What's the best time to visit Anna Maria Island?
The best time to visit Anna Maria Island is in spring, with April’s comfortable 81-degree weather ideal for beach visits and swimming. This season offers fewer rainy days and cooler conditions than summer, suitable for fishing, dolphin tours, and outdoor exploration. Spring also features local festivals, like the Beach’n Food Truck and Music Festival, adding to the island’s charm.
Anna Maria Island, lying just off of Florida’s Gulf Coast, is one of the state’s best destinations for a getaway, whether you’re going on a romantic honeymoon or with your family.
The island has some of the best beaches in all of Florida, like Bean Point and Coquina Beach, which have the gentle water and sand characteristic of the Gulf Coast. Besides lounging on the beach, you can also try your hand at mini golf, go on a dolphin-watching tour, or visit the galleries and historic buildings on the island.
For a less crowded, laid-back alternative to typical Florida getaways, Anna Maria Island is a great choice, especially if you visit during the best season. Keep reading to see the best time to visit.
Overall Best Time to Visit Anna Maria Island
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The best time to visit Anna Maria Island is during the spring, which has the best weather for lounging on the beach and exploring the island.
Anna Maria Island is located on Florida’s central Gulf Coast, just south of Tampa. Like most of the rest of the state, it has a subtropical climate. Visitors can expect similar weather as in the rest of the state—warm temperatures all year round, hot summers, and plenty of rain.
Temperatures on Anna Maria Island are perfect for swimming by mid-spring. U.S. Climate Data for Bradenton, the closest town on the mainland, shows that by April, daily high temperatures are already averaging 81 degrees Fahrenheit.
By April and May, it is more than warm enough to lounge on the beach and swim in the Gulf of Mexico. Temperatures are warm, but not as hot as summer. More importantly, it’s not as rainy as summer—April and May are actually two of the drier months on this part of the Florida coast.
This is great for other activities you may want to do besides lounging on the beach, like walking around nearby Leffis Key Preserve, without feeling sticky from the humidity or getting caught in the rain.
The gentle spring weather also makes this the perfect time to get out on the water. March–May is a popular time for fishermen around Anna Maria Island thanks to the good weather.
According to sites dedicated to fishing trips in the United States, spring is when activity in the water begins to pick up, and you can see trout, amberjack, tarpon, and more species. If you prefer to spot your marine animals, not eat them, spring is a great time to go on dolphin spotting excursions.
While dolphins live off the coast of Florida all year round, the placid weather of spring means that boat tours are easy to organize. Spring also brings a number of festivals, including those geared towards families.
Popular events include:
- Bridge Street Market (November–April)
- Annual Easter Egg Hunt (March/April)
- Springfest Art Festival (March)
- Beach’n Food Truck and Music Festival (April)
Cheapest Time to Visit Anna Maria Island
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The cheapest time to visit Anna Maria Island is during the late fall (October–November) when there is a lull in visitors and prices go down. Accommodations tend to be cheaper in Anna Maria Island during the fall.
The summer rush of family travelers has ended, and the winter peak hasn’t begun yet. Take advantage of the lull to save on hotels and vacation rentals.
Hotels in October tend to have 30%–40% discounts compared to regular season rates. Autumn is the cheapest time to visit the entire state of Florida, which means that you can save money on getting to Anna Maria Island.
The closest airport is Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport, but you’ll save more money by flying into nearby Tampa International Airport because it’s bigger, so you have more choices in terms of flights.
The cheapest time to fly into Tampa is in the fall, with prices bottoming out in October. Since this season has the least demand for tourism overall, you can also save some money on your car rental from the airport to Anna Maria Island.
Least Busy Time to Visit Anna Maria Island
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The least busy time to visit Anna Maria Island is in the fall or late spring. September to November tend to see the fewest visitors in most Florida destinations, including Anna Maria Island.
That’s because Florida’s rainy season tends to peak in the early fall. On Anna Maria Island, September has an average of 14 rainy days per month.
This is hardly great beach weather, so it’s no wonder people tend to stay away. By late fall, things have calmed down. October is still rainy but far less so than September and August, and November brings even fewer showers.
The daily high temperature is well above 80 degrees even in October, meaning that you can still go swimming while people in other parts of the United States are picking pumpkins.
You have to take your chances with the weather, but fall is a great time to experience Santa Maria Island with fewer crowds. You won’t have to fight for a place to put down your towel, and you won’t have to book ahead for popular excursions.
Winter is one of the peak seasons on Anna Maria Island as people come to escape the cold up north, but you can enjoy the benefits of this season by visiting in the late fall.
There will be galleries, events, and even Christmas decorations in late November, but fewer people. By November, seasonal events like the Bridge Street Market are beginning to pop up, but the crowds aren’t in full swing by mid-December.
Worst Time to Visit Anna Maria Island
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The worst time to visit Anna Maria Island is probably in the summer, which has the worst of Florida’s weather and plenty of people around. While most people think that summer is the perfect season for the beach, that’s not the case in Florida.
There is such a thing as too hot—average July temperatures in July on the island are about 89 degrees Fahrenheit. The humidity means that there is little relief, even after taking a dip in the ocean or at night.
The summer is also the rainiest season in the region. Anna Maria Island gets an average of 5.9 inches of rain every August. August also marks the beginning of the worst part of hurricane season, and storms tend to affect this part of the Gulf Coast.
You’ll also be hard-pressed to find good accommodation options, especially if you book last minute. Anna Maria Island tends to fill up with family vacationers during the summer, so expect plenty of crowds.
That being said, it’s maybe the best place in Florida to visit for a trip in the summer.
The island isn’t as popular as other Florida beach destinations, so just taking a few steps away from the parking lot will allow you to find a place to park your beach towel. The breezes from the Gulf Coast also help to moderate the worst of the temperature and humidity.
Anna Maria Island by Month: Climate & Activities
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Still unsure about the best time to visit Anna Maria Island? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
January
January on Anna Maria Island offers mild winter weather, with temperatures ranging from 12 to 21°C (53-70°F). This month is ideal for enjoying the island’s serene beaches, exploring the Pine Avenue shopping district, and watching stunning sunsets at Bean Point.
February
February continues with similar pleasant weather, perfect for visiting the historic Anna Maria Island City Pier, exploring the Island Players Community Theatre for local performances, and enjoying outdoor dining at beachside restaurants.
March
As spring approaches, temperatures on Anna Maria Island range from 15 to 24°C (59-75°F). This month is great for kayaking in the calm waters around the island, enjoying the Springfest Festival of Fine Arts and Crafts, and exploring the Robinson Preserve.
April
April brings warmer and sunnier weather, with temperatures around 17 to 27°C (63-81°F). Enjoy beach days at Coquina Beach, visit the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum, and explore the local art galleries.
May
May sees temperatures warming up from 21 to 31°C (70-88°F). It’s an excellent time for snorkeling or scuba diving in the clear waters, experiencing the island’s vibrant nightlife, and enjoying the annual Food and Wine on Pine festival.
June
June marks the start of the hotter and more humid season, with temperatures between 24 to 33°C (75-91°F). Participate in World Oceans Day events, enjoy fishing or boating excursions, and relax in the laid-back atmosphere of the island’s beaches.
July
July is warm with temperatures from 26 to 33°C (79-91°F). Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks over the beach, enjoy turtle watching as it’s nesting season, and visit the Coquina Baywalk for nature walks.
August
August continues with warm weather, offering temperatures from 26 to 33°C (79-91°F). It’s a good time to visit Leffis Key Preserve for birdwatching, enjoy water sports like paddle boarding, and explore the island’s numerous ice cream shops.
September
As the off-peak season begins, temperatures on Anna Maria Island range from 24 to 32°C (75-90°F). September is perfect for enjoying quieter beaches, experiencing excellent fishing opportunities, and dining at the island’s seafood restaurants.
October
October sees the start of cooler weather with temperatures from 21 to 29°C (70-84°F). Visit the Bridge Street Market for local crafts and produce, explore the island by bike, and enjoy the less crowded beaches.
November
The cooler season begins in November, with temperatures ranging from 16 to 26°C (61-79°F). This month is ideal for participating in the Symphony on the Sand event, exploring the island’s nature trails, and enjoying outdoor activities like golfing.
December
December brings cooler and pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 14 to 23°C (57-73°F). The island is festive with holiday lights and decorations, perfect for a relaxing holiday season by the beach and enjoying the Pine Avenue Christmas Walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Here are a few of the most common questions people have asked about visiting Anna Maria Island:
What is the coldest month in Anna Maria Island?
The coldest month in Anna Maria Island is January. Even in the dead of winter, temperatures are mild, around 55–58 degrees Fahrenheit, although it is too cold for swimming.
Can you swim in Anna Maria Island in October?
Yes, you can swim in Anna Maria Island in October. The swimming season lasts well into fall because the ocean is still warm from the summer.
Can you swim in Anna Maria Island in November?
Some brave souls go swimming in Anna Maria Island in early November, but the air temperature may be too cool for swimming for most people.
Is September a good time to visit Anna Maria Island?
September is a good time to visit Anna Maria Island if you want to beat the crowds. However, keep in mind that September is the rainiest month of the year.
What are the busiest months on Anna Maria Island?
June, July, and August are the busiest months since that’s when most people have time off work or school. Winter also sees a lot of visitors.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Anna Maria Island?
Anna Maria Island’s best weather is from December to May, but we recommend visiting from March to May for the best combination of warm weather, excellent beach conditions, and few crowds.
So, with so much to see and do and countless amazing times to visit, what are you waiting for — book your trip today and experience for yourself all that Anna Maria Island has to offer. Happy travels!