The best time to visit Tampa, FL, is between November and March. These months bring the famous Florida sunshine to the Tampa Bay area without the high humidity and hurricane risk of the summers.
Tampa has a humid subtropical climate, almost guaranteeing summer fun whenever you visit. But the hot and wet period from May to October brings oppressive temperatures and steamy conditions. The threat of thunderstorms can put a big dampener on your beach break.
By October, the sun is shining, and the humidity has dropped. The temperatures stay pleasant until May, making it the ideal time to enjoy Tampa’s famous outdoor attractions.
Depending on what you want to do, there’s a perfect time in Tampa for you. Decide when to go to this popular Florida Gulf Coast hotspot with this complete Tampa weather guide by season and month!
Got more travel plans on the horizon? Check out our other weather & when to go guides and our Tampa Travel Guide for more tips & recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do on your vacation!
Weather in Tampa
By season
Spring
Get a head start on your summer tan with a springtime visit to Tampa. The skies are blue, and there’s little rainfall, so you can enjoy all the city’s most popular outdoor activities. We’d recommend coming to Tampa as early in the spring as possible before the signs of the rainy season start to appear.
Temperatures and humidity start to rise as soon as the end of March. This makes it a great time to cool off with waterside activities or a trip to one of Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast beaches. Water temperatures are a cool 70°F, perfect for swimming. By May, this rises to a bath water temperature around the low 80s. Not quite the refreshing dip you wanted!
With tourists flocking to Tampa for spring break, expect it to be crowded, especially around the pools and Tampa’s beautiful beaches. Hotels, activities, and restaurants fill up faster during this time, and things will be more expensive than usual.
Summer
By May, the temperatures start to take off and are soaring by the height of the summer. Even if you love the heat, the summer humidity is high around Tampa Bay, making the air sticky and unpleasant. It’s important to stay hydrated on a summer visit and take lots of breaks inside if you’re sensitive to hot weather.
If the heat is too much, there’s a great choice of indoor attractions with air conditioning. In fact, you should prepare a list of fun indoor activities, as you’ll face an almost daily threat of thunderstorms.
If you thought the muggy weather would keep crowds low, you’d be mistaken. Schools are out, families want some beach time, and prices skyrocket. Expect the biggest crowds at the water parks. People are willing to pay the premium prices to get in if it means that they can cool off.
Fall
Fall is a great time to visit Tampa. The hurricane season draws to a close by the end of September, bringing cooler air and less temperamental weather.
You can almost feel the city breathing a sigh of relief as the summer tourists disappear and the humidity melts away. While northern cities are snuggling up for the winter, the locals here are emerging from their air-conditioned cocoon.
This is a window of opportunity before the snowbirds descend. Hotel occupancy is low, and you’ll find fantastic deals on flights and accommodations at the most popular Tampa hotels. It’s warm enough to eat outside in the evenings, and you’ll find it easier to get a reservation in the most popular restaurants.
With clear skies and perfect temperatures, you can explore Tampa’s top tourist attractions without the crowds. And if you still want to tick off some of the beautiful beaches around Tampa, the water isn’t too cold for a refreshing dip.
Winter
Winter is a busy time in Tampa, with lots of visitors flocking to escape the icy conditions in other parts of the country. If you want to spend the festive period somewhere warm this year, Tampa is an excellent option. It might not be a winter wonderland, but many festivals and events take place throughout the city during the winter months.
It’s easy to see why travelers are drawn to Tampa Bay’s mild temperatures and blue skies. Throughout your day, you won’t need much more than a light jacket. The wind does get up in the winter months, making it a fun time for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing.
The winter temperatures can be unpredictable in Tampa. Sometimes the city gets hit with a big cold snap. When this happens, it still feels crisp and autumnal compared to the below-freezing temperatures in the rest of the United States. Pack some extra layers, just in case.
By month
January
January is the coldest month in Tampa. But conditions aren’t unpleasant, with average highs of 71°F 22°C) and average lows not dropping below 52°F (11°C). Skies are sunny 65% of the time, so you’ll be comfortable walking around in light layers.
It rains around seven days in January, with an average of 1.1 to 3.7 inches of precipitation throughout the month. Put an umbrella or waterproof jacket in your bag to keep you dry.
The kids are back at school, and everyone’s winding down after the festive period. This makes January a quiet time to visit with good deals on flights and hotels.
February
February is the windiest month in Tampa. It’s definitely gusty, with average wind speeds between 9.1 and 14.6 mph. The temperatures are a little higher, with average highs of 74°F (23°C) and average lows of 56°F (13°C). But the windy conditions can make it feel colder than it is.
Thanks to the winds and the post-Christmas slump, there aren’t a lot of events going on in Tampa in February, with the big exception of the Florida State Fair. The city is quieter, with reduced rates on hotels and the most popular Tampa tourist attractions.
March
Spring comes fast for Tampa in March. The winds are still high and average lows are still a little chilly, at 59°F (15°C). But average highs are 78°F (26°C), and most days, the temperature is above 70°F (21°C) in the forecast.
Days are getting longer, with an average of 12 hours of daylight, and the sun is out 71% of the time. The city starts to come alive with different festivals to add to your Tampa vacation.
Attend cute springtime events like the Plant City Strawberry Festival or enjoy the start of the Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival. Every year, historic Ybor City hosts the Tampa Pride Diversity Parade, a vibrant start to spring in Tampa.
Keep in mind that March tends to bring an influx of college students to the Tampa area for spring break festivities. Book ahead if you want to avoid steeper hotel prices and lower availability.
April
Tampa has some beautiful weather in April. Average lows are 65°F (18°C), and average highs peak at a comfortable 83°F (28°C). It’s sunny 75% of the time, and the humidity hasn’t kicked in yet, so you can enjoy being outside at every opportunity.
You’ll find a packed events calendar for Tampa in April. Sample local cuisine at the Tampa Bay Food and Wine Fest at Busch Gardens. Or, for a unique start to your vacation, watch 10,000 ducks float down the Hillsborough River in the Incredible Duck Race. The race takes place in Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa.
May
The oppressive heat of the summer isn’t here yet, but things are getting hotter in May. Average lows sit at 71°F (22°C), and average highs are hitting 88°F (31°C). With almost daily highs in the 80s (high 20s to low 30s °C) and average humidity ramping up to 70%, summer is officially around the corner. The storm risk is up, with an average of five stormy days hitting Tampa in May.
This month is your last opportunity to visit Tampa in optimum conditions. May offers the best of everything: sunny weather and cool water temperatures without unbearable heat and high humidity. Iconic Tampa events like MayFest help you get the best out of the city.
Note: Like in most popular US tourist destinations, hotel prices tend to be higher on the Memorial Day long weekend. Book well ahead!
June
June is hot, with average lows of 75°F (24°C) and highs of 91°F (33°C). The humidity reaches an average of 74%. Despite the extra heat, the days aren’t as sunny. The sunshine drops to 67%, and there are mostly clear skies on six days in the month.
It’s also wet in June. Expect an average total precipitation of 7.4 inches spread over 13 days. Up to half of the days in June could be stormy, and there’s a 10% chance of a named storm approaching. There’s also a 4% chance of a category-one or category-two hurricane.
July
You can feel storms constantly brewing in July. It’s hot, with average highs of 91°F (33°C). With humidity at 77%, it’s common for the heat to boil over. Expect 20 of the days in July to be stormy. Despite regular thunderstorms, July is a safer time in the wet season to visit. Tropical storms are rare, and the chance of a named storm is low at 2%.
July is cloudy and wet. Sunshine is down to 62%, and two days will have clear skies. Prepare to change plans often, with an average of 7.8 inches of precipitation spread over 17 days.
August
August in Tampa is a triple threat, being the hottest, wettest, and most humid month. Temperatures soar with average highs of 91°F (33°C). Even at night, the lows stay around 77°F (25°C). Over half the days in August are rainy, with an average total precipitation of 9 inches. The humidity peaks with an average of 78%.
If you were hoping for a sea breeze to cool things off, you’re out of luck: August is the least windy month. All this heat reaches boiling point with 21 days being stormy. There’s a 6% chance of a named storm approaching and a 2% chance of a hurricane within 100 miles.
September
September is hot and humid, but you’ll get some relief from the downpours. Temperatures don’t budge much, with average lows of 75°F (24°C) and highs of 90°F (32°C). The humidity stays at a sticky average of 78%.
Rain eases up with an average of 6.1 inches over 13 days of the month. The daily storms reduce to an average of 11 days. But the threat of serious storms is high. There’s a 12% chance of a named storm approaching. There’s also a 4% chance of hurricanes and a 2% chance of a major category three to five hurricane coming within 100 miles.
October
October brings relief to Tampa as the wet season draws to a close. Humidity starts to fall, with an average of 74%, and the average high is 86°F (30°C), with both falling quickly in the second half of the month.
It’s much drier in October, with an average of 2.3 inches over seven days. There are fewer daily storms, but the chance of a named storm and hurricanes remains high.
The warm and dry weather makes Tampa a great option for celebrating Oktoberfest. It’s the first major event after the muggy summers, so it’s usually lively.
November
November is an ideal month in Tampa, with sunny but comfortable conditions and low rainfall. Average temperatures sit between 61°F and 79°F (16°C to 26°C), with most days reaching the 70s (21°C to 26°C). The average monthly temperature will keep cooling down now until February.
If you’re looking for a warm, sunny, and dry start to the festive season, Tampa is a safe bet. An average of 1.4 inches of precipitation is spread over five days of rain. Make the most of being outdoors for twinkling events like Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights or tackling popular Tampa day trips like Hillsborough River State Park. Another option is to add other cities near Tampa like St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, Orlando, or Clearwater into your holiday plans.
December
December is a pleasant month with average highs of 74°F (23°C) and lows of 56°F (13°C). Twenty-two of the days will reach 74°F.
If you’re looking to spend Christmas with clear blue skies, December isn’t the sunniest of months in Tampa. It’s sunny 61% of the time, and the skies are clear on ten of the days. But rainfall averages at 2.6 inches and the threat of hurricanes now stays low until July.
There are some excellent festive events in Tampa. Make the most of being outdoors at Tampa’s largest lighted boat parade and Enchant Christmas in St. Petersburg.
