Manasquan Inlet • Statistics for September

September: The Autumn Fire Re-Ignites

September is the pivot month on the Jersey Shore. The average wave height climbs back to 3-4ft (1.1m) and the average period jumps to 8.3s, the longest of the year. This is when tropical storms and early-season extratropical lows start sending longer-period ESE, SE and E swells toward the coast. The swell rose shows a muscular eastern quadrant: ESE leads the pack, followed closely by SE and E, with SSE still present. The wind mixes old and new: SSW and SW flow lingers, but the increasing presence of NE/NNE winds ahead of fronts and WNW/NW winds behind them gives you 36 percent ideal conditions. It is a month of opportunity. A late-season hurricane can produce pumping 6-10ft (1.8-3m) east swell, while a crisp continental high parking over New England can deliver offshore west/northwest flow and crystal-clear autumn air. Water temperatures are still friendly at 21.6°C, so it may be the best combination of wave quality and comfort all year.