Photo credit: Peter Simon, courtesy of MV Chamber of Commerce RELATED LINKS Return to City Guide: Martha's Vineyard

Many people think of Martha's Vineyard exclusively as a summertime destination, but in many ways the island is at its best when the peak-season crowds have gone home. Each September, the flood of visitors begins to ebb, lodging rates begin to roll back from their seasonal highs and the prevailing mood around the island shifts pleasantly into low gear. Of course the summer months are best for a classic beach holiday, but every season on the Vineyard has its own particular pleasures.

When warm weather persists through September, as is often the case, early autumn can be a great time to enjoy summer-like conditions without the summertime crowds and prices. October and November bring a high probability of marvelously crisp, clear days, with enchanting displays of fall color typically peaking sometime in October. Winter on the Vineyard is a good time to bundle up against the cold for long, solitary walks by the sea and then cozy up by a crackling fire in the evening. As the weather begins to warm up in springtime, look for colorful displays of wildflowers and flocks of migratory birds stopping over en route to their northern nesting grounds.

Off-season travelers should bear in mind that many inns, restaurants and other services close down during the colder months. Also ferry service is scaled back, and unpredictable weather can potentially put a damper on your holiday. Of particular concern are tropical storms that occasionally blow up from the south in autumn, and bitterly cold nor'easters that sometimes batter the island in winter and early spring, so keep an eye on the weather reports before traveling to the island.