Weather in St. Petersburg: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

The city of St. Petersburg is located just across the bay from Tampa, along the coast of West Central Florida. The city has an overall average high temperature of 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) and an average low of 63 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius). St. Petersburg is surrounded by water, which helps keep temperatures more moderate in the winter and just a bit warmer in the summer.

Shorts and sandals are always in style and a great choice if you're on the beach side of the city, but visitors to downtown may want to dress in resort casual wear to blend in with the locals. Of course, don't forget to pack your bathing suit if you're visiting St. Pete Beach. While Gulf of Mexico temperatures can be quite chilly in the winter, sunbathing is usually not out of the question.

The weather usually cooperates in March for the Firestone Grand Prix, a world-class motorsport event that roars into town, but you may have to dodge some raindrops the following months if you take in a ballgame at Tropicana Field to see the Tampa Bay Rays play ball.

Fast Climate Facts

• Hottest Month: July and August (84 degrees Fahrenheit, 29 degrees Celsius)
• Coldest Month: January (63 degrees Fahrenheit, 17 degrees Celsius)
• Wettest Month: August (6.4 inches)

Hurricane Season in St. Petersburg

The Atlantic Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, but August, September, and October are the most active months for tropical storms and hurricanes.

Historically, St. Petersburg has been hit by a number of devastating storms. In 2004, both Hurricane Frances and Hurricane Jeanne blew into town, and a year later, Hurricane Wilma battered the region. In 2017, a Category 4 storm named Hurricane Irma landed and caused significant damage across the coastlines.

If you are visiting during the hurricane season, download the hurricane app from the American Red Cross and be sure to stay up-to-date with incoming tropical storms.

Lightning in St. Petersburg

Considering Florida is known as the Lightning Capital of the U.S., St. Petersburg is situated in what is often described as "Lightning Alley." Lightning is a serious risk during the area's summer thunderstorms, and visitors should be aware of how to protect themselves by staying inside, avoiding open spaces or tall objects, and not standing near metal—among others.

Spring in St. Petersburg

The Sunshine City is a great place to visit in the spring. In general, this time of year is drier, and temperatures haven't yet reached summer's peaks. Room rates can be higher due to popular sporting events, spring break, and the beautiful weather, but overall, it's worth it due to cooler temperatures and bright, sunny days.

What to pack: Bring a sweatshirt for the cooler evenings, but in general, short-sleeved tops, shorts, skirts, and dresses are appropriate spring attire in St. Petersburg.

Summer in St. Petersburg

July and August are the warmest months in St. Petersburg, and they're also extremely humid thanks to high amounts of rainfall. With temperatures regularly exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), temperatures feel especially oppressive during these months. Hurricane season also kicks off on June 1. If you can bear the heat and humidity, this is a great time of the year to find discounts.

What to pack: Pack breathable, light clothing, such as shorts, T-shirts, sundresses, and flowy blouses that won't stick to your skin. Don't forget sunscreen and beachwear too!

Fall in St. Petersburg

The heat and rain continue into September, which is also the month with the highest likelihood of hurricane activity. Luckily, by October, things cool down a bit and also dry up. In November, as most of the rest of the country fully enters winter, you can expect long, dry days in St. Petersburg with very little rainfall and pleasantly warm temperatures.

What to pack: While a September visit will warrant summer-appropriate clothing, you'll be able to bust out the sweaters (or at least a cardigan!) for the evenings by the time October rolls around. Luckily, it never gets too cold for short-sleeves during the day in St. Petersburg.

Winter in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg gets a little cooler during the winter months, but never so cold that you can't enjoy spending time outdoors. Temperatures during the day hover well above 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius), with nights dropping to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius)—just enough for a light jacket, but you'll almost never need anything heavier. Manatee sightings are common during this time of the year.

What to pack: Add a light jacket to your suitcase, but otherwise, relish in not having to pack heavy winter gear like the rest of the U.S.

Although central Florida is typically warm year-round, the amount of sunlight you'll have to enjoy downtown St. Petersburg or St. Pete Beach and the amount of rainfall you can expect varies greatly depending on when you visit. Winter and spring are the best seasons to visit because you'll experience plenty of warm weather without too many rainstorms.