With the Hillsborough River flowing through its downtown and bays that provide a direct path to the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa is perfectly situated for cruise ships to set sail year round from its port. Located in West Central Florida, it is the easternmost city in the area known as Tampa Bay and has an overall average high temperature of 82° and an average low of 63°.
On average Tampa's warmest month is July and January is the average coolest month, with overnight freezing temperatures possibility.
The maximum average rainfall usually falls in August, as afternoon thunderstorms make nearly daily appearances. The highest temperature ever recorded in Tampa was a sweltering 99° in 1985 and the lowest recorded temperature was a very cold 18° in 1962.
If you're visiting Tampa in the summertime, dress as cool as possible and avoid the mid-day sun. The Florida Aquarium is the perfect place to beat the Florida heat, but if you're visiting Busch Gardens you may want to slather on the sun screen and wear a hat since you will be in the sun most of the time.
Otherwise, when visiting Tampa, dress for the season. Shorts are perfect for the summer and be sure to pack an umbrella. In the winter, slacks are more appropriate, but be sure to pack a sweater and jacket in case it turns chilly in the evenings.
Tampa, like most of Florida, has not been affected by a hurricane in more than a decade. Of course, these unpredictable storms can strike anytime during the Atlantic Hurricane season which runs from June 1 through November 30, but August and September seem to be the most active months.
If you're looking for more specific monthly weather information, below is the average temperatures and rainfall for Tampa:
January
- Average High: 70° F
- Average Low: 52° F
- Average Precipitation: 2.27 inches
February
- Average High Temperature: 72° F
- Average Low Temperature: 54° F
- Average Precipitation: 2.67 inches
March
- Average High Temperature: 76° F
- Average Low Temperature: 58° F
- Average Precipitation: 2.84 inches
April
- Average High Temperature: 81° F
- Average Low Temperature: 62° F
- Average Precipitation: 1.80 inches
May
- Average High Temperature: 86° F
- Average Low Temperature: 71° F
- Average Precipitation: 6.33 inches
June
- Average High Temperature: 86° F
- Average Low Temperature: 69° F
- Average Precipitation: 2.85 inches
July
- Average High Temperature: 90° F
- Average Low Temperature: 75° F
- Average Precipitation: 6.49 inches
August
- Average High Temperature: 90° F
- Average Low Temperature: 75° F
- Average Precipitation: 7.60 inches
September
- Average High Temperature: 89° F
- Average Low Temperature: 74° F
- Average Precipitation: 6.54 inches
October
- Average High Temperature: 84° F
- Average Low Temperature: 68° F
- Average Precipitation: 2.29 inches
November
- Average High Temperature: 78° F
- Average Low Temperature: 61° F
- Average Precipitation: 4.62 inches
December
- Average High Temperature: 72° F
- Average Low Temperature: 55° F
- Average Precipitation: 2.30 inches
Visit weather.com for current weather conditions, 5- or 10-day forecast and more.
If you're planning a Florida vacation or getaway, find out more about weather, events and crowd levels from our month-by-month guides.