We went to spend a long-anticipated long weekend in June (ca. the 22nd) in Orleans... spent most of it in the motel: temps. in the 40s to low 50s and lots of rain and fog. Swimming? Are you kidding?

Yes, that was a bit of extreme bad luck (normal for us), but it's not all that uncommon. You won't have many days above 75 and if the water's warmer than 55 or so on the outer Cape (bay water is warmer), it's unusual.

"Season" means different things to different people: the hardy, sun-loving young may try to get a tan on the beach in June, but only those from further north think the water's inviting. However, non-beachy tourists will still come to enjoy the scenery, shops, etc. before July 4th - and remember, that schools elsewhere in the country ARE out and kids are traveling with their parents.

I strongly recommend that you have a look at rental properties on the North Fork of LI. You could likely find something right on the LI Sound (literally on the beach) for much less than the Hampton and probably less or the same as (parts of) the Cape. There are some great little towns on the N. Fork, with vineyards and restaurants *and* MUCH less traffic than the S. Fork (Hamptons, etc.). Also, you can take the ferry to Shelter Island and enjoy yet another aspect to being "out East". We have a house on the Sound on the North Fork and absolutely love it.

Fra-Diavolo has it right about Cape weather in June and PamEwing has it right about lower prices and less visitors before July 4th.

Unless your kids are big swimmers, I'd head up to the Cape the third week of June, get a room in a hotel that has a heated pool and drive all over the Cape to visit the high points. You can also buy cheap wetsuits at a job lot or something for the cold Cape water and visit in May for that matter.

If you're thinking of ocean swimming and guaranteed nice weather, June is not a good time for either or your options. Last year June was pretty much a washout in the Hamptons and I'm sure about the same on the Cape. Have a look at historic temps etc. on the trip planner at wunderground.com

If June is your only option and you want to focus on Long Island, I agree that the North Fork (bay beaches), Montauk or perhaps Sag Harbor are the most likely places to find more affordable rentals. You might want to consider a cottage in a motel type setting. Lenhardt's in Montauk offers this and is across from the ocean. Gansett Green in Amagansett and Enclaveinn.com in Wainscott are other options. If you want a private house, in addition to general websites like vrbo, you might check hreo.com and the classified at danspapers.com

We realy like the looks of the North Fork and plan to add it on to a trip to Manhattan next Fall.

Look at Greenport as a starting point for the North Fork.
Locals may recommend a better idea.

Pam, just realize that a trip from Manhattan to the North Fork is about a 3 hour drive all told. You will want a car, since there is no practical way to tour there without one. So it has to be more than a day trip.

Thanks. We actually will probably take either the train or the jitney out to the North Fork and pick up a rental car. We plan on staying 3=4 days.

The jitney will work out just fine. If you're a vineyard fan, North Fork is the location of a lot of wineries. Google 'North Fork wine trails' for some great information.