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There's no bad time to visit Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Whichever time of year you choose, your stay here will be a great adventure, and later, a wonderful memory. Here are some helpful tips to consider, however, for timing your visit.
December
through February
Our delightful winter climate is consistently the best in the nation. While short dips in temperature can make islanders reach for a sweater, most winter days are still pleasant for tennis, golf, beach-walking and boating. Sanibel and Captiva enjoy tremendous amounts of sunshine, and there is usually little rain in these months. Pack a few layers of clothing, and you will be fine. Boating, in particular, will require heavier apparel - offshore winds and forward motion can lower temperature by up to 20 degrees.
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Evening low temperature
averages 55 degrees in January, while daytime highs average 72.
Early December, you will find lots of options on accommodations,
and the islands will not be crowded at all.
The island's Christmas decorations will take your breath away, and are
always up prior to Island Luminary Celebration the first weekend in December.
While Christmas week is always a busy one, the islands are once again
quiet the first two weeks of January. From then on, the number of visitors
increases weekly through Easter.
Several cultural opportunities await you, December through February, including
professional theater, B.I.G. Arts musical events and art exhibits.
March
and April
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Photo
provided by Lee County
Visitor & Convention Bureau |
Considered "high
season," March and April are the two most crowded months on the islands.
Visit during this these months, and you'll certainly understand why. The
weather is gorgeous, both during the daytime and the evening.
Sanibel has become
a popular spring break destination, but not in the "rowdy" sense
of the word. Many families bring their children here for the few spring
weeks when school breaks.
Do realize that large seasonal crowds mean waits in all the restaurants,
so plan on making reservations, or packing snacks for small children,
just in case. Traffic will also be heavy; shopping is best done in the
mornings.
Room rates drop approximately two weeks after Easter, and the crowds diminish
somewhat at this time. The weeks following the rate drop, however, have
become increasingly popular - the weather is ideal, and accommodations
are easier to find.
May
Early May is terrific on the islands. Winter residents start to go north,
and the lessening of traffic reflects their departure. It's much easier
to get into the many great restaurants. You'll enjoy terrific temperatures
and nice breezes. The first two weeks of May are optimal.
The second half of the month becomes substantially warmer; normal high
is 86 degrees. Sanibel and Captiva do have mosquitos and a little bug
called the no-see-um (which is hardly visible but has a ferocious bite).
Both make their first annual appearance in May, but are usually only a
nuisance near sunset, when the breeze begins to die. Good planning (buying
and applying the right bug spray) can eliminate your being bitten. Those
people without perfume, cologne or scented lotions give themselves an
advantage.
Shoppers will begin to see end-of-season sales at several appealing island
shops. As the days lengthen, golfers can play later in the day. Back to
Top
June,
July and August
The summer months have started to become a "season" all their
own on the islands. What used to be a sleepy time for locals has become
increasingly busier, as visitors discover that our warmer southern temperatures
are offset by terrific seabreezes.
Not only do we have much cooler temperatures than several inland Florida
locations, Sanibel and Captiva are more comfortable in the southern months
than most southern US states. Highs in July and August are about 90 degrees,
yet we have a seabreeze, the key to comfort. Still think it's hot? Jump
in a pool, or our own "giant pool," the Gulf of Mexico. A little
bug spray will be necessary in the evening hours, but most people agree
that the lack of crowds more than makes up for a few bugs.
While hurricane season starts in June, the height of activity is historically
not until September and October. What you can expect are the late afternoon
thunderstorms that build up over the mainland, then blow out our way to
cool everything down. Think of this as a perfect time to nap or get caught
up on reading.
Everyone loves the island fireworks show (over the water!) for the Fourth
of July. Back to Top
September,
October
If you like to hide out in uncrowded places of magnificent beauty, then
the months of September and October are for you. The islands are so sleepy
in September that several restaurants close for part of the month, but
don't despair - we have eateries galore.
Simple pleasures await you in these months. A moonlight bicycle ride down
a deserted road. The heady smell of seagrapes as they crunch underfoot.Amazing
sunsets, empty golf courses, and, of course, far less competition for
all those seashells on the beach!
While these months are when hurricanes are most likely to occur, the odds
of one ruining a visit here are minimal. Just come with a flexible mindset
- should a storm threaten the islands, there are fascinating destinations
in every direction, and just a few hours by car.
In late September and early October, there are often hints that moderate
temperatures are on the way - mini cool fronts which last a day or two
and feel terrific. Late October is magical, as high temperatures drop
below the 80 degree mark for the rest of the year. Evenings are extremely
comfortable. A bonus in late October: our bugs take a hike.
November
November is a lot like May. Room rates are down, the weather is terrific
and the crowds aren't here yet. All the shops have new inventory for the
season ahead. With the exception of Thanksgiving weekend, you'll have
no trouble finding accommodations. This is the last month of Hurricane
Season, but there's typically not much tropical weather. Average high
temperature is a fabulous 77 degrees. We like November and so will you.
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Sanibel Island Hotels is a division of Earth Travel Network, Inc., Ft. Myers, Florida |
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