What's the best time to visit Marco Island?
The best time to visit Marco Island is between March and May, when the weather is nearly perfect with temperatures ranging from 75-83°F and the water is warm, between 70-80°F. This period sees minimal rainfall, averaging only two to three inches per month, and falls outside the peak tourist season.
With fewer visitors, clean and calm waters, and comfortable weather, spring offers the ideal conditions for a tranquil and enjoyable getaway
Marco Island is a hidden gem in Florida. The Gulf of Mexico island community has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, pristine parks, and warm weather year-round. The 24-square-mile island has six miles of beaches and a hundred miles of waterways interspersed through South Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands.
Marco Island is classier than some of the honkytonk cities on the Atlantic side, like Daytona and Fort Lauderdale, making it perfect for families or those seeking peace and tranquility.
But before visiting the island, you should be aware of its seasons (wet and dry) and when the best time to visit is. While there is no wrong time to visit this little slice of heaven, some months are more desirable – and cheaper – than others.
The Best Time to Visit Marco Island
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The overall best time to visit Marco Island is from March through May. These months are during the dry season, hurricane season is over, and it is not peak tourist season.
But the combination of perfect temperatures, calm weather without heavy precipitation, and the lack of tourists makes spring the best time to go.
The average high temperature from March through May is a near-perfect 75-83 degrees Fahrenheit. For those who enjoy swimming, the water temperature in the spring is nearly as warm as the air, ranging from 70 to 80 degrees (Fahrenheit).
The Marco Island water is clean, clear, and calm. The spring months are also during the dry season on Marco Island. From November to May, there is an average of two to three inches of precipitation per month.
During the wet season, the average monthly precipitation can reach as much as nine inches! The other desirable part about the spring on Marco Island is it’s not that busy.
The island has a tourist season that generally starts in November and continues through winter. People travel down for the holidays – including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year – and the island can get quite busy.
The Cheapest Time to Visit Marco Island
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The cheapest time to visit Marco Island is in September and October. The reason for this is simple: it’s the peak of hurricane season!
Hurricane season in Florida generally runs from June through November, but the worst is in September and October. Devastating storms frequently wreak havoc during these months, destroying infrastructure and beaches and often claiming lives.
Even without hurricanes, September and October are still firmly in the wet season. The average precipitation on Marco Island in September is 8.36 inches.
However, if you’re willing to risk the storms, you can score some sweet deals on flights and accommodations. Airlines and hotels often lower their rates in September and October to attract tourists.
If you’re able to dodge the hurricanes and don’t mind the daily afternoon rainstorm, you can expect gorgeous weather with temperatures in the mid-to-high 80s.
The Least Busy Time to Visit Marco Island
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The least busy time to visit Marco Island is also in September and October. In addition to these months being the peak of hurricane season and the wet season, children off for the summer will have returned to school.
Fewer families take vacations in September and October because the kids are in school, and there generally are not any weeklong school vacations or holidays.
Many businesses in Marco Island are closed in September and October as tourism hits the lowest levels of the year. These two months are also popular for business owners on the island to vacation.
For the restaurants that remain open, you can expect to waltz right in without a reservation and no wait. Between the cheap accommodations and ease of access, there is something to be said for visiting Marco Island in September and October.
The Worst Time to Visit Marco Island
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Outside of hurricane season, the worst time to visit Marco Island is from November to March. Winter is the busy season on Marco, as tourists descend on the island from across the globe.
The winter months are popular vacation months, especially for people from the northern United States and colder climates. The busy holiday season often sees thousands of people flying into Southwest Florida, while families take advantage of the kids being off from school.
Additionally, retired snowbirds who keep a second home on Marco Island usually return during these months. The influx of people to the island results in what is normally a year-round population of about 16,000 people swelling to over 40,000 people.
During the busy winter months, the availability of rentals on Marco Island dwindles while the price skyrockets. You can expect to pay top dollar on airfare and accommodations.
The hotels and private rentals are often near capacity during these months and have no problem raising rates to the highest levels of the year. Despite these cons, it’s still Marco Island, and anyone would be lucky to visit.
A warm week on the beach during the winter can be quite appealing to those tired from shoveling snow from their driveways and scraping ice off their car windows.
Additionally, many Native Floridians often say that the winter months are the best time of the year because of the mild temperatures and lack of hurricanes. As a result, Marco Island at its worst is still better than a lot of other places.
Marco Island by Month: Climate & Activities
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Still unsure about the best time to visit Marco Island? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
January
Winter temperatures on Marco Island range from 54-74°F. It’s a great time for beachgoers to enjoy the mild weather, partake in water activities, and explore nearby nature reserves.
February
Similar to January, February maintains pleasant temperatures between 55-75°F. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking through mangrove tunnels or taking eco-tours to observe local wildlife.
March
As spring begins, temperatures range from 59-79°F. March is perfect for beachcombing, golfing on Marco Island’s courses, and attending local events like the Marco Island Seafood and Music Festival.
April
Spring continues with temperatures between 63-83°F. April is an ideal time for fishing charters, sunset cruises, and enjoying the warm Gulf waters.
May
May sees temperatures ranging from 68-87°F. It’s a great month for exploring Tigertail Beach, with opportunities for birdwatching and paddleboarding in the calm coastal waters.
June
Summer arrives with temperatures between 73-89°F. June offers sunny days for beach activities, and visitors can explore the lush landscapes of nearby Everglades National Park.
July
July maintains warm temperatures from 74-90°F. It’s a peak month for water sports, with jet skiing, parasailing, and snorkeling among the popular activities on Marco Island.
August
Temperatures in August range from 75-90°F. While it’s the warmest month, visitors can cool off by enjoying water-based excursions or exploring the Marco Island Historical Museum.
September
September sees temperatures between 74-89°F. It’s the peak of the wet season, but visitors can still enjoy the beaches, spa retreats, and indoor attractions.
October
Rainy season persists in October, with temperatures ranging from 70-87°F. It’s an off-peak month, providing a more tranquil experience for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts.
November
November marks the end of the rainy season, with temperatures between 63-82°F. It’s an ideal time for shelling on the beaches and exploring the scenic landscapes of nearby parks.
December
Winter returns with temperatures ranging from 56-76°F. December brings a festive atmosphere to Marco Island, with holiday events, boat parades, and the chance to enjoy outdoor dining in the pleasant weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
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If the information above is still lacking, check the answers to some common questions below:
What is the best month to go to Marco Island?
The best months to visit Marco Island are March through May, but the island is beautiful year-round.
What is the cheapest month to go to Marco Island?
The cheapest months to go to Marco Island are September and October. This is peak hurricane season, and tourism is at its lowest levels.
What is the off-season on Marco Island?
September and October are the off-season because of hurricane season and the lack of tourists. Many restaurants and businesses shut down during these months.
What is hurricane season on Marco Island?
Hurricane season on Marco Island runs from June through November, peaking in September and October.
Why is Marco Island so popular?
Marco Island is one of the most beautiful places in the United States, with pristine beaches, warm weather year-round, and lots of activities to do like shopping, golfing, and dining.
What’s the nicest beach on Marco Island?
Marco Island is home to several beautiful beaches. Some of the most popular include Tigertail Beach, South Marco Beach, and Keewaydin Island.
What airport would I fly into for Marco Island?
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers is the closest major airport to Marco Island. It is about a 55-minute drive.
Does Marco Island get crowded?
Marco Island does get busy during its peak season from November through February, but it generally is not as crowded as other popular beach communities in Florida like Fort Lauderdale, Daytona, or Miami.
How warm is the ocean on Marco Island?
Marco Island’s water is warm year-round, ranging from the high 60s in the winter to the high 80s in late summer.
So, When Should You Visit Marco Island?
| 👍 Best Time to Visit | March-May |
| 💲 Cheapest Time to Visit | June-November |
| 🗓️ Least Busy Time to Visit | September-October |
| 👎 Worst Time to Visit | November-March |
We love the Spring season. During this time, it’s warm and beautiful, and you can enjoy the island in peace. Marco Island has tropical weather and sunshine year-round.
You can swim in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, golf on pristine courses, and explore the natural beauty of nearby parks.
That being said, Marco Island is a gorgeous place to visit year-round. If you have the opportunity to visit during the hot summer months or the busy winter season, consider yourself lucky.
The only time of year when you should exercise caution before visiting is during the peak of hurricane season in September and October. Marco Island’s location on the Gulf Coast makes it prone to damage from storms like Hurricane Ian in 2023.
So, with so much to see and do, and technically no bad time to visit, what are you waiting for — book your trip to Marco Island today!