As the unofficial start to summer, Memorial Day Weekend is always a highly anticipated event for New Yorkers and tourists alike. But for many beachgoers, the 2026 season got off to a disappointing start, with chilly temperatures, relentless rain, and strong winds making a mockery of the traditional beach opening. Despite the inclement weather, thousands of people flocked to the city's iconic beaches, such as Coney Island and Rockaway, in hopes of catching a glimpse of the sun. Will the forecast improve in the coming days, or will beach lovers be forced to wait even longer for a taste of summer?
New York City beaches opened for the 2026 season Saturday as Memorial Day Weekend got off to a cold, rainy, windy start.
