• Miles of uncrowded white sandy beaches extend to the horizon, separating the clear blue ocean and undulating grass-covered dunes.

    Fire Island

    National Seashore New York

Times to Visit: Winter

Snow-covered dunes.
Covered in snow Fire Island can seem more isolated, allowing time for reflection and thought.
 
An empty Watch Hill Marina on a cold winter day.
Most Fire Island National Seashore facilities are closed in the off-season.
Considered Fire Island's off-season, winter is a quieter, peaceful time. Ferry service is minimal, but vehicle accesses via the Robert Moses Causeway Bridge and the Smith Point Bridge remain open.

Although at times extremely cold, if you're properly prepared you can experience a different beauty on Fire Island. The landscape can sometimes be covered in a blanket of white snow with barren branches encased in ice and glistening in the sun. Keep in mind, however, that very few public facilities are open on Fire Island during the winter, and those that are open usually keep shorter winter hours.  
 
Dark seal lies on snowy beach.
Most seals on the beach are merely resting. For their welfare and for your safety, never get too close or disturb them.

White-tailed deer sport their dull winter coats. Snowy owls are occasionally spotted near the beach. Sightings of seals and even the occasional whale have been reported. Seals occasionally bask on the winter beach.

Please do not get too close to seals on the beach or disturb them. However, you should report the stranding of any marine mammal or cold-stunned sea turtle to the nearest ranger or call

Do not approach any sick or injured animal.

 
Empty dock, image dated 11-19-2003.
Newly-finished Barrett Beach dock in November 2003.

Occasionally, the bays on the south shore of Long Island freeze over.

Already limited winter ferry service to Fire Island communities may then be suspended.

When winds blow hard from the north, ice can pile high and wreak havoc on bayside structures and facilities like piers and docks.

 
Ice piled over pier.
Barrett Beach dock after severe ice-over in February 2004.

For your safety, most Fire Island National Seashore island-based facilities are closed during the winter.

 
Exhibits in interior of Fire Island Lighthouse.
Open year-round the Fire Island Lighthouse offers many indoor exhibits that explore the topic of maritime history. Educational programs may be scheduled year-round.

Facilities Open:

Special Events and Programs
Special Programs this Week

  • Fire Island Lighthouse Fire Island Lighthouse

    offers special after-hours tours and other programs. Read More

  • Wilderness Visitor Center Wilderness Visitor Center

    is open throughout the year. Read More

  • Check Today's Forecast Check Today's Forecast

    Link to local weather and tides. Read More

  • Fire Island Wilderness Fire Island Wilderness

    You can experience and appreciate the values of wilderness in this thin ribbon of a barrier island. Read More

  • Wilderness Visitor Center & Backcountry Permit Desk Hours Wilderness Visitor Center & Backcountry Permit Desk Hours

    Rangers issue permits for wilderness camping when this office is open. Read More

Did You Know?

Crowd of people form a line at ferry terminal building.

The Patchogue-Watch Hill Ferry Terminal is a short, 2-block walk from the Long Island Railroad Station in Patchogue, New York. From there, you can enjoy a delightful 25-minute passenger ferry trip across the Great South Bay to the facilties at Watch Hill. (Open mid-May to mid-October only.) More...