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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.
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.
Why You Should Visit Marco Island
Marco Island is paradise. It’s a tropical destination with year-round temperatures in the 70s and 80s, crystal-clear warm water, white powdery sand, spectacular wildlife, and the freshest seafood. It doesn’t need much of a sales pitch!
Usually, to experience the type of tropical beauty that Marco Island offers, you would need to leave the country or travel to a Caribbean island.
However, the Florida island is easily accessible and less than an hour from Southwest Florida International Airport. Whether you’re a beach bum, water sports enthusiast, nature lover, or foodie, Marco Island has something to offer everyone.
The common theme that brings everyone to the island is the weather and coastal beauty. The yearly average high temperature is 80 degrees, and the low is 63 degrees (Fahrenheit). In the hottest months, July and August, the island averages a high of 88 degrees.
In the coldest month, January, the island is still a comfortable 71 degrees. Being a coastal community with tropical breezes, Marco does not experience the oppressive humidity of Central Florida during the warmer months.
Overall Best Time to Visit Marco Island
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March through May is the best time to visit. 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.
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The Cheapest Time to Visit Marco Island
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
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.
Things to Consider
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You’ve decided to visit Marco Island – great choice! Before experiencing its beauty, here are some things to consider:
- Pack (or buy) sunscreen. The South Florida sun is exceptionally strong!
- Visit Tigertail Beach. With picturesque views, exotic birds, and warm tidal pools, it’s one of the most spectacular beaches in the country.
- Take a guided tour. For those unfamiliar with the island, a tour will help you get the lay of the land
- Rent a jet ski. The calm waters around the Ten Thousand Islands are perfect for exploring
- Check out the wildlife. Marco Island is home to hundreds of dolphins visible from the shore.
- Explore the parks. Collier Seminole State Park and the Briggs Nature Center are right around the corner, and Everglades National Park is about a 45-minute drive.
- Go fishing. Marco Island is famous for snook fishing.
- Visit Olde Marco. A quaint area on the north part of the island with Caribbean vibes, shopping, boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
- Experience the fine dining. Marco Prime Steak & Seafood, Da Vinci’s, and CJ’s on the Bay are all excellent choices.
- Visit Naples. A 20-minute drive north of Marco Island will take you to another beautiful coastal city famous for its shopping, golf, and dining.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Don't waste your hard-earned money. Get the best deal on your trip by comparing deals on Booking.com and Expedia!
- Options for all travel styles & budgets
- Price match guarantees
- Exclusive last-minute deals
So, When Should You Visit Marco Island?
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!