month off with a bang on the Hudson River waterfront with the Jersey City Fourth of July festival with fireworks from the renowned . Then seek out summer adventures for any niche, from high-flying hot air balloons to a beer festival aboard a battleship on the Delaware River.
Key events: in Jersey City, in Readington, in Camden, in Chester, in Ocean City

August

The oppressive weather is no excuse not to get outside with festivities touting nature, food, sports, and more.
Key events: in Pennington, in Augusta, at Historic Cold Spring Village in Cape May, in Jersey City, in Augusta,

September

The slight relief from the summer heat brings more activity, like Somerville’s three-day — one of the longest-running in the country.
Key events: in Bradley Beach, in Point Pleasant Beach, in Camden, Musical Festival in Asbury Park, in Upper Freehold

October

Dive into the cozy colors of the fall throughout the state, from the in the north to in the south.
Key events: , in Pitman, on Long Beach Island, in Far Hills

November

As the scarves and gloves come out, the holiday season shows its early signs. Embrace it by shopping at the boutiques in Hoboken, Ridgewood or Red Bank — or go big at the nation’s second-largest mall, .
Key events: at Heaven Hill Farm in Vernon, in West Berlin,

December

It’s the most wonderful time of the year to be in New Jersey for festivities that warm the holiday spirit—don’t forget the winter coat and hat.
Key events: in Medford, in Hammonton, in Holmdel

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