Summer (late June to Labor Day)
Peak season: every shop and restaurant open, warm water, lifeguards on the beaches and long evenings. The island is usually several degrees cooler than the mainland. Book homes, ferries and dinners early; July and August weeks go first.
September: the local’s favorite
The ocean is at its warmest, the days are still summery, the crowds thin out after Labor Day and rates ease. It is a wonderful time for couples, friends and families with young children. Mid-September also brings the start of the fishing Derby.
Spring and fall
Late spring is green and quiet, with seasonal ferries and flights returning from May. October is crisp and golden, with foliage peaking late in the month. Many places keep shorter hours, and some close for the season.
Winter
Quiet, peaceful and milder than the mainland. Many businesses close, but the year-round towns, especially Vineyard Haven, Edgartown and Oak Bluffs, keep going, and December brings Christmas in Edgartown.
Annual events worth planning around
| Event | When | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society Livestock Show and Fair | mid-August | Four-day country fair at the Ag Hall fairgrounds with livestock, rides, contests and food. |
| Grand Illumination Night | mid-to-late August (third Wednesday) | The Campground cottages light hundreds of paper lanterns after a community sing in the Tabernacle. |
| Oak Bluffs Fireworks | late August | Fireworks over Ocean Park and Nantucket Sound, usually the Friday after Illumination Night. |
| Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby | mid-September to mid-October | Five-week island fishing tournament with daily weigh-ins at Derby headquarters in Edgartown. |
| Edgartown Yacht Club Annual Regatta | mid-July | One-design sailboat regatta in Edgartown harbor run by the Edgartown Yacht Club. |
| Edgartown Race Weekend and 'Round-the-Island Race | late July | Yacht racing weekend featuring the 'Round-the-Island Race, held since 1938. |
| Edgartown Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks | July 4 | Late-afternoon parade along Main Street followed by fireworks over the harbor. |
| Tisbury Street Fair | early July | Main Street evening fair celebrating Tisbury's birthday, held since 1971. |
| Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival | early August | Nine-day film festival with screenings, talks and events. |
| Martha's Vineyard International Film Festival | September | Week of international films at the Martha's Vineyard Film Center. |
| Aquinnah Wampanoag Powwow | September | The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) hosts its annual powwow with dancing, drumming and food. |
| Martha's Vineyard Food & Wine Festival | October (has varied) | Tastings, seminars and chef dinners celebrating island food and wine. |
| Harvest Festival | October | Fall festival at the Ag Hall with pumpkin carving, a hay maze, a pie contest and music. |
| Christmas in Edgartown | second weekend of December | Holiday weekend with the lighthouse lighting, a Saturday parade, craft fair and festivities around town. |
Dates change from year to year, so check each event before you book.
Questions we hear
What is the best month to visit Martha’s Vineyard?
July and August for the full summer experience; September for warm water, fewer crowds and lower rates.
When is the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair?
In August, over several days at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury. Check the Agricultural Society for this year’s dates.
Updated October 2026. Hours, seasons and rules change: check with each business or town before you go.