Best Times to Visit in Tampa, United States
1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Experience the thrill of roller coasters and wildlife encounters. Best to visit during spring for lower crowds and mild weather.
- Weather: Mild temperatures make exploring the park more comfortable
- Crowds: Lower attendance during spring means shorter wait times for rides
- Animals: Spring is a great time to see newborn animals in the wildlife attractions
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Games
Cheer on the Super Bowl-winning Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Fall is the best time for games with comfortable temperatures and exciting football action.
- Weather: Fall offers cooler and less humid weather compared to summer
- Sports Events: Watch the Buccaneers compete in the NFL season
- Atmosphere: Experience the energetic atmosphere of a live football game
3. Tampa Bay Lightning Games
Catch the electrifying action of the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena. Winter months offer chilly excitement and potential playoff games.
- Weather: Winter provides a cooler atmosphere for watching hockey
- Sports Events: Watch the Lightning compete in the NHL season and potential playoffs
- Atmosphere: Experience the passionate fan atmosphere during games
4. Florida State Fairgrounds
Enjoy carnival rides, livestock shows, and food vendors at the Florida State Fair. The fair usually takes place in February for a fun winter escape.
- Weather: Winter temperatures make outdoor activities more enjoyable
- Entertainment: Enjoy a variety of attractions, shows, and exhibits
- Food: Experience unique and delicious fair food from around the region
5. Tampa Bay Food Truck Festival
Savor Tampa's vibrant culinary scene at the annual Food Truck Festival. The festival usually takes place in the spring, showcasing a diverse array of mobile cuisine.
- Food: Discover a wide range of delicious food from local and visiting food trucks
- Weather: Spring temperatures make outdoor events more comfortable
- Entertainment: Enjoy live music and activities alongside the food offerings
6. Tampa Bay Margarita Festival
Indulge in unlimited margaritas and enjoy live music at the annual Tampa Bay Margarita Festival. The festival usually takes place in the fall for a festive seasonal event.
- Drinks: Sample a variety of creative margaritas from local and national mixologists
- Weather: Fall temperatures make outdoor events more enjoyable
- Entertainment: Enjoy live music, games, and other activities during the festival
7. Ybor City Gasparilla Pirate Fest
Join in the annual Gasparilla Pirate Fest, Tampa's most famous event, featuring parades, pirates, and revelry. The festivities take place in January for a lively start to the year.
- Culture: Experience Tampa's rich history and unique pirate-themed celebrations
- Weather: January temperatures make outdoor events more comfortable
- Entertainment: Enjoy parades, live music, and other festive activities during the celebration
8. Lowry Park Zoo
Discover wildlife from around the globe at Lowry Park Zoo. Fall is the best time to visit for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Weather: Fall offers mild temperatures for a comfortable zoo experience
- Animals: See a variety of wildlife, including exotic and endangered species
- Activities: Participate in animal encounters, shows, and educational programs
9. Tampa Bay Beer Week
Savor Tampa's craft beer scene during Tampa Bay Beer Week. The event takes place in the fall and showcases local and regional breweries.
- Drinks: Experience a wide variety of craft beers from local and visiting breweries
- Weather: Fall temperatures make outdoor beer events more enjoyable
- Entertainment: Enjoy live music, food trucks, and other activities during the event
10. Tampa Riverwalk
Take a leisurely stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk, featuring shops, restaurants, and beautiful waterfront views. Anytime during the year is a great time to explore.
- Scenery: Enjoy stunning views of Tampa's vibrant skyline and the Hillsborough River
- Activities: Visit shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions along the way
- Weather: Tampa's mild climate allows for enjoyable riverwalk strolls year-round
11. The Dali Museum
Explore the surreal works of Salvador Dali at The Dali Museum. Anytime during the year is a great time to visit this architecturally stunning attraction.
- Art: Discover Dali's unique and thought-provoking art collections
- Architecture: Experience the breathtaking design of the museum's avant-garde structure
- Education: Learn about Dali's life, influences, and artistic techniques through exhibits and interactive experiences
12. Tampa Bay Rowdies Games
Cheer on Tampa's professional soccer team, the Tampa Bay Rowdies, at Al Lang Stadium. Spring is the best time to catch a game with comfortable weather and exciting action.
- Weather: Spring temperatures make outdoor sports events more enjoyable
- Sports Events: Watch the Rowdies compete in soccer matches during the season
- Atmosphere: Experience the energetic atmosphere of a live soccer game
13. Tampa Bay Rays Games
Catch a baseball game at Tropicana Field and support the Tampa Bay Rays. The best time to visit is during spring for milder weather and exciting baseball action.
- Weather: Spring temperatures make outdoor sports events more enjoyable
- Sports Events: Watch the Rays compete in Major League Baseball games during the season
- Atmosphere: Experience the passionate fan atmosphere during games
14. Tampa Bay's Beaches
Relax on Tampa Bay's picturesque beaches, including Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach. Anytime during the year is a great time to soak up the sun.
- Scenery: Enjoy beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico and white sandy beaches
- Activities: Swim, sunbathe, boat, or explore nearby attractions
- Weather: Tampa's mild climate allows for enjoyable beach visits year-round