New Jersey is gearing up for a hot and mostly sunny Fourth of July weekend, with classic “shore weather” and a serious dose of heat. Forecast models and National Weather Service guidance point to a heat dome over the region, driving temperatures into the upper 90s and low 100s and prompting excessive heat warnings across much of the state.

Headline forecast: July 4th and holiday weekend

Friday, July 3 (Kickoff to the weekend)

• Weather: Sunny, very hot.
• High/Low: Around 103 °F / 79 °F inland; upper 90s at the shore.
• Feels like: Heat index near or above 105 °F away from the coast.
• Best plans: Morning beach time, shaded afternoon barbecues, indoor breaks with AC.

Saturday, July 4 (Independence Day)

• Weather: Mostly sunny, hot and humid; small chance of a pop-up shower or storm late.
• High/Low: Around 99 °F / 77 °F statewide, mid–upper 90s along the Jersey Shore.
• Heat alerts: Excessive heat warning in effect through the evening; air quality concerns linger for northern counties.
• Fireworks outlook: Generally favorable—warm, muggy evenings with mostly clear skies.

Sunday, July 5

• Weather: Hot, turning a bit more unsettled.
• High/Low: Around 93 °F / 72 °F with scattered light showers or thunderstorms possible.
• Beach impact: Brief showers or storms could interrupt afternoon beach time; keep an eye on radar and lifeguard guidance.

Sunrise and sunset for July 4th weekend (New Jersey)

Using statewide averages (Newark/Toms River corridor), here’s the light cycle for the core holiday days.

July 4, 2026 · EDT

5:34 AMSunrise

14h 57mDaylight

8:31 PMSunset

Daylight

12 AM4 AM8 AM12 PM4 PM8 PM12 AM

Sources:

Approximate times for the weekend:

• Friday, July 3: Sunrise ~5:34 AM, sunset ~8:31 PM
• Saturday, July 4: Sunrise ~5:34–5:35 AM, sunset ~8:31 PM
• Sunday, July 5: Sunrise ~5:35 AM, sunset ~8:31 PM

Daylight runs close to 15 hours, ideal for early beach trips, sunrise photos, and long evenings leading into fireworks.

Tides: High and low tides for the Jersey Shore

Exact tide times vary by town and inlet, but NOAA and regional tide tables show similar patterns along the central and northern Jersey Shore (Sandy Hook to Island Beach/Barnegat).

For a typical oceanfront spot like Seaside Heights / Island Beach:

• Morning low tide: Around early morning (roughly 3–5 AM)
• Morning high tide: Late morning to around 9–11 AM
• Afternoon low tide: Mid–afternoon (roughly 3–5 PM)
• Evening high tide: Around 9–11 PM, helpful for planning fireworks on the beach.

Because tide times shift slightly by location, beachgoers should:

• Check local tide charts (NOAA or local marina/harbor master) for their exact town.
• Plan kids’ swimming around mid-tide for gentler waves.
• Use low tide windows for wider beaches and easier blanket space.

Heat, safety, and beach tips

• Hydration: With heat indices pushing 100–110 °F, drink water regularly and avoid long stretches in direct sun.
• Timing: Aim for early morning or late afternoon/evening for strenuous activities; midday is best for shade and AC.
• Air quality: Northern NJ may see elevated ozone—sensitive groups should limit heavy outdoor exertion.
• Storms: A few late-day storms Sunday could bring brief lightning and gusty winds; clear the beach if thunder is heard.