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The Best & Worst Times to Visit Tybee Island in 2024

The Best & Worst Times to Visit Tybee Island in 2024

What's the best time to visit Tybee Island?

The ideal time to visit Tybee Island is between April and June, when you can enjoy the beauty of spring with cooler weather and fewer tourists. This period offers pleasant temperatures and activities like the Tybee Island Wine Festival and Beach Bum Parade. The spring climate is perfect for beach days and outdoor events, making it a great time to experience the island’s charm.

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.

But while there’s something to do for everyone, including historical locations, local shops, and lighthouses, what’s the best time to visit Tybee Island? Here’s our take.

Overall Best Time to Visit Tybee Island

Lighthouse at Tybee Island pictured during the best time to visit with green grass, clear skies, and a gorgeous dusk sunset in the background

Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

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

Desolate beach with nobody on it pictured during the cheapest time to visit Tybee Island, the winter

CN Adams/Shutterstock

The cheapest time to visit Tybee Island is from January to February. 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

Sunrise on a deserted beach next to the pier during the least busy time to visit Tybee Island

Larry Hinson/Shutterstock

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

Walkway to the beach with prairie grass all around with storm clouds overhead pictured during the worst time to visit Tybee Island

LucVi/Shutterstock

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.

Tybee Island by Month: Climate & Activities

Picturesque photo of small white shrimp fishing boats docked on Tybee Island during the best time to visit at dusk with a grass marsh to the left

Patrick Jennings/Shutterstock

Still unsure about the best time to visit Tybee Island? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:

January

With January’s crisp air, temperatures ranging from 41 to 60°F (5 to 16°C), Tybee Island is a serene getaway. It’s the perfect time for peaceful beach walks, visiting the iconic Tybee Island Light Station, and enjoying local seafood delights.

February

February keeps the cool charm, perfect for cozying up in beachfront cafes, exploring the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, and experiencing the quiet beauty of the island’s winter.

March

Welcoming spring, March on Tybee Island, with temperatures from 48 to 65°F (9 to 18°C), is ideal for leisurely bike rides along the shoreline, bird watching at the North Beach, and attending the lively Irish Heritage Celebration Parade.

April

April’s mild weather, temperatures between 55 to 72°F (13 to 22°C), invites you to the sandy shores for sunbathing, exploring the Fort Pulaski National Monument, and enjoying the Tybee Island Wine Festival.

May

May, with its warmer temperatures from 63 to 79°F (17 to 26°C), is perfect for water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding, experiencing the Tybee Island Beach Bum Parade, and relaxing at beachside bars as the evenings grow longer.

June

The start of summer, June brings temperatures ranging from 70 to 86°F (21 to 30°C), and with it, the joy of beach picnics, exploring the vibrant Pier and Pavilion, and participating in the Tybee Island Sea Turtle Project.

July

July’s warmth, from 73 to 89°F (23 to 32°C), is all about celebrating Independence Day with beachside fireworks, enjoying live music at local venues, and indulging in fresh seafood straight from the Atlantic.

August

In August, with temperatures hovering between 73 to 88°F (23 to 31°C), you can take leisurely strolls through the quaint streets, discover the hidden gems in local art galleries, and enjoy nighttime beach walks under the stars.

September

As fall begins, September, with temperatures of 70 to 84°F (21 to 29°C), offers the perfect setting for the Tybee Island Labor Day Beach Bash, exploring the backwaters by boat, and experiencing the quieter side of the island.

October

October’s cooler days, from 59 to 76°F (15 to 24°C), are ideal for the Pirate Fest, an island tradition, savoring the cooler beach days, and exploring the Tybee Post Theater for cultural events.

November

November, with a chill in the air, temperatures from 49 to 68°F (9 to 20°C), is a time for serene walks on the nearly empty beaches, experiencing the island’s wildlife, and enjoying the local cuisine at cozy restaurants.

December

December brings cooler weather, from 41 to 61°F (5 to 16°C), along with festive holiday spirit. It’s a time for enjoying the island’s peaceful winter ambiance, holiday shopping in unique boutiques, and the Tybee Island Christmas Parade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raised walkway pictured during the best time to visit Tybee Island with glass-like water

John Wijsman/Shutterstock

Check out these top questions about the best and worst times to visit Tybee Island to help you decide when to go:

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 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.

So, When Should You Travel to Tybee Island?

👍 Best Time to VisitApril-June
💲 Cheapest Time to VisitJanuary-February
🗓️ Least Busy Time to VisitNovember-February
👎 Worst Time to VisitAugust-October

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!