September and October are the sleeper months. The water is warmest in August and still averages near 70 degrees in September, crowds thin after Labor Day and most restrictions lift. The Town of East Hampton ends its dog restrictions on September 16, and the Town of Southampton allows dogs from October 1. The catch: lifeguards mostly stop, restrooms close by mid-October and the water cools quickly.
Pair it with the dog-friendly beaches guide and the lifeguard calendar, which shows when each operator's season ends.
Five fall and winter walks
- for seals
Montauk Point State Park
Seal walks in December and the end-of-the-island view in any weather. Check hunting schedules before a winter walk.
- for camping
Hither Hills State Park
Camping through November 22 in 2026, and long beach and trail walks.
- with a dog
Beach Lane Beach (Wainscott)
Unguarded ocean sand beside Georgica Pond, with Town dog restrictions lifted from September 16.
What changes
- Lifeguards: Town of East Hampton beaches stay open for swimming through Labor Day and, at some beaches, the two weekends after. After that, swimming is at your own risk. Ponquogue had extra weekend coverage for the two weekends after Labor Day in 2025.
- Restrooms: Town of East Hampton restrooms are open mid-May to mid-October, though the beaches stay open all year.
- Dogs: the Town of East Hampton lifts its restrictions September 16 to May 14, the Village of East Hampton outside May 15 to September 15 and the Town of Southampton from October 1 to April 1.
- Water temperature: the Montauk station averages about 70 degrees in September, 64 in October and 55 in November. See the table.
- State parks: Hither Hills camping runs through November 22 in 2026. Montauk Point has seal walks on December 5 and 20, and small-game, waterfowl and deer hunting run on weekdays, so check the park’s schedule.
Where to go
Montauk Point and Hither Hills for long walks, Wainscott’s ocean road ends for solitude and Lazy Point for late-season sunsets. Ticks are active year-round, though most active April to September.
Elsewhere in the network
Hamptons Year Round has a guide to seal watching on the East End and one on winter walks and preserves. Eat Hamptons lists restaurants open in winter, since many close after Columbus Day.
Questions
Are Hamptons beaches open in winter?
Yes. The Town of East Hampton keeps its beaches open year-round, though restrooms close after mid-October and there are no lifeguards.
Can I take my dog to the beach in the off-season?
Usually yes. The Town of East Hampton lifts its restrictions September 16 to May 14, and Southampton allows dogs at Town beach facilities October 1 to April 1, under control.
Renting near the water?
Hamptons Key lists current East Hampton rentals by the month and the season.