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Are you planning a trip to the sunny coast of Georgia? Consider visiting Tybee Island, a sandy barrier island just a few miles east of Savannah. Tybee Island is a little island popular with tourists and day-trippers.
It’s ideal for a weekend getaway, and the relaxing beaches, pristine waters, and scenic views make for a relaxed trip. Many people like to stay in nearby Savannah and head out to Tybee Island for the day, but you can also stay in a hotel or bed and breakfast on the island.
The town of Tybee has many inns and beachfront hotels where you can enjoy the area to its fullest extent. Also, there are things to do for everyone, including historical locations, local shops, and lighthouses.
Do a little research before you visit Tybee Island, and check out the article below. We’ll share the best, cheapest, and worst times for a vacation and how you can make the most of your trip, whatever time of year you go. Read on to learn about Tybee Island and all it offers!
Overall Best Time to Visit Tybee Island
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The best time to visit Tybee Island is from April to June. Spring is at its height during this time, and the climate is cool and beautiful. Enjoy Tybee at its finest in the spring and early summer, and see blossoming trees, temperate weather, and sunny days.
Visiting in the spring helps you beat both the heat and the tourists. Thousands of visitors flock to Tybee Island over the summer, and you don’t want to deal with stressful tourist crowds or unbearable hot days.
Consider booking your trip from April to June and enjoy moderate temperatures in the 70s with a few days with gentle breezes from the Atlantic Ocean. There are endless things to do in Tybee in the spring and early summer.
Check out the weekly farmer’s market, the Tybee Island Wine Festival, the Beach Bum Parade, or paddleboard rentals. You can also hit the beaches in the spring, as temperatures can reach the 70s even in April.
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Cheapest Time to Visit Tybee Island
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January and February are the cheapest months to visit Tybee Island. The late winter is the peak off-season, and you can score lower rates on hotels and transportation.
You’ll be on the island after the Thanksgiving and winter holidays, when many people use their time off to travel to Tybee Island and Savannah, flooding the area with tourists and driving prices.
January is the coldest month on the island, and you may have to deal with chilly temperatures. The lowest recorded temperature is 4 degrees Fahrenheit, but generally, the weather doesn’t get below 45 degrees.
Escape the cold and indulge in top cuisine in Tybee. The unassuming little village has fantastic restaurants, and you can try comfort food at Sundae Cafe, seafood at The Crab Shack, and pizza and beer at Huc-A-Poos. Or, head inside to a museum like the Pelican Gallery.
Score deals on flights by booking well in advance. We recommend reserving your tickets 2-3 months before. Fly into the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and take a taxi or private shuttle to the island.
Least Busy Time to Visit Tybee Island
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The least busy time to visit Tybee Island is in the winter, from November to February. The winter is the off-season on Tybee Island, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas week when tourists with time off work and school flock to the island.
You can take advantage of this gap in tourism and head to the island for a peaceful vacation, quiet and free of people except for the friendly locals. You can get cheaper flights to Savannah by watching for deals and staying flexible with your schedule.
Tuesday and Wednesday are often the cheapest days to fly, rather than the busy weekend days. You can save money if you allow yourself the flexibility to change dates if needed.
The weather during the least busy time isn’t as beautiful as in the spring or summer. However, Georgia is a sunny state, and you’ll seldom endure frigid days.
Temperatures range from 45 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit in winter, and the climate rarely comes close to freezing. There aren’t a lot of events or outdoor activities during the cheapest time, but you can still have fun.
Check out Georgia’s oldest lighthouse, a 145-foot station dating back to 1746, with exhibits on military history, the local Euchee tribe, and archaeology. Or, learn about local sea life at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, an aquarium and research center right on the beach.
Worst Time to Visit Tybee Island
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The worst time to visit Tybee Island is between mid-August and mid-October. Late summer and early fall are busy times for tourism, and the small island fills up with visitors during this time.
Additionally, it’s the peak of Georgia’s hurricane season. Book well ahead of time to get deals during the worst time. Consider visiting in the midweek, when there are fewer tourists, or reserve a cheaper hotel like Sky Suites or Dunes Inn & Suites.
Have fun with a free activity to save money, like building sandcastles on the beach, taking photos at Tybee Pier at sunset, or exploring the island’s many hiking trails. The weather in August is sticky, hot, and humid, as temperatures are high and it rains frequently.
Bring loose-fitting clothes, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Heading into October, it cools down a bit. Be aware of the hurricane season if you visit during this time.
Officially, the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, but the peak is from mid-August and mid-October. Sudden storms can ruin your trip and cause dangerous situations, so watch the weather before and during your late summer trip.
Things to Consider
The tips below will help you have the best time in Tybee Island, Georgia:
- Drive slowly. Speed signs on the island are 30 MPH or below, and you’ll need to be aware of the slower traffic if you’re driving.
- Wake up early and take a walk to watch the sunrise. The morning sun reflects on the ocean waves!
- Bring sun protection. Tybee Island is sunny even in winter, so bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunblock.
- Be aware of sea life. You might see baby turtles, cute dolphins, and wild birds, but don’t feed the animals or try to touch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Check out these top questions about Tybee Island and learn more about your destination:
What is off-season for Tybee Island?
The off-season in Tybee Island runs from November to February. The peak off-season is in January and February.
Visit during the off-season and enjoy fewer tourists, quiet walks at the beach, and faster restaurant wait times. Unfortunately, the weather is cold, and you probably won’t be able to swim or sunbathe.
Is it worth visiting Tybee Island?
Yes, Tybee Island is worth visiting. It’s an idyllic coastal town within 20 minutes of bustling Savannah, and you can chill on the beach, explore old lighthouses, or tour art galleries with a glass of local wine. The weather is moderate year-round, and there’s something to do for people of every taste and age group.
Is it warm enough to swim at Tybee Island in March?
Yes, you can swim on Tybee Island in March. Temperatures are cool and breezy but can reach up to the lower 70s. Bring layered clothing when you visit, and look out for sunny days to go to the beach.
Is October a good time to visit Tybee Island?
October is a moderately good time to visit Tybee Island. The first two weeks of October mark the peak of hurricane season, and you may risk trip cancellations due to harsh weather. However, the end of October can be pleasant, with cool temperatures and breezy days.
Fall festivals are in full swing in October, and you won’t run out of things to do on the island. Oyster season is also at its height, and visitors can try freshly caught oysters and other seafood at the island’s restaurants.
What is the best beach on Tybee Island?
All the beaches on Tybee Island are fantastic, but our pick for the best one is Mid Beach. True to its name, Mid Beach sits in the middle of the island on the east side, and it’s a hot spot for hotels, bed and breakfasts, and outdoor activities.
Rent a paddleboard, go canoeing, dip your toes in the water, or take a blanket and a bottle of wine to watch the sunset. You can stroll down the peaceful beach or top off the day at a nearby restaurant like AJ’s Dockside Tybee.
What celebrity lives on Tybee Island?
Several celebrities have homes on Tybee Island, including musician John Mellencamp. Mary Kay Andrews, a fiction author, also owns a place on Tybee.
Sandra Bullock, star of movies like Gravity and Ocean’s 8, famously gave Tybee Island a publicity boost when she purchased a home there in 2001. The famous actress owned a sprawling house worth upwards of $1.5 million but sold it in 2019.
Does Tybee Island get crowded?
Tybee Island gets quite crowded in the busy summer months, from June to August. Tourists pour in from nearby Savannah, a city of over 150,000 residents. People fly in from all over the country to visit the island, and you’ll likely see crowded beaches if you go during the summer.
Be prepared for the crowds by booking a hideaway or secluded bed and breakfast and avoiding busy beaches like Mid Beach. You can also consider going in the offseason from November to February.
Is the water at Tybee Island clear?
Yes, most beaches on Tybee Island have clear water and are great for swimming. Georgia’s rivers are famously murky, but the beaches are completely different, and you’ll have a fantastic time wading in the ocean at places like Tybee Island Beach. Don’t forget to check out North Beach, Mid Beach, and Savannah River Beach.
Be aware that Georgia sometimes has stormy weather, and you might see clouded beaches at certain times of the year. Avoid hurricane season in late summer if you want clear waters. Hurricanes move the seafloor and shift sands and mud.
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, What’s the Best Time to Visit Tybee Island?
The best time to visit Tybee Island is in the spring, from April to May. The weather is pleasant, the crowds are low, and there are plenty of festivals and activities in town. Get started and plan your next trip to Tybee Island soon!