Atlantic City aims to please both high rollers and beach goers. Giant casinos offer enough neon, gambling, shows, and buffets to entertain visitors looking for the thrill of Vegas with a different vibe. And the city's signature beaches, boardwalk, and family entertainment options provide a world of fun beyond the casino walls. From casino blackjack to boardwalk balloon toss, Atlantic City is built on games. That's fitting, considering that the city lends its street names to the famous Monopoly board game. But playing game of chance isn't the only thing to do in the city. Vast upscale shopping malls offer a thousand-and-one ways to burn through your winnings, and major performance venues host concerts, boxing, and even the circus. With so many things to do beyond the casinos, family fun in Atlantic City doesn't have to be a gamble. The most popular options include arcades, water parks, and plenty of amusement park rides. In warmer months, beach activities such as swimming, boogie boarding, surfing, and jet skiing take center stage. And, of course, no stay in Atlantic City would be complete without a trip to the boardwalk. For more than 100 years, the Atlantic City Boardwalk has attracted crowds eager to shop, eat, and play along the beachfront path. Originally built as a way to keep sand off hotel carpets, the boardwalk has become one of Atlantic City's most cherished attractions. Flights to Atlantic City offer a quick way to get to the city, though visitors from the Northeast find it just as easy to drive or take the train.

Atlantic City is quickly becoming a year-round vacation destination. Summer is the most popular time to visit because of warm weather, kids on vacation, and outdoor activities along the boardwalk. Fall is a busy time for conventions. Fewer people visit in the winter when temperatures are cooler and there's a chance of snow. However, hotel rates drop during this time, except over the New Year's Eve holiday. Spring can be an ideal time for pleasant weather and smaller crowds.

high season: May to November
low season: December to February
shoulder season: March to April

Weather Information

Atlantic City is characterized by its four seasons. Summer is the warmest time with average high temperatures in the upper 70s and 80s. Fall brings pleasant weather, with average highs in the the 60s. Winter can get chilly, with highs in the 40s and a chance of snow. Spring is mild, with average high temperatures in the 50s.

Crowd Information

Atlantic City gets busy during summer, but many major events also attract crowds, including the Annual Atlantic City RV & Camping Show and the Celebration of the Suds Atlantic City Beer Festival in March, the Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Festival Concerts on the Boardwalk in July and August, and the Atlantic City Airshow in August.

Closure Information

Hotels, shops, and attractions remain open throughout the year.

When to Save

The least expensive time to visit is on weekdays during the winter, when hotels offer discounted rates. The most expensive time to visit is during the summer, when hotel rooms are scarce. Hotel, dining, and casino packages are available year-round.

Information provided by Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority