I am traveling to Sanibel Island the first week in October. Is this a busy time, and how is the weather? And of course how is the shelling then?

Thanks for any response

Average mid-Oct temp over there appears to be around mid to high 70's. It may be "busier" in October than it probably is now. Have you been before? You need to realize that Sanibel are not exactly "people-central" even when the place might be "crowded" at least it has never seemed that way when we have visited in the Fall and Winter.

I cannot really speak to the shelling issue since I have only done so on nearby Captiva and that was usually in early to mid-December. There were a lot of the same type of shells, and I do mean a lot but if you kept your eyes really peeled some great ones turned up.

The place is great if like a quieter beach.

I've been to SW Florida in October several times. Visiting Sanibel then is wonderful as it is much quieter than in the winter season. Parking is easy, as are driving around and getting a seat in a restaurant! There are several public beaches on Sanibel and Captiva. Not a really sheller, I sometimes pick up shells at Lighthouse Beach. After a storm or at low tide seem to be the best times. My favourite beach is the one at the very top of Captiva (pass the Starbucks on your left and public parking for the beach is 500 yards further on). From there you can walk back along the beach to the Mucky Duck for lunch. The weather in October is usually very good.

I have not been in October but I have been on St Pete beach in October and it's the best time to go IMO.

I would think the shelling would be good all year round, as SusanMargaret said, especially after a storm.

I will be in Sanibel in 5 weeks and I'm counting down the days. It has become my favorite in Florida. Slow pace, not crowded, except at 5pm coming/leaving the island.