In this article we discuss the best times to visit Manasota Key in Florida. The summer months bring warm weather and warm sea temps, but it’s also the peak of rainy season (so humidity can be high). Crowds are heaviest during the holiday season, spring break season, and in July when family vacation season peaks. Quickly, here are some things to consider:
- For those looking to enjoy warm water activities, such as swimming and water sports, the best time to visit Manasota Key is from June to September, when the sea temperature is the warmest.
- If you prefer less crowded beaches and lower accommodation rates, consider visiting Manasota Key from May to November, excluding the months of June and July, when families on summer vacation tend to visit.
- If you want to avoid the rainy season, which can sometimes bring thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, it’s best time to visit Manasota Key is from December to April, which are the driest months in Manasota Key.
- If you don’t like the beach, but do like other outdoor activities, consider visiting from November to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor exploration. There is much less humidity during these months.
In this article let’s dive into the data to get a better idea what is the best time to visit Manasota Key in Florida.
Table of Contents
Best Time to Visit Manasota Key for Weather?
Manasota Key Temperatures
The warmest months in Manasota Key are June, July, August, and September, with average high temperatures ranging from 87°F (31°C) to 89°F (32°C). These months can be considered the “warm season” and are great for travelers who enjoy hot weather and sunny beach days.
On the other hand, the coolest months are January and February, with average high temperatures ranging from 71°F (22°C) to 72°F (22°C). These months can be considered the “cool season,” although the temperatures are still relatively mild compared to other parts of the country.
The shoulder seasons, which include March through May and October through December, offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing, with average high temperatures ranging from 75°F (24°C) to 84°F (29°C).
Here are Manasota Key temperatures by month:
| Month | High (F) | Low (F) |
| Jan | 71 | 54 |
| Feb | 72 | 56 |
| Mar | 75 | 60 |
| Apr | 79 | 64 |
| May | 84 | 69 |
| Jun | 88 | 74 |
| Jul | 88 | 75 |
| Aug | 89 | 76 |
| Sep | 87 | 74 |
| Oct | 84 | 69 |
| Nov | 78 | 62 |
| Dec | 74 | 57 |
SOURCE: Weather Spark
Manasota Key Rainfall
The months of June, July, August, and September are the wettest months in Manasota Key, with rainfall averaging over 4 inches per month. Meanwhile, the months of November and December are the driest, with an average of only 1.5 inches of rainfall per month.
Travelers who prefer to avoid rainy weather may want to plan their trips for the drier months of November and December. However, it’s important to keep in mind that Florida is known for its sudden and heavy rain showers, even during the dry season. Visitors should also be prepared for hot and humid weather during the summer months, and should pack accordingly.
Here is the average monthly rainfall data for Manasota Key:
| Month | Rain (in) |
| Jan | 2.0 |
| Feb | 1.9 |
| Mar | 2.2 |
| Apr | 1.7 |
| May | 2.0 |
| Jun | 4.5 |
| Jul | 4.8 |
| Aug | 5.1 |
| Sep | 4.9 |
| Oct | 2.3 |
| Nov | 1.5 |
| Dec | 1.5 |
SOURCE: Weather Spark
Manasota Key Humidity
With heat and rain come humidity. For beach goers, this isn’t as big of an issue. But if you like to hike or spend time outdoors shopping and eating, the humidity can be a pain. June through September is the muggiest time of the year, and almost every day of the month is considered muggy.
Travelers who are sensitive to humidity may want to avoid visiting during the summer months, and instead plan their trips for the cooler and less humid months of November through April. However, keep in mind that Florida’s climate is generally humid throughout the year, and visitors should be prepared for periods of high humidity levels even during the ‘dry’ season.
Here is the average number of muggy days per month for Manasota Key, Florida:
| Month | Muggy Days |
| Jan | 6.2 |
| Feb | 6.6 |
| Mar | 10.4 |
| Apr | 14.5 |
| May | 23.3 |
| Jun | 29.0 |
| Jul | 31.0 |
| Aug | 31.0 |
| Sep | 29.0 |
| Oct | 22.1 |
| Nov | 12.4 |
| Dec | 8.8 |
SOURCE: Weather Spark
Manasota Key Sea Temperatures
The warmest sea temperatures in Manasota Key are from late May to early October when the sea temperature ranges from 81°F to 86°F (27°C to 30°C). The warmest months are typically July and August, with sea temperatures averaging around 86°F (30°C).
On the other hand, the sea temperatures are coolest from January to March, with an average temperature ranging from 64.4°F to 68°F (18°C to 20°C). Therefore, swimming in the sea during this time might be too cold for some travelers.
Sea temperatures between 78-86°F (25-30°C) are considered comfortable for most people.
It’s worth noting that the sea temperatures can be affected by weather conditions, so it’s always a good idea to check the local weather forecast before planning your trip. Here is the average sea temperatures for Manasota Key by month:
| Month | Min (F) | Max (F) |
| Jan | 59.9 | 70.5 |
| Feb | 60.3 | 70.9 |
| Mar | 62.8 | 72.6 |
| Apr | 68.9 | 79.2 |
| May | 73.6 | 84.0 |
| Jun | 78.9 | 86.4 |
| Jul | 82.9 | 87.8 |
| Aug | 84.6 | 89.4 |
| Sep | 82.8 | 87.3 |
| Oct | 78.3 | 85.5 |
| Nov | 71.4 | 80.6 |
| Dec | 67.1 | 72.8 |
SOURCE: SeaTemperature.org
Manasota Key Wind
The wind speed tends to be higher during the cooler months (November to March), with an average wind speed of 10.2 to 10.8 mph. In contrast, the wind speed is generally lower during the warmer months (April to October), with an average wind speed of 6.5 to 9.6 mph.
However, it’s important to note that wind speeds can vary greatly from day to day and can also be affected by weather patterns and storms. Here is the average wind speed for Manasota Key by month:
| Month | Speed (mph) |
| Jan | 10.6 |
| Feb | 10.6 |
| Mar | 10.5 |
| Apr | 9.6 |
| May | 8.3 |
| Jun | 7.2 |
| Jul | 6.5 |
| Aug | 6.8 |
| Sep | 8.4 |
| Oct | 10.2 |
| Nov | 10.8 |
| Dec | 10.5 |
SOURCE: Weather Spark
Best Time to Visit Manasota Key for Crowds
When is Manasota Key Busy Season?
Manasota Key crowds can spike due to both holiday and vacation season.
For example, the winter months, especially December and January, can be quite busy due to the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Many families and couples travel to Manasota Key during this time to enjoy the beautiful weather and the various outdoor activities the area has to offer. Visitors can expect more crowds during this period, but also more festive events, decorations, and holiday-related activities.
Spring break is another peak travel period for Manasota Key, with March and April being the busiest months. Many college students, as well as families with children, take advantage of the break from school to enjoy the beach, soak up the sun, and engage in various water sports activities. However, visitors should be prepared for a lot of noise, large crowds, and higher prices during this time.
June and July are also busy months in Manasota Key, as families take advantage of the summer vacation season to visit the beach. Visitors can expect larger crowds, especially during the weekends and holidays, and higher prices for accommodations, dining, and activities. However, the area is also bustling with summer-related events and festivals, such as Fourth of July fireworks, concerts, and outdoor sports competitions.
Overall, the best time to visit Manasota Key really depends on personal preferences and priorities. For those who prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, the fall months, from September to November, are a great option. The weather is still warm and pleasant, with lower humidity, and there are still many outdoor activities and events to enjoy.
Winter can also be a great time to visit, especially for those who enjoy holiday festivities, but be prepared for higher prices and larger crowds. For those who don’t mind crowds and want to enjoy the summer season, June and July are the best months to visit. However, expect higher prices and a more festive atmosphere.
| Month | Crowd | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| January | Moderate | Manasota Key can still be busy during January due to winter vacations and holidays, but it’s not as crowded as the peak winter months. |
| February | Busy | February is still peak season, and many visitors come to enjoy the warm weather and escape the cold up north. |
| March | Busy | March is one of the busiest months in Manasota Key, with many families and students coming to enjoy their spring break. |
| April | Moderate | While still busy, the crowds tend to thin out towards the end of the month, as spring break ends. |
| May | Quiet | May is a quieter month, with fewer crowds and lower prices. The weather is still pleasant and warm. |
| June | Busy | As summer begins, June can be a popular time for families to visit, resulting in more crowds. |
| July | Busy | July is a peak vacation month, with families flocking to the beach for the summer. |
| August | Moderate | As summer comes to an end, August sees fewer crowds than July but can still be busy with families trying to squeeze in one last vacation. |
| September | Quiet | After the peak summer season, September sees a drop in crowds, making it a quieter time to visit Manasota Key. |
| October | Moderate | October is a popular month for retirees and those seeking a quieter time to visit the beach, but it can still see moderate crowds. |
| November | Quiet | November is one of the quietest months to visit, with lower prices and fewer crowds. |
| December | Busy | As the holidays approach, December can be a popular time for visitors, resulting in increased crowds. |
What to do in Manasota Key
If you are planning a visit to Manasota Key, here are some of the most popular things to do in Manasota Key:
- Beach hopping: Manasota Key has multiple beaches that are great for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
- Fishing: Manasota Key is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, with opportunities for both saltwater and freshwater fishing.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding: With calm waters and beautiful scenery, Manasota Key is a great place to enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding.
- Nature trails and bird watching: There are several nature trails in Manasota Key where visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk while observing the local wildlife.
- Shelling: Manasota Key is known for its abundance of unique and beautiful shells, making it a popular destination for shell collectors.
- Snorkeling and diving: The clear waters surrounding Manasota Key provide excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving.
- Dining and nightlife: Manasota Key has a variety of restaurants and bars where visitors can enjoy delicious food and drinks.
- Shopping: There are several boutique shops and art galleries in Manasota Key where visitors can find unique souvenirs and gifts.
- Golfing: Manasota Key has several golf courses nearby, making it a popular destination for golf enthusiasts.
- Sightseeing and day trips: There are several nearby attractions and day trip options from Manasota Key, including museums, state parks, and historic sites.
To read more: Best Things to Do in Manasota Key