Tampa in January

November through April gives you Tampa at its best. Temperatures hover in the 70s and 80s, humidity drops, and those afternoon thunderstorms take a break. This is peak season, so hotel rates climb, but the weather makes it worth it. December and January are perfect for outdoor activities. The Gasparilla Pirate Festival happens in late January - think Mardi Gras but with more eye patches. Hotel rooms book solid during this weekend, so plan ahead. March brings spring training baseball. The Yankees play at Steinbrenner Field, about 20 minutes north of downtown. Games sell out, especially weekend matchups against the Red Sox. Summer in Tampa is brutal. We're talking 95 degrees with 90% humidity, plus daily thunderstorms that flood the streets. Hotel rates drop dramatically, but you'll spend most of your time indoors. If you come between May and October, pack an umbrella and low expectations for outdoor activities. Hurricane season runs June through November, with peak risk in August and September. Tampa hasn't taken a direct hit since 1921, but storms can still bring heavy rain and flooding.