When is the best time of the year to visit Tampa? (Miami: spring break, rental)

[Serious Conversation]

I currently live in Indiana and am considering a relocation to Tampa over the next year or so. I don't hate Indiana, but the lack of hot weather, overcast skies, lack of outdoor recreation, and the high taxes are frustrating being from TN originally. I have two weeks off at Christmas and was thinking of driving down from TN to FL, then back to Indiana.

Are there timespan the year when flights to and from central FL are considerably cheaper than others? Is winter a decent time to visit and are outdoor festivities, etc, still available during the winter months?

[Leenme]

Christmas is the coldest time of the year, it can freeze at night. To avoid the cold folks around here go further south to Naples, the Keys or out to the Islands. Of course the holidays are more expensive for flying. Pre-planning your trip a month or two in advance will get you the best prices. Traveling Route 75 from Tenn to TampaBay is about a 10 hour drive, maybe more in winter.

[lavender]

If you are from Indiana and used to cold winters, you might enjoy bathing in the gulf in December LOL - you can tell who is from up north when they are wearing shorts and paddling in water in the winter months here.
Winter is nice for outdoor events, though there are things going on all year round outdoors, its just they are sometimes unbearably hot at night and sticky and you can become mosquito food.

I believe flights will be affected by seasonal shifts, vacations, holidays, and commercial use. Not sure who flies to where you are, but look at all the usual companies, AA southwest etc. Christmas is busy, hotels will possibly cost more, though commercial ones maybe slower and offer deals. If you are leaving before January you may find a decent condo rental in December as its not as busy and Jan-April which of course is our high season for snow birds like you - enjoy your trip.

[BucFan]

if you plan on moving here, better experience the hottest, most humid day to get an accurate picture of what it takes to survive here.....it isn't fun to live in the heat from May-October, imo.

[Seaturtle18]

Originally Posted by lavender

If you are from Indiana and used to cold winters, you might enjoy bathing in the gulf in December LOL - you can tell who is from up north when they are wearing shorts and paddling in water in the winter months here.
Winter is nice for outdoor events, though there are things going on all year round outdoors, its just they are sometimes unbearably hot at night and sticky and you can become mosquito food.

Ha! I have a question: I'm coming down for 3 months starting next week. I know what the average temp is but I'm wondering do most people dress for the season or dress for the weather?

[JasonAnc]

People dress much the same here much as they do up north, but adjust the temperature range by 10-20 degrees. Like if it hits 60 here, locals will bundle up like people do up north when it's 40 degrees.

Funny enough, people from up north who come to FL for vacation will dress 10-20 degrees colder than what they would dress like at home. Like if they would wear shorts outside at 80 at home and claim they're comfortable, they'll do so at 60 here and say they're just as comfy.

Funny how that works, huh?

[jambo101]

Originally Posted by Emigrations

I currently live in Indiana and am considering a relocation to Tampa

You need to explore the area in July or August if you are thinking of a permanent relocation, Coming in December wont give you an accurate feel for the weather as it can fluctuate wildly at that time of year.

[Sunnydee]

We moved here from Cincinnati in June of 2011 after years of exploratory trips and research and we love it. Instead of seven months of cold, gray, and dreary, we wake up most days to sunshine, blue skies, and warmth. It's amazing to be able to be outside almost every day of the year gardening, walking, biking, playing sports, etc. without being cold. The summers here are quite hot and humid, but I don't think they are any worse than summers in Cincinnati, although they do last longer.

When we get a cold snap or rain here it passes pretty quickly and we don't lose days or months like we did in the Midwest. The natural beauty of the area is amazing and no matter when you come you'll see it on display. Many locals think winter is the best time of year to come here, but I like the warmer months. Fall and spring are glorious. Yes, there are activities and events year round.

My family and friends have found cheaper flights during non-school holidays and the summer. When everyone has winter and/or spring break the deals on flights are few and far between. This is truly a different world and we highly recommend it, but it can be brutal for folks who don't have jobs. It's a good idea to gain employment before moving here.

[JasonAnc]

^Where are you able to walk and bike safely around here?

[PhotoProIP]

Originally Posted by Seaturtle18

Ha! I have a question: I'm coming down for 3 months starting next week. I know what the average temp is but I'm wondering do most people dress for the season or dress for the weather?

If it's 40 degrees out, what season should I be dressed for?
I'm thinking parka and boots! (Unless we're in Miami where we NEVER had to break out any winter attire, and we were dressed in lit Christmas garlands the whole month of December to celebrate the "season"!) LOL




OP: If you plan on "moving" here, then come in July & August...I mean, it might get into the 20's in Indiana, but in Tampa it goes down to 30's/40's at night during this time of the year, and the fact that we're close to the golf makes it feel colder when you add a bit of that humidity. There is no "bathing" in the gulf now, the water is freaking cold! Lavender do you enjoy catching Pneumonia? or are you from Russia? The gulf water is COLD right now.

Travel during this time is crazy expensive too.