Many people are surprised to learn that Fire Island is accessible almost all year. However, the majority of visitors come to Fire Island during the summer months, from May through September, when the weather is the most favorable for beach related activities. In the off-season (October through April), public transportation to the island may be limited, and some services on various parts of the island are unavailable.

The Fire Island Lighthouse and Wilderness Visitor Center, both parts of Fire Island National Seashore—and Smith Point County Park and Robert Moses State Park—located on either end of Fire Island—are accessible year-round, but operating hours vary by season.

Fire Island's Sailors Haven, Barrett Beach/Talisman and Watch Hill units are dependent on water travel, and are open from mid-May through mid-October each year. The William Floyd Estate is open late-May through October. Ranger-led interpretive activities are primarily scheduled for summer months at all locations.

Be sure to review the train and ferry schedules in advance, and pay particular attention to the return schedules. Ferries run regularly to the island in the summer months but are limited in the off-season. See "Directions" for park access information.

Schedule a full day for your visit to each part of Fire Island, since getting to and from the island requires more time than you might expect. Be sure you allow plenty of time to enjoy the seashore.