Visitors planning a Tampa Bay vacation will have many things to do and places to see while visiting the Sunshine State. Tampa travel is possible anytime of the year, and while Florida does not have the type of drastic seasonal changes experienced in the northern climates, there are certain times of year when a Tampa Bay vacation can be disrupted by inclement weather conditions including cold temperatures, rainy months, tropical storms, and hurricane season.

Beginning with the fall months, from September through November, travel to Tampa can be a pleasant experience because of the moderate temperatures that range from high 60s to the 70s. The mild temperatures and sunny days are ideal for Tampa trips around the city and activities such as camping at Hillsborough State Park, canoeing or kayaking down the Hillsborough River, taking a dinner cruise on Tampa Bay, fishing, boating, and sightseeing. Visitors will also find plenty to do at the local theme parks, zoos, and wildlife sanctuaries, and anyone who chooses to visit in October can attend the annual Guavaween Festival and parade celebrated in historic Ybor City.

Tampa travel during the winter months of December through February gives visitors the opportunity to attend events such as the Florida State Fair, Strawberry Festival, Outback Bowl, and the Gasparilla Pirate Invasion and Parade. Weather conditions can be significantly colder along with heavy rain, so if you're planning to travel to Tampa during these months, remember that daily changes to the weather can affect outdoor activities.

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March through May is an ideal time for Tampa trips because of the mild temperatures ranging from the 70s to the 80s. The humidity is not yet a factor, and the many trees, plants, and flowers that begin blooming during this time make a visit to the botanical gardens or local parks a perfect opportunity to observe Florida's unique flora and fauna.

If you're planning a Tampa Bay vacation during the month of March, a spectacular event takes place at MacDill Air Force Base. The annual MacDill AirFest features aerial shows by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds along with tours and displays of vintage aircraft and the newest fighter jets. Spring break is also a popular time of year among college students, who travel to Tampa to enjoy the city and the sun of the nearby beaches.

The month of May can experience heavy rainfall and June is the beginning of hurricane season, which actively runs through to November. While visitors may plan a Tampa Bay vacation that includes an active itinerary during the hurricane season, it is important for vacationers to take into consideration the possibility of rapidly deteriorating weather conditions should a tropical storm or hurricane threaten the immediate area. Additionally, if the likelihood of a hurricane making direct landfall in the area is eminent, evacuation to a safer location might be required.

Since Florida has a tropical climate, almost unlimited sunshine, fantastic fishing opportunities, and magnificent beaches, a large number of tourists travel to Tampa from June through August. Temperatures are typically in the 90s, providing the best opportunities for sunbathing, skiing, boating, jet skiing, parasailing, and fishing. During the summer months, food festivals, music concerts, and arts and crafts shows also take place throughout the Tampa Bay area.