Best Time to Visit Tampa (Weather and Costs)

Before you jump on a plane, train, or into your car, you’ll need to know the best time to visit Tampa. After all, if you go at a time that doesn’t suit what you have planned, it’s going to affect your trip. However, there is some good news: Tampa is great no matter which month you visit.

Tampa doesn’t really have four seasons, it has two: hot and humid, and mild and dry. That makes figuring out when to go to Tampa a lot easier.

However, it does have a busier season when crowds are abundant; if you visit between May to August, you’re going to see line-ups but don’t let that put you off because Tampa is fantastic no matter the time of year.

I’ve visited Tampa more times than I have fingers on my hands and stayed for several weeks at a time. There are so many things to do in Tampa that the weather will just be a background theme to all the fun you’re having. But, to help you pinpoint the best time for you, let’s explore Tampa throughout the year:

Overall Best Time To Visit Tampa

Personally, I like the period between the end of September to December. During this time, the highest risk for hurricanes has passed, the humidity has thankfully calmed down, and the bulk of the crowds have receded.

The other plus point is that hotels tend to be cheaper at this time too, so you can often grab a bargain as long as you avoid Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. I’m not a huge lover of extreme heat, so June to August is far too hot for me, and the humidity is off the scale.

If you enjoy beach time and are looking to catch a tan, the best time to visit Tampa is September. I enjoy this month because it’s warm and sunny, but not unbearable. Of course, everyone will have their personal preferences, but if you want to get the most out of the area, the lower temperatures during these months will help you do just that.

Peak Season in Tampa
(May-August)

Between May and August, you’ll experience heat, humidity, and crowds, but there’s also a lot going on. It’s about weighing up a balance and working out when to visit Tampa according to your needs.

If you’re into festivals, this is a good time to visit as this is when the Sunset Music Festival and two beer festivals: BeerFest (in July) and Bolts Brew Fest are held. You can also enjoy plenty of beach time to cool down from the heat.

As with peak season anywhere in the world, hotel prices are higher during this time of the year. A good hotel in…