March through May brings warm, dry days and comfortable water temperatures. October and November are great choices too, with smaller crowds and lower rates. Summer is hot and humid, with afternoon storms. Keep in mind that hurricane season runs June through November.

Most visitors fly into Tampa International Airport (TPA), which is about 30 to 40 minutes from the beaches. St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is another option and serves several budget airlines. Renting a car makes it easy to explore the coast.

Tampa Bay beaches hugging the sparkling Gulf Coast are often voted among the top beaches in the country.

For example, known for its lively atmosphere and white sand, Clearwater Beach is a great family-friendly destination. From Clearwater, head south along the coast to Indian Rocks Beach or St. Pete Beach for a convenient day trip from Tampa.

Additionally, Fort de Soto Park on the northern side of the mouth of Tampa Bay is known as a top family-friendly beach destination. Beaches within Tampa itself include Ben T Davis Beach, Cypress Point Park, Davis Islands Seaplane Basin, and Picnic Island Park. City beaches are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

March brings spring training baseball and the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, an IndyCar race through downtown streets. The Clearwater Jazz Holiday fills October with live music. Tampa's Gasparilla Pirate Festival kicks off each year in January.

Tampa has a humid, subtropical climate. There are two distinct seasons, which translate into higher heat and humidity from May – October and a milder, dry season from late Fall through Spring (about November – April).