When to Put the Top Down: Sarasota Convertible Weather Guide

A convertible is the most popular way to experience Sarasota, and for most of the year the weather cooperates. The exceptions are predictable, so a little planning keeps the top down when you want it down.

Winter and spring: the easy season

From roughly late fall through spring, Sarasota is dry, sunny and comfortable, and it is the best stretch of the year to rent a convertible. It is also our busiest period for weekend bookings, so call ahead if you want a specific car on a specific Saturday.

Summer: plan around the afternoon storm

In summer, thunderstorms often build in the afternoon, and they can arrive quickly. The simple fix is to schedule your open-top drive for the morning or the evening and keep the early afternoon for lunch, the beach or the pool. If a storm does roll in, a good convertible roof closes quickly, and the all-wheel-drive cars in our fleet are easier to manage on wet pavement.

Sun and heat

Even on a mild day, the Florida sun is strong with the top down. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat you do not mind losing to the wind, and keep water in the car. Leather seats get hot after sitting in the sun, so park in shade or use a garage when you can.

Which convertibles to pick

The Huracán EVO Spyder, Audi R8 Spyder, Rolls-Royce Dawn and Corvette C8 Convertible are all open-top options. The Corvette is the entry point at $399 a day, the R8 Spyder sits at $799, and the Huracán and Dawn are at the top of the fleet. Our convertible guide compares them in more detail.

If the forecast turns on the morning of your rental, call us. We would rather move a delivery window than have you drive a convertible with the roof up all afternoon.