TripVibzWorst times to visit Tampa
The weeks, days and hours locals would tell you to avoid in Tampa — and what to do instead.
Say it here and visitors will actually read it. One sentence is enough.
Add your takeTampa 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
Gasparilla Parade of Pirates — busy. On a Saturday in late January, a 4.5-mile pirate parade runs down Bayshore Boulevard into downtown. It's free and draws big crowds.
February
Florida State Fair — busy. The state fair runs for about 12 days in early to mid-February at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa.
Yankees spring training — busy. The Yankees play Grapefruit League games at Steinbrenner Field from late February until about the third week of March.
March
Yankees spring training — busy. The Yankees play Grapefruit League games at Steinbrenner Field from late February until about the third week of March.
May
Rainy season — avoid. From late May to early October, expect frequent thunderstorms. The peak, with heavy rain and frequent lightning, runs from July to early September.
June
Rainy season — avoid. From late May to early October, expect frequent thunderstorms. The peak, with heavy rain and frequent lightning, runs from July to early September.
July
Rainy season — avoid. From late May to early October, expect frequent thunderstorms. The peak, with heavy rain and frequent lightning, runs from July to early September.
August
Hurricane season peak — avoid. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, and most Atlantic activity falls between mid-August and mid-October.
Rainy season — avoid. From late May to early October, expect frequent thunderstorms. The peak, with heavy rain and frequent lightning, runs from July to early September.
Red tide risk — busy. Red tide blooms appear most years in late summer or early fall, often between Clearwater and Sanibel. They can cause eye and breathing irritation at the beach.
September
Hurricane season peak — avoid. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, and most Atlantic activity falls between mid-August and mid-October.
Rainy season — avoid. From late May to early October, expect frequent thunderstorms. The peak, with heavy rain and frequent lightning, runs from July to early September.
Red tide risk — busy. Red tide blooms appear most years in late summer or early fall, often between Clearwater and Sanibel. They can cause eye and breathing irritation at the beach.
October
Hurricane season peak — avoid. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, and most Atlantic activity falls between mid-August and mid-October.
Rainy season — avoid. From late May to early October, expect frequent thunderstorms. The peak, with heavy rain and frequent lightning, runs from July to early September.
Red tide risk — busy. Red tide blooms appear most years in late summer or early fall, often between Clearwater and Sanibel. They can cause eye and breathing irritation at the beach.
November
Late fall — good. The rainy season ends around early October, so late fall brings drier weather before the January Gasparilla crowds.
December
Late fall — good. The rainy season ends around early October, so late fall brings drier weather before the January Gasparilla crowds.