Best time to visit Tampa Bay
The best time to visit Tampa Bay is usually April, May and October, when a typical day grades A-, A- and A-. January and February are the weakest (C+ and B). Seaweed is usually lightest in January and February and heaviest in October and November. The quietest months are September and October, and storm risk peaks in September.
Pick a month
Tampa Bay month by month
| Month | Typical day | High | Water | Rain chance | Seaweed | Crowds | Storm risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | C+ | 69°F | 62°F | 26% | Very low | Busy | Very low |
| February | B | 73°F | 63°F | 21% | Very low | Busy | Very low |
| March | A- | 78°F | 70°F | 26% | Very low | Very busy | Very low |
| April | A- | 82°F | 75°F | 26% | Low | Busy | Very low |
| May | A- | 87°F | 83°F | 41% | Low | Busy | Very low |
| June | B+ | 89°F | 87°F | 72% | Low | Busy | Very low |
| July | B | 89°F | 89°F | 79% | Low | Busy | Low |
| August | B | 89°F | 88°F | 77% | Low | Moderate | Moderate |
| September | B | 87°F | 86°F | 70% | Low | Moderate | High |
| October | A- | 84°F | 78°F | 28% | Moderate | Moderate | Low |
| November | A- | 78°F | 73°F | 22% | Moderate | Moderate | Very low |
| December | B | 73°F | 67°F | 19% | Low | Busy | Very low |
Typical-month numbers from Veabird's year-ahead outlook for the 16 resorts here (median resort). Grades weigh seaweed, temperature, rain, sun, water, waves, wind, UV, crowds, storm risk and travel safety.
Best beaches in Tampa Bay
Resorts with the best typical April, and their grades for the next few days.
- Plantation on Crystal River Apr A-SatBSunA-MonB+TueB-WedB+
- Postcard Inn on the Beach Apr A-SatB+SunA-MonBTueB+WedB+
- Treasure Island Beach Resorts Apr A-SatA-SunA-MonBTueB+WedA-
- Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa Apr A-SatB+SunB+MonA-TueB+WedB+
- Opal Sands Resort Apr A-SatB+SunB+MonA-TueB+WedB+
- Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach Apr A-SatB+SunB+MonA-TueB+WedB+
- Sandpearl Resort Apr A-SatB+SunB+MonA-TueB+WedB+
- Siesta Key Beach Resorts Apr A-SatB+SunB+MonB+TueB+WedB
Grades for the next few days from Veabird's beach forecast, updated Oct 3, 18:00 UTC. Higher is better: A+ to F.
Questions
- When is the best time to visit Tampa Bay?
- The best time to visit Tampa Bay is usually April, May and October, when a typical day grades A-, A- and A-. January and February are the weakest (C+ and B). Seaweed is usually lightest in January and February and heaviest in October and November. The quietest months are September and October, and storm risk peaks in September.
- When is sargassum season in Tampa Bay?
- In a typical year seaweed is heaviest in September, October and November and lightest in January and February. The Atlantic sargassum belt varies a lot from year to year; Veabird's weekly sargassum report tracks the current season.
- When is the cheapest and least crowded time to visit Tampa Bay?
- Crowds are usually lightest in September and October and heaviest in March and July (College & school spring break and Semana Santa / Easter). Quieter months usually mean lower hotel rates.
- When is hurricane season in Tampa Bay?
- Storm risk runs from about July to October and peaks in September.
- When is the water warmest in Tampa Bay?
- The sea is warmest in July and August (about 89°F) and coolest in January and February (about 62°F).