Best time to visit Raccoon Island

Q: Can I visit during hurricane season (June–November)?

Yes; tours run all year , weather permitting. But June–August bring afternoon heat (90°F+) and daily thunderstorms (2–5 PM). Book early-morning tours only in summer. May–November also has stronger, more frequent winds.

Best time of year: November through May. Lighter winds, calmer water, low humidity, and comfortable temps. Avoid: June 1 – November 30, Atlantic hurricane season. Summer brings afternoon heat (above 90°F), stronger winds, and frequent thunderstorms. Best time of day: early morning (sunrise/pre-dawn) beats afternoon heat and afternoon storms. Year-round raccoons: they are on the island all year; tours run weather permitting.

Best seasonNovember–May (calm, cool, clear)

Worst seasonJune 1–Nov 30 (hurricane season; heat & storms)

Best time of daySunrise/early morning (cooler, better light)

Worst time of dayAfternoon (peak heat, afternoon thunderstorms in summer)

Raccoons visibleYear-round; tours run daily except bad weather

Water temps60s–70s°F in winter; 80s°F in summer

November through May is ideal

This is the dry season in South Florida. Water is calmer, skies are clearer, and afternoons are warm but not scorching. November through March is tourist season; book tours ahead. April and May are warmer, less crowded, and still ideal. This is when the SUP/kayak tour shines — smooth water, light winds, good visibility.

June through November: hurricane season

Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Summer brings stronger winds, afternoon thunderstorms almost daily (especially 2–5 PM), and water temperatures in the 80s. Tours still run, but early-morning departures are safer and more comfortable. Afternoon visibility drops as thunderclouds build. If you visit in summer, book 6–7 AM starts and be back by noon.

Time of day beats season

Sunrise and early-morning tours (5:30–7 AM start) give you the best light, calm water, and time to finish before afternoon heat and storms. Afternoon tours (after 2 PM) are cheaper but hotter and may face afternoon thunderstorms in summer. Summer afternoon storms on open water are not worth the risk.

The raccoons are there year-round

Raccoons live on the island all year. In winter they are active and visible at the shoreline. In summer they are there too but may retreat during peak heat. Dolphins and manatees are frequently spotted but never guaranteed; winter and spring offer better odds.

See tour schedules, how to get there, and book a tour on GetYourGuide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to visit Raccoon Island?

November through March. Calm water, clear skies, 70–75°F temps, and dry conditions. December through February are peak season (book ahead). April and May are still ideal, warmer, and less crowded.

Can I visit during hurricane season (June–November)?

Yes; tours run all year, weather permitting. But June–August bring afternoon heat (90°F+) and daily thunderstorms (2–5 PM). Book early-morning tours only in summer. May–November also has stronger, more frequent winds.

What is the best time of day for a tour?

Sunrise or 6–8 AM start. You finish by late morning, before afternoon heat and storms. Water is calmest in the morning. Afternoon tours (after 2 PM) are cheaper and hotter. Summer afternoons have thunderstorms; avoid them.

Do the raccoons come out in winter?

Yes. Winter (Nov–Mar) raccoons are active and visible at the shoreline. Summer raccoons are there but may retreat during peak midday heat.

When are dolphins and manatees visible?

Frequently spotted but never guaranteed. Winter (Nov–Mar) and spring (Apr–May) offer better odds. Any time of year is possible if conditions are right.