What's the best time to visit Martha's Vineyard?
The best time to visit Martha’s Vineyard is late spring through the entire fall, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to peak season. The cheapest time to visit is outside of the peak season, in late May and late September, when you can find great deals on accommodations and flights. However, winter is the least busy time to visit but comes with colder temperatures and limited activities.
Martha’s Vineyard is one of the most beautiful and unique islands in the world. Located in Dukes County seven miles off the Massachusetts coast, the island is accessible via ferry and airplane.
Each year millions of tourists visit the island to experience its beaches, views, lighthouses, dining, art, and culture. The island is perhaps most famous for the celebrities, politicians, and CEOs who flock there every year.
It’s become the ultimate getaway spot for the rich and famous, exemplified by President Barack Obama’s frequent trips there (he also recently bought a $15 million estate on the island). But despite its reputation as being exclusive, anyone can visit and enjoy the island.
According to the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, the year-round population on the island is only about 17,000 people. During the popular tourism months, the population surges to over 200,000.
So if you’re planning a trip there, you’ll want to know when the busy season is. The Vineyard, along with its sister island Nantucket, is one of the true gems of New England.
Before visiting Martha’s Vineyard, you should have a general idea of when to go, when not to go, and what to do once you’re there. With a little research, you can plan a sun, fun, and culture-filled trip without breaking the bank.
The Best Time to Visit Martha’s Vineyard in 2024
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According to the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, the best time to visit the island is late spring and through the entire fall.
The late spring and fall offer all the best parts of Martha’s Vineyard without the annoyances of peak season. The late spring and fall are considered off-season on the island, so the glut of tourists that descends from Memorial Day to Labor Day has mostly thinned out by then.
With the smaller crowds, you can explore the Vineyard without all the commotion of hundreds of thousands of tourists.
Another reason late spring and fall are great times to visit Martha’s Vineyard is that the island has a temperate climate that keeps temperatures relatively warm. You can enjoy the Vineyard outdoors deep into November while still enjoying mild temperatures in the 50s.
The island in the fall is still bustling with fun activities like the Food & Wine Festival, the Martha’s Vineyard Oyster Festival, the Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby, the Edgartown Race Weekend, and traditional New England autumn activities like apple picking and farmers markets.
Cheapest Time to Visit Martha’s Vineyard
MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MA, USA – JULY. 3, 2015: Carpenter Gothic Cottages with Victorian style, gingerbread trim in Wesleyan Grove, town of Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, USA/Wangkun Jia/Shutterstock
The cheapest time to visit Martha’s Vineyard is outside its peak season from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
July and August are the busiest months on the Vineyard, so you can expect to pay top dollar for hotels, lodging, transportation, and just about anything else.
If you’re looking to score a sweet deal on flights or lodging, try looking for accommodations in late May and late September when the weather is near-peak and the crowds have thinned.
Many hotels and private rentals are anxious to fill their rooms and maximize profits before the winter, and you can often find remarkable deals. However, the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce emphasizes that the Vineyard is for people of every budget throughout the year.
Many of the islands’ best attractions like the beach, scenery, arts, and culture are free, and the public transportation system is reasonably priced throughout the year. Reaching the island doesn’t have to be expensive either, as a one-way ferry ticket can be less than $20.
Least Busy time to Visit Martha’s Vineyard
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The winter is the least busy time to visit Martha’s Vineyard. By the time winter rolls around, most tourists on the island are long gone and seasonal restaurants and shops are closed until the warmer months.
During the winter months, transportation to the island is limited. The Steamship Authority ferry reduces the number of round trips to the Vineyard because demand is lower.
For most of the winter, the population on the island consists of year-round communities without tourists. Outside of the winter months, the early spring and late fall are also less popular, and therefore less busy, times to visit the island.
Worst Time to Visit Martha’s Vineyard
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The worst time to visit Martha’s Vineyard is also the winter. While winter on the island is relatively mild, you can still expect temperatures only peaking in the 30s for most of January and February.
The cold temperatures somewhat limit what you can do on the island. The summer months bring great weather for physical activity like walking, biking, hiking, and swimming at the beach.
If you’re looking to be active during the winter months, you’ll need to bundle up and learn to love snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Additionally, many restaurants, shops, and businesses shut down for the winter because of the lack of demand.
Certain parts of the island might seem like a ghost town in the winter with everything closed. The main strips in Edgartown and Oak Bluffs, two of the most popular towns on the island, are mostly shut down in the winter.
However, for those looking to avoid crowds and get great deals on flights and lodging, winter might be the season for you. Many Martha’s Vineyard hotels advertise on their websites that the winter months are their lowest rates of the year.
Additionally, the views are just as beautiful if you can tolerate the cold. Martha’s Vineyard also becomes a festive place for the fall and winter holidays.
The town of Edgartown has one of the best Christmas celebrations in Massachusetts. The town puts on several days of events with concerts, food festivals, horse-drawn carriage rides, and general holiday cheer.
Martha’s Vineyard by Month: Climate & Activities
MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MASSACHUSETTS – August 24, 2015: Views of traditional colonial houses in front of the sea in the town of Edgartown/Joaquin Ossorio Castillo/Shutterstock
Still unsure about the best time to visit Martha’s Vineyard? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
January
Winter temperatures on Martha’s Vineyard range from -4 to 4°C (25-39°F). It’s a peaceful time for those seeking a quiet retreat, with opportunities for winter walks, cozying up in inns, and enjoying the island’s serene landscapes.
February
Similar to January, February maintains cold temperatures between -4 to 4°C (25-39°F). Visitors can enjoy winter activities like ice skating, exploring art galleries, and attending local events.
March
As spring begins, temperatures range from 1 to 9°C (34-48°F). March is a transitional month, offering opportunities for early spring hikes, wildlife watching, and enjoying the budding scenery.
April
Spring temperatures on the island range from 5 to 13°C (41-55°F). April marks the start of the season, with blooming flowers, opening of some businesses, and outdoor activities like cycling and hiking.
May
May sees temperatures ranging from 10 to 18°C (50-64°F). It’s a delightful month for exploring nature reserves, enjoying the island’s beaches, and attending cultural events.
June
Summer arrives with temperatures between 14 to 22°C (57-72°F). June is perfect for beach days, sailing, and attending events like the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival.
July
July maintains warm temperatures from 18 to 26°C (64-79°F). It’s a peak month for tourism, with visitors enjoying water activities, music festivals, and the iconic Fourth of July celebrations.
August
Temperatures in August range from 19 to 26°C (66-79°F). It’s an ideal time for outdoor events, including agricultural fairs, art shows, and exploring the island’s historic lighthouses.
September
As fall begins, temperatures range from 15 to 22°C (59-72°F). September offers a pleasant transition, with opportunities for harvest festivals, wine tastings, and enjoying the quieter beaches.
October
Fall temperatures on the island range from 9 to 17°C (48-63°F). It’s a great month for leaf-peeping, biking along scenic trails, and attending fall events and festivals.
November
November sees temperatures between 4 to 11°C (39-52°F). It’s a quieter time on the island, perfect for enjoying cozy inns, off-season discounts, and the tranquility of Martha’s Vineyard.
December
Winter returns with temperatures ranging from -2 to 6°C (28-43°F). December brings a festive atmosphere with holiday decorations, and visitors can enjoy the island’s winter charm.
So, When’s the Best Time to Visit Martha’s Vineyard?
| 👍 Best Time to Visit | April-May & September-October |
| 💲 Cheapest Time to Visit | September-May |
| 🗓️ Least Busy Time to Visit | November-February |
| 👎 Worst Time to Visit | November-February |
While Martha’s Vineyard might have a reputation as being exclusive and hoity-toity, that shouldn’t discourage you from visiting one of the most stunning places in the country.
It may be a hangout spot for celebrities and former presidents, but the average person can get there for a $20 ferry ticket and spend the day walking around and enjoying the beauty of the island without spending a penny.
The Vineyard has some of the most beautiful beaches and scenery in the world and it’s easy to see it all.
Once you reach the island you can walk around the towns, check out the lighthouses, visit the boutique shops, eat some mouth-watering and fresh New England seafood, and explore historical sites dating back to before the American Revolution.
Martha’s Vineyard has something for everyone, whether you’re an active and outdoorsy person or prefer to take in the arts, culture, and dining scene. If you like to party, there are several vibrant bars and fun breweries to visit.
The peak season can be crowded and expensive. Restaurants will be crowded, hotels and vacation properties at capacity, and you will likely pay top dollar for everything.
For an extended stay on the island, consider visiting outside the peak season from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Late spring and the entire fall are gorgeous on the Vineyard, and you can often find great deals on flights and accommodations during the offseason.
Whenever you visit, you’ll find Martha’s Vineyard is beautiful year-round and ready to convert another first-time adventurer into an annual tourist. Happy travels!