The best time to visit Sanibel Island is during the winter and early spring months, from December to April. This is the peak season so hotel room rates will be higher than at other times of the year, but with a little early planning you should be able to find an affordable room. The late fall is a good time to visit: it’s a little easier to find a room, but the Gulf water will be chilly. May through early June is also a good time to visit Sanibel Island. But after this the hurricane season begins and this is not the best time to visit.
Sanibel Island Weather in January: The coldest month of the year in Sanibel Island is January where the average low temperature and the average high temperature range between 53°F (12°C) and 74°F (23°C).
In February, the average high and average low temperatures increase by a single degree each to 75°F (24°C) and 54°F (12°C) respectively. Expected rainfall is at 2 inches (59 mm).
March marks the arrival of spring. Spring in Sanibel Island quite warm with an average high temperature of 80°F (27°C). The average low temperature is 58°F (14°C).
Sanibel Island Weather in April: It’s the driest month of the year in April with the precipitation levels averaging at 1 inch (25 mm). Average high temperatures measure in at 85°F (29°C) while the average low temperature is 62°F (17°C).
In May, the average high temperature increases to 89°F (32°C). The low temperature average also sees a significant increase to 68°F (20°C).
June marks the beginning of summer and the peak tourist season in Sanibel Island. It’s arguably the best time of the year to hit the beach with the average high and average low temperatures ranging between 91°F (33°C) and 73°F (23°C).
Sanibel Island Weather in July: The hottest month of the year in Sanibel Island is July when the average low temperature peaks at 75°F (24°C) and the average high temperature holds steady at 91°F (33°C).
In August, Sanibel Island receives the most rain annually with 10 inches (254 mm) of rain. The temperature hold steady at 75°F (24°C) for the average low and 91°F (33°C) for the average high.
September brings in the autumn season with the average high and the average low temperature both dropping by a single degree to 90°F (32°C) and 74°F (23°C) respectively.
Sanibel Island Weather in October: Precipitation levels measure in at 3 inches (76 mm) in October. High temperatures decrease to 86°F (30°C) while the low temperatures drop by 5 degrees to 69°F (21°C).
In November, the temperatures continue the downward trend with the average high and average low temperatures both decreasing handful. High temperatures measure in at 80°F (27°C) while the low temperature average is 61°F (16°C).
December brings in the winter season with temperatures cooling down to a mild climate. The average low temperatures and average high temperatures range between 55°F (13°C) and 76°F (24°C), while the precipitation rate is 2 inches (59 mm).
Despite being the most expensive time of the year to visit, the best time to visit is during the peak months of December through April. During these months, the island gets the best weather out of the year and even plays host to the Sanibel Music Festival. For travelers who want to come by when the prices are at their cheapest, shoot for a visit during May. If shelling is your activity of choice at Sanibel Island, the best time to visit is in October or November when the tides are generally low. Just make sure to pack a sweater for the chilly evenings.
