Cape Cod is full of charming shops and beautiful coastlines, making it a perfect East Coast vacation spot. However, if you are unsure of when to go, look no further.
The best time to visit Cape Cod is heavily dependent on you and your preferences. However, the shoulder season is considered the best for relaxing, while the summertime is considered the best for beaches. Keep reading our guide to learn more.
Key Takeaways
- Summer is the most popular time to visit the Cape due to the warm weather and beaches.
- September, October, April, and May are great if you are still looking for nice weather, but less crowds.
- Cape Cod has a lot to offer throughout the year and is still fun to visit, even when peak travel season is over.
Shoulder Season: Fewer Crowds and Beautiful Weather
Cape Cod can become extremely crowded in the summer, especially on nice days and weekends. Our personal recommendation is the shoulder season (late spring and early fall) due to the smaller crowds. The weather in the shoulder season is still beautiful, but may not be as warm.
Cape Cod in September is great, since the weather can still be good for the beach, especially at the beginning of the month. If you visit during the should season, consider adding the following to your itinerary.
The Cape Cod Rail Trail
The Cape Cod Rail Trail spans about 25 miles, connecting several towns along the Cape. The shoulder season is a perfect time to explore this iconic trail, since the weather is great for biking.
Sandy Neck
Sandy Neck has a long walking path that is inaccessible by cars (unless you get a special permit). This is a great place to soak in coastline views while enjoying the weather.
Sandy Neck
Downtown Hyannis & Falmouth
Like we mentioned above, the Cape can get crowded, so the shoulder season is a perfect time to explore places like Downtown Hyannis or Falmouth.
Chatham
Chatham is well known for great white sharks (so not the best Cape beach to swim at). However, the views are stunning, so we recommend going for a walk here and enjoying the sunset.
Summertime: Beach Weather
If you are looking for sunshine and beach weather, consider summertime. Summertime is also much busier with bustling bars and nightlife. Additionally, more restaurants and sites are open during this time of year. July and August in Cape Cod will be warmer in terms of water temperature as well, making this a great time of year to go. The MBTA also offers a train going from Boston to Cape Cod on the weekends in the summertime, making it easier to bypass traffic.
Below are some attractions and things to consider.
Sunset Boat Ride
There are numerous sunset tours and cruises available in the summer. We highly recommend this, as you can enjoy the beautiful weather and views.
Mayflower Beach
This is one of our favorite beaches in Cape Cod, with sand that seems to stretch on forever. However, there is limited parking, so be sure to get here early. The benefit of getting a spot, however, is that this beach is rarely very crowded.
Mayflower Beach
Martha’s Vineyard
Many of the sites in Martha’s Vineyard are closed during the shoulder season, so summertime is a great time of year to visit. We recommend going during the week if possible though to avoid the crowds.
Please note: You can catch a ferry from Cape Cod to Martha’s Vineyard from either Hyannis or Falmouth.
Provincetown
Pronvincetown is at the very end of the Cape, featuring cute restaurants and talented artists. There is also a beach and whale watching tours available.
Wintertime: Christmastime
Although not as popular, the Christmas season also has a lot to offer in Cape Cod and the islands.
Hyannis
Hyannis is all decorated for Christmastime, making it feel like you stepped inside a Hallmark movie. We especially love Alberto’s Ristorante around Christmas time, since they get all decorated for the season.
Hyannis
The Christmas Stroll in Nantucket
Nantucket reopens its shops for its annual Christmas Stroll around the first week of December. This is a great time to enjoy the winter season.
Christmas time in Nantucket
Please note: You can catch a ferry from Cape Cod to Nantucket from either Hyannis or Falmouth.
Final Thoughts
The Cape has so much to offer year-round. Our favorite time to explore is the shoulder season, since Cape Cod has a much more laid-back vibe. However, summertime is perfect for bar hopping and swimming. What’s your favorite time of year to go? Leave it in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Best Time to Visit New England?
New England extends far beyond Cape Cod to include areas such as Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. The best time to visit New England will depend on where you are going and what you are looking to do. Upstate Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire have great fall foliage. The northern states in New England have great skiing, while Rhode Island has great beaches.
When is the Best Time to Visit the East Coast?
The East Coast encompasses a vast amount of land, so the best time to visit the East Coast is highly dependent on what you are looking to get out of your vacation. If you are looking to ski or snowboard, consider the winter in Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine. You can explore beaches in Virginia or Cape Cod in the summer. Additionally, the cherry blossoms are beautiful in Washington, DC in the springtime.
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