TripVibzWorst times to visit Sarasota
The weeks, days and hours locals would tell you to avoid in Sarasota — and what to do instead.
Say it here and visitors will actually read it. One sentence is enough.
Add your takeSarasota month by month
Festivals, conventions, weather and price seasons that change what a visit is like. Researched by the TripVibz editors from official event and weather sources.
January
Forks & Corks — busy. The Forks & Corks food and wine Grand Tasting is held on a Sunday in late January at The Ringling museum.
Winter high season — busy. Most of Sarasota's visitors and snowbirds arrive in winter, when highs sit in the 60s and 70s. This is the area's peak season.
February
Winter high season — busy. Most of Sarasota's visitors and snowbirds arrive in winter, when highs sit in the 60s and 70s. This is the area's peak season.
Orioles spring training — busy. The Orioles play home games at Ed Smith Stadium from late February to mid-March.
March
Winter high season — busy. Most of Sarasota's visitors and snowbirds arrive in winter, when highs sit in the 60s and 70s. This is the area's peak season.
Orioles spring training — busy. The Orioles play home games at Ed Smith Stadium from late February to mid-March.
June
Summer rainy season — avoid. From June to October, downpours are common, usually in the early afternoon. They pass quickly, but lightning can linger.
July
Summer rainy season — avoid. From June to October, downpours are common, usually in the early afternoon. They pass quickly, but lightning can linger.
August
Hurricane season peak — avoid. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, and its prime time locally is August and September.
Summer rainy season — avoid. From June to October, downpours are common, usually in the early afternoon. They pass quickly, but lightning can linger.
Red tide risk — busy. Red tide blooms appear most years in late summer or early fall along this stretch of coast. They can cause eye and breathing irritation on the beaches.
September
Hurricane season peak — avoid. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, and its prime time locally is August and September.
Summer rainy season — avoid. From June to October, downpours are common, usually in the early afternoon. They pass quickly, but lightning can linger.
Red tide risk — busy. Red tide blooms appear most years in late summer or early fall along this stretch of coast. They can cause eye and breathing irritation on the beaches.
October
Fall shoulder season — good. Fall is a shoulder season with mild weather and little rain, after summer storms and before the winter rush.
Summer rainy season — avoid. From June to October, downpours are common, usually in the early afternoon. They pass quickly, but lightning can linger.
Red tide risk — busy. Red tide blooms appear most years in late summer or early fall along this stretch of coast. They can cause eye and breathing irritation on the beaches.
November
Fall shoulder season — good. Fall is a shoulder season with mild weather and little rain, after summer storms and before the winter rush.
Siesta Key Crystal Classic — busy. An international sand-sculpting contest on Siesta Key Beach over four days in mid-November.
December
Winter high season — busy. Most of Sarasota's visitors and snowbirds arrive in winter, when highs sit in the 60s and 70s. This is the area's peak season.