When to Visit Tampa

With its warm weather and outdoor activities, Tampa attracts visitors throughout the year. The most popular time to visit is January, when people from the North escape the cold temperatures and several major festivals take place.

The spring is also a favorable visiting time due to mild weather and major events. The fall brings cooler temperatures and big Halloween celebrations. Summers see fewer crowds, warmer temperatures, and lower prices.

• high season: January to April
• low season: June to September, December
• shoulder season: May, October to November

Weather Information

Tampa experiences a humid subtropical climate, with temperatures averaging 90 degrees in the summer and 71 degrees in the winter. The average rainfall for the year is 45 inches. The most favorable time to visit is in the spring, because of cool evenings and pleasant daytime temperatures. Fall is also a cooler time to visit, but sees fewest visitors.

Crowd Information

Winter tends to be a very busy time, with the annual Outback Bowl football game in January and the Gasparilla Pirate Fest in February. Other winter festivals also attract crowds, including the Florida State Fair in February, the Florida Strawberry Festival in late February, and the Apollo Beach Manatee Arts Festival in March. In October, thousands dressed in their finest Halloween costumes visit Ybor (Eee-bore) City to celebrate Guavaween.

Closure Information

Most hotels, shops, and attractions remain open throughout the year, but the Adventure Island water park closes for the winter season and reopens in March.

When to Save

Summer is the least expensive time to visit, while prices peak in the winter high season.

Information provided by the Tampa Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau.