Should You Visit Nantucket?

Are you thinking about visiting Nantucket, Massachusetts? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.


Is Nantucket worth visiting?

This island is a good place to visit for two to four days. Nantucket is a small New England island that is filled with charm and personality. It fills up in the summer months with tourists who enjoy the local shopping and beautiful beaches. There are cobblestone streets and luxurious inns that have manicured lawns and waterfront settings.

Nantucket, MA Nantucket, MA

Reasons to Visit Nantucket

Food
Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

Resorts
Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Beaches
You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Historical Sights
The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Hiking
The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Shopping
The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

Museums
There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

Nightlife
You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.




Is Nantucket worth visiting in the Summer?

The high season for travel in Nantucket is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 20°C (68°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 24°C (75°F).

With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. Don't miss the small town charm during summer. Just take some time to wander through the local shops and see the historic landmarks around town when the weather is nice. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable island, especially in the nice weather. During this season it's fun to experience the beaches, the small town charm, and the hiking. Also, you can experience the museums and landmarks, the resorts, the historic old town, and the nightlife.


Summer Weather in Nantucket
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
July 20°C (68°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
August 20°C (68°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
September 17°C (62°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)

Is Nantucket worth visiting in the Autumn?

Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 12°C (53°F).

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Nantucket, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.

Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. This is a great time of year to take in the beautiful scenery, admire the historic sights, and wander through the museums. Also, you can go hiking and explore the small town.


Autumn Weather in Nantucket
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
October 12°C (53°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
November 8°C (46°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
December 2°C (36°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)

Is Nantucket worth visiting in the Winter?

Winter is the low season for travel in Nantucket. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.

The weather in Nantucket can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -0°C (31°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to browse through museums, taste delicious cuisine, and browse around the old town. Also, you can check out the nightlife.


Winter Weather in Nantucket
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
January -0°C (31°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
February -0°C (32°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
March 3°C (38°F) 102 mm (4 in)

Is Nantucket worth visiting in the Spring?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Nantucket. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.

The weather in Nantucket can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 7°C (45°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

One of the main reasons to come this time of year is because of the gorgeous scenery. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. During this season it's fun to experience the many shops, the famous sights and museums, and the gorgeous scenery. Also, you'll be able to soak up the small town charm, learn about the history of the town, and take advantage of the local nightlife.


Spring Weather in Nantucket
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
April 7°C (45°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
June 17°C (62°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)

Related

What is Nantucket most famous for?

Nantucket is most famous for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. People visit this impressive island for its great food. It is also known for its great resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and shopping. And many visitors also come to this island for its museums and nightlife. It is often described as charming, serene, peaceful, and upscale.

What is the most famous sight in Nantucket?

The most popular sight in Nantucket is Great Point Lighthouse. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Nantucket on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Great Point Lighthouse and other attractions here.

How touristy is Nantucket? Is it a popular island to visit?

Nantucket is a popular island for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

How long should I spend in Nantucket?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Nantucket is two to four days. Since Nantucket has a variety of activities such as dining, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Nantucket?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Nantucket?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Nantucket?.