Marco Island in February.
The shortest month is also the busiest. Dry, mid‑70s, stone crab claws as big as your fist, and Presidents' Day week packed wall‑to‑wall. Plan early or pay double.
Weather
Highs 73–76°F, lows in the high 50s, water around 68–70°F. Maybe one rainy afternoon all month. Humidity stays low. Sunset creeps from 6:10pm to 6:30pm.
Prices
Same as January — $500–$1,200/night for beachfront, more around Presidents' Day. Avoid the week of Presidents' Day unless you locked rates last summer. The week after is noticeably calmer for the same money.
What to book first
- Stone crab dinner — season ends May 1 but February is peak supply. Reserve a week out.
- A sunset cruise on a calm‑water evening.
- A half‑day shelling boat to Cape Romano or Kice Island.
What to skip
Anything that requires a long drive on Presidents' Day weekend — Tamiami Trail backs up badly.
One local note
The Gulf can flip from glass to two‑foot chop in an hour if a cold front swings through. If your boat captain wants to move you a day earlier, say yes.