Located on the Gulf Coast in Manatee County in western, central Florida, the beauty of Anna Maria Island, or AMI to the locals, is an idyllic place to visit. There's lots to do and local building code prohibits the high-rises you may see at other beach locals, which helps to maintain a charming "old Florida" feel.
With nearby Bradenton Beach and Tampa Bay just a short drive away, there is so much available to visitors at AMI. There are beautiful beaches, lively nightlife at unique bars, ocean activities, and amazing sunsets to watch.
AMI is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year. Every month offers temperate weather and a variety of activities that will appeal to many, so how do you choose when to visit? Let's look at the best time to visit AMI and the activities that are on offer during each season.
Anna Maria Island in Fall
If you want to take advantage of all the outdoor activities on AMI, plan to visit when the days are not as hot, but the gulf waters are warmer. The kids have gone back to school for the new academic year, too, so you'll have your pick of AMI vacation rentals.
Fall Weather
Fall temperatures are usually between 80 and 90 degrees, making it a pleasant time to visit if you don't enjoy the heat. The cooler temperatures mean that the beaches aren't as busy and AMI takes on a more tranquil, laid-back vibe.
Best Things to Do in Fall
In the months right after the hottest summer heat, it's the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors:
Hiking and biking – explore AMI's many trails without the heat and the crowds
Enjoy the ocean – the water is still warm enough to swim and kayak during September and October
Outdoor dining – the cooler evening breezes off the Gulf of Mexico make waterfront restaurants extremely pleasant at this time of year
Fall Events
Plenty is going on in AMI in the fall months. This is our top pick:
Bayfest – free admission, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and great food and drink options
Anna Maria Island in Spring
Once the spring break crowd heads home near the end of March, the spring months of April and May bring smaller crowds. While the weather begins to heat up, there is plenty of pleasant, solitary time to walk the beaches and enjoy the sound of the ocean waves.
Spring Weather
The final chill of winter lifts in March and the average springtime temperature remains in the high 80s until things heat up towards the summer shoulder season. This is the perfect weather for getting active or relaxing in the sun.
Rainfall is lower at this point in the year, but the occasional shower will allow you to head indoors and shop, visit local museums, or take a leisurely nap at your vacation rental.
Best Things to Do in Spring
As the weather heats up, it's the perfect time to relax in the sun or explore the island and the surrounding area:
Go beach hopping – visit AMI's best beaches or hop over to Sarasota and Coquina for more white sand adventures
Go snorkeling – brave the cooler water to discover the underwater world of AMI
Farmers markets – stock up on fresh produce to enjoy back at your vacation home
Spring Events
There's plenty to do during springtime to celebrate the arrival of the warmer weather:
Springfest – an annual celebration of arts and entertainment, featuring live music, food, and entertainment
St. Patrick's Day parade – the route begins at Holmes Beach City Hall and ends in the center of Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island in Winter
If you're looking for a cozy place to enjoy the winter months, AMI is a great option. Vacation homes tend to sell out over the holidays, so be sure to book in advance to avoid missing out on the rental home of your dreams.
Winter Weather
AMI doesn't have a year-round summer but the weather does stay pleasant throughout the winter months. Expect average temperatures in the 70s, which is much more pleasant than the ice and snow that covers much of the US during winter. With a lower chance of precipitation, the dry season winter months are also far less humid.
Bundling up on Anna Maria Island looks a little different than it does for those in the north. If your picture of a perfect vacation is less bikini and more sweater or light jacket, the months of December through February might be ideal.
Best Things to Do in Winter
Ocean temperatures will keep you from frolicking in the gulf surf, but a warm rum drink beachside will keep you toasty. Here are a few other cozy things to do in the cooler months:
Explore downtown Anna Maria Island – there's so much more to AMI than our beaches and there's plenty to do downtown
Go museum hopping – read our guide to rainy-day activities for a fun-packed museum-hopping itinerary
Visit AMI's best restaurants – warm up with spicy Mexican food or feast on the best burgers in town
Events in Winter
Many of the best things to do in AMI in the winter months are, unsurprisingly, centered on the holidays:
Christmas – choose from a whole host of events including the annual Christmas parade
New Year's Eve – there's no better way to welcome a new year than with fireworks on the beach
Anna Maria Island in Summer
Summer is the busiest time of the year in AMI with families and groups of friends flocking here to soak up the sun on our gorgeous white sand beaches. There's plenty to see and do during summer, making it a great time to plan your visit.
Summer Weather
The summer months of June, July, and August are, as expected, the hottest of the year on Anna Maria Island, but also considered the wet season. Average high temperatures hover around 90 degrees and afternoon showers may be more frequent, but they also serve to cool off temperatures in the afternoon and early evening during this time of the year.
Best Things to Do in Summer
AMI is famous for its glistening stretch of coastline, and the summer months are when visitors can enjoy the most fun in the sun. Add these activities to your itinerary:
Watersports – parasailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and diving charters let you take advantage of the clear blue waters offshore
Boat tours – local boat tours give you a chance to look for dolphins, do some bird watching, and try to spot a manatee as you experience a beach view from the ocean side
Events in summer
There's so much happening here in AMI during the summer, but you'll be spoilt for choice during one weekend in particular:
Independence Day – celebrate the 4th of July in style with a huge range of events here in AMI
There's No Bad Time to Visit Anna Maria Island
Like most vacation spots in tropical regions, visitors tend to plan their getaways at higher concentrations during months that are colder in the north. However, there is no universal best time to visit Anna Maria Island.
Depending on your personal goals and ideal criteria for vacation time, you can select the best time of year for you. Anna Maria Island weather offers something for everyone throughout the year.
Whichever time of year you visit, don't forget to check out Anna Maria Island vacation rentals. We recommend securing your preferred rental home far in advance because the best spots book up months in advance.
