Winter vs. Summer on Long Island: Which Season Is Better for Outdoor Activities?
Ah, Long Island—the place where summer days at the beach can make you feel like you’ve stepped into paradise, and winter snowstorms can give you the perfect excuse to hunker down by a fire with a cup of cocoa. But when it comes to outdoor activities, the big debate remains: Which season is better—winter or summer?
If you ask a typical Long Islander, you’ll get some strong opinions. The truth is, both seasons have their perks, and depending on what you love to do outdoors, you might find yourself leaning one way or the other. Let’s break down the data, market dynamics, and seasonal trends to figure out which season wins the outdoor activity crown on Long Island.
Summer: Long Island’s Outdoor Playground
Beaches, Beaches, Beaches!
Long Island is home to some of the best beaches on the East Coast, and summer is when they shine. With over 120 miles of coastline, from the Hamptons to Fire Island, summer is prime time for beach bums. The numbers back this up: according to the New York State Parks report, Jones Beach alone sees more than 6 million visitors each summer. Not surprising when you consider the stunning white sands and warm water perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
Boating & Fishing: Life on the Water
If you’re a water lover, summer is your season. Boating and fishing are some of Long Island’s top summer activities. The National Marine Fisheries Service reports that Long Island’s recreational fishing industry is valued at over $2 billion annually, making it a major economic driver during the warmer months. Whether you’re casting a line in the Long Island Sound or taking a sunset cruise out of Montauk, the water sports scene here is unmatched in the summer.
Outdoor Festivals & Events
Summer on Long Island is packed with events, from music festivals to food fairs. According to ExploreLI, the summer season hosts more than 500 events across Nassau and Suffolk counties. You can grab fresh produce at a farmers’ market, attend a wine festival on the North Fork, or check out a concert at the Jones Beach amphitheater. It’s a season where outdoor fun is as abundant as those beach tans.
A Warm Backyard Scene
Nothing says summer quite like a backyard barbecue. Long Islanders know how to turn their outdoor spaces into mini oases, and with an average summer temperature of 83°F (perfect grilling weather), it’s no wonder backyards across the Island come alive. According to the NAR Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends Report, homes with outdoor entertaining spaces are in high demand, particularly in the summer months.
Winter: The Underrated Season for Outdoor Fun
Snowy Landscapes & Serene Trails
When winter arrives, Long Island’s parks and trails transform into snow-dusted wonderlands. Winter activities may not scream “sun and sand,” but they offer something special: peace and quiet. Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, for example, is a stunning place for a winter hike or snowshoe adventure. The New York State Park Attendance Report showed that while summer visitors top the charts, winter visits to parks are steadily increasing, as more people discover the charm of the off-season.
Ice Skating & Winter Sports
If you prefer your outdoor fun on ice, winter delivers. Ice skating at Eisenhower Park or Christopher Morley Park is a must-do for families and couples looking to enjoy the season. And let’s not forget sledding! After a good snowstorm, Long Island’s rolling hills become prime sledding territory. According to Statista, recreational winter sports saw a 10% rise in participation in 2023, and Long Islanders are embracing the snowy fun more than ever.
Holiday Lights & Festive Vibes
Winter also brings some of the most magical holiday events you’ll find. From the Jones Beach Holiday Light Show to Montauk’s lighthouse lighting, winter on Long Island is full of festive spirit. The winter season might not have the beach vibes of summer, but it certainly makes up for it with twinkling lights, cozy outdoor fire pits, and plenty of hot chocolate. Local businesses report that holiday markets and light festivals draw more than 300,000 visitors each season, according to Newsday, showing that winter brings its own form of outdoor magic.
Seasonal Market Dynamics: The Outdoors Through a Different Lens
Now, let’s add a layer of real estate market dynamics to this debate. Summer tends to see a surge in home listings as families look to move before the school year starts, making it a prime time for homes with outdoor spaces to shine. Pools, large decks, and outdoor kitchens become hot selling points, and homes with these features can see a price bump of up to 20%, according to Zillow data.
Winter, on the other hand, is quieter in terms of real estate transactions, but this can work in your favor if you’re selling. There’s less competition on the market, and buyers who brave the cold are often more serious. Plus, homes with cozy winter amenities like fireplaces and heated floors become highly desirable. The NAR reports that winter buyers are more likely to pay a premium for a home that’s energy-efficient and well-insulated, which is great news if you’ve invested in cold-weather comforts.
The Final Showdown: Summer vs. Winter
So, which season is better for outdoor activities on Long Island? Here’s the bottom line: it depends on what you’re looking for.
Summer wins for those who love the energy of crowds, the sound of waves crashing at the beach, and backyard barbecues that last long into the night. The warm weather invites water sports, outdoor festivals, and the chance to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Long Island’s coastline.
But winter has its own appeal—especially if you crave peaceful, crowd-free experiences. From serene snow-covered hikes to ice skating under the stars, winter offers a different kind of beauty. It’s a season for hot drinks, holiday lights, and quiet outdoor moments that let you slow down and appreciate the world around you.
Dean’s Take: No Matter the Season, Long Island’s Outdoors Are Unbeatable
Whether you're a summer beach lover or a winter trail explorer, Long Island offers something for everyone year-round. The real question isn’t which season is better—it’s how you can make the most of both.
Ready to find the perfect home to enjoy Long Island's outdoor fun all year long? Dean Miller, Long Island’s first AI-certified real estate agent, has you covered. Whether you're dreaming of a summer retreat near the beach or a cozy winter home with the perfect backyard fire pit, Dean has the local market expertise and insider knowledge to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Contact Dean today at [Phone Number] or visit [Website] to start your search—and start making the most of Long Island’s outdoor activities, no matter the season!
