USA & Canada · Best Jun–Sep
Hamptons packing list for families
A Hamptons summer is warm days, cool evenings, and a mix of surf beaches and calm bays. Pack for both, and the long weekends out east get a lot easier with kids.
Photo by Clay LeConey on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on The Hamptons
- The ocean beaches can have real surf. With little ones, I plan time at the calmer bay beaches and save the ocean for lifeguarded spots.
- Many town beaches require a parking permit in summer, and the rules vary by village. Check what your rental or hotel provides before your first beach day.
- Traffic heading east on summer Fridays can double the drive. Leave early, or arrive midweek, and pack car snacks either way.
Best timeJun–Sep
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
The Hamptons
This time of year
Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing5
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Packable windbreakerOcean breezes and evenings run cool even in summer.
Shoes1
Sandals
Beach & pool10
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Collapsible beach cartBeaches often mean a walk over the dunes from the lot.
Kids' boogie boardThe ocean beaches have fun waves for confident swimmers.
Little ones4
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Health & toiletries5
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Tick repellent and tick removerKristina's pickTicks are common in tall grass and wooded areas on the East End.
Documents & tech1
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
The outfit edit
Nautical
White, navy, signal red, sand
For the grown-ups
- Stripes and white denim
- An outfit for formal night
- A warm layer for windy decks
For the kids
- Swimsuits for every day
- Something dressy for formal night
- A hoodie for the evenings
For photos
- Navy and white with a red accent
- Sail-away on deck
Month by month
The Hamptons weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 39°F 4°C | Cold, gray, and quiet, with many seasonal shops and restaurants closed. | |
| February | 41°F 5°C | Cold, gray, and quiet, with many seasonal shops and restaurants closed. | |
| March | 47°F 8°C | Cold, gray, and quiet, with many seasonal shops and restaurants closed. | |
| April | 57°F 14°C | Cool spring with blooming gardens and very cold ocean water. | |
| May | 66°F 19°C | Cool spring with blooming gardens and very cold ocean water. | Memorial Day weekend kicks off the season as beaches and shops open up. |
| June | 75°F 24°C | Warm, sunny summer days with cool breezes. The ocean is warmest in August. | |
| July | 81°F 27°C | Warm, sunny summer days with cool breezes. The ocean is warmest in August. | Fourth of July parades and fireworks in several villages. |
| August | 80°F 27°C | Warm, sunny summer days with cool breezes. The ocean is warmest in August. | The Hampton Classic horse show in Bridgehampton, ending Labor Day weekend. |
| September | 74°F 23°C | Warm, sunny summer days with cool breezes. The ocean is warmest in August. | The Hampton Classic horse show in Bridgehampton, ending Labor Day weekend. After Labor Day, warm water and quiet beaches for the locals' summer. |
| October | 63°F 17°C | Crisp fall days, farm stands, and far fewer crowds. | Pumpkin patches, hayrides, and apple picking at East End farms. |
| November | 53°F 12°C | Crisp fall days, farm stands, and far fewer crowds. | |
| December | 44°F 7°C | Cold, gray, and quiet, with many seasonal shops and restaurants closed. |
Questions families ask
The Hamptons with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit The Hamptons with kids?
The best time is Jun–Sep. Warm, sunny summer days with cool breezes. The ocean is warmest in August.
What's the weather like in The Hamptons?
Typical daytime highs range from about 39°F (4°C) in January to about 81°F (27°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for The Hamptons?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for The Hamptons?
None. The Hamptons uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for The Hamptons with kids?
The ocean beaches can have real surf. With little ones, I plan time at the calmer bay beaches and save the ocean for lifeguarded spots.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.