The Wildwood season runs from Memorial Day weekend in late May to the closing of the piers in early October. July and August are the busiest months, with the boardwalk packed every evening and accommodation prices doubling on weekends. Midweek visits in June or September give you the best balance — warm enough to swim, but with shorter lines and cheaper rooms.
Out of season, Wildwood is largely shuttered: most boardwalk businesses close, the piers go dark, and weather can be raw. The exception is The Race of Gentlemen weekend in mid-June and the spring and autumn auto and motorcycle shows at the convention centre, which bring weekend crowds well outside the main season.