Weather and climate in Tampa (Florida)

The climate of Tampa is subtropical, with very mild winters (though characterized by short cold waves) and hot, humid summers, during which there are quite frequent thunderstorms.
The city is located in western Florida, on an inland bay, Tampa Bay. The metropolitan area includes the cities of Clearwater and St. Petersburg. South of the bay are Sarasota and Bradenton.
The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is of 16.7 °C (62 °F), that of the warmest month (August) is of 28.9 °C (84 °F). Here are the average temperatures.

Precipitation amounts to 1,255 millimeters (49.5 inches) per year: it is therefore quite abundant. It ranges from 35 mm (1.4 in) in the driest month (November) to 230 mm (9.1 in) in the wettest (August). The period from June to September is by far the wettest. Here is the average precipitation.

The winter, from December to February, is very mild and sunny.
The rains are quite rare, although depending on the year, when it rains, it can rain a lot.
There are several warm periods, in which the temperature reaches or exceeds 25 °C (77 °F). However, after sunset the temperature drops a lot, and at night, it can get cold and fog can form, especially in the districts farthest from the sea.
In addition, short cold spells can sometimes occur, when the minimum temperature drops to freezing or below. In recent decades, the record is -7 °C (19.5 °F), recorded in December 1983.
Snow in Tampa is extremely rare. In January 1977, there was a snowfall with a slight accumulation, while in December 1989 and in January 2010, there was a light snowfall without accumulation.

The summer, from June to September, is hot and muggy. Due to high humidity, the heat is sweltering. The combination of humidity and temperature can produce a perceived temperature of 40 °C (104 °F) and above.
On the hottest days of the year, the temperature usually reaches 35/36 °C (95/97 °F). The record is 37 °C (98.5 °F), recorded on several occasions.
The sun often shines, but the sky is not always clear, as cloud coverings can form, which can give rise to thunderstorms. In summer, thunderstorms break almost every day, although it doesn't always rain. There can also be hail and gusts of wind.
Between late summer and early autumn, Tampa can be affected by hurricanes or tropical storms. Hurricane season runs from June to November, although the period in which they are most likely is from August to October. Generally, hurricanes come from the east or south and therefore do not hit Tampa directly, as it faces west, however it is potentially at risk as it is developed along the coast. In fact, from time to time a hurricane can hit Florida coming from the southwest and directly affect this area, as happened with hurricane Charley in August 2004 and Ian in late September 2022. In late October 1921 too, the city was directly hit by a hurricane and was flooded.

In spring and autumn, from March to May and from early October to late November, it is generally warm to hot and sunny. The rains are not very frequent (5/7 days a month).
In May and October it is almost as hot as in summer, even though the humidity is lower and the rains are less frequent.
In March and November, on the other hand, there can be outbreaks of cold air that can bring a bit of cold at night.



On average, there are around 2,925 sunshine hours per year. The sun shines for a good number of hours. Spring is the sunniest season. Here are the average sunshine hours per day.

The sea temperature ranges between 19.5 °C (67 °F) and 30 °C (86 °F). In winter the sea is very cool, if not cold, although it is not impossible to swim in. Here are the average sea temperatures.

From time to time, Tampa can be affected by tornadoes. Tornadoes in Florida typically form from May to October, during thunderstorms, and are more frequent but less dangerous than in the south-central United States. However, Tampa was by a tornado in April 1966. Tornadoes in this area are most intense during El Niño years.

Best Time

To visit Tampa you can choose the period from mid-March to mid-April.
To go to the beach, the weather in May is generally excellent, with fewer thunderstorms than in summer.

See also the climate of Florida.

Tampa - Weather by month

Based on the period 1991-2020

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January, the coldest month of the year, is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of 16.7 °C (62 °F), with a minimum of 11.6 °C (52.8 °F) and a maximum of 21.8 °C (71.3 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 1.5 °C (34.5 °F). However, it dropped to -3.9 °C (25 °F) in January 2010.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 28 °C (82 °F). However, it reached 30 °C (86 °F) in January 1991.
Precipitation amounts to 65 mm (2.6 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 35 minutes.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 61% of the time.
The average humidity is 72%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 20.5 °C (68.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.

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February is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 18.2 °C (65 °F), with a minimum of 13.1 °C (55.5 °F) and a maximum of 23.3 °C (74 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 3.5 °C (38.5 °F). However, it dropped to -3.9 °C (25 °F) in February 1996.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 28 °C (82.5 °F). However, it reached 31.7 °C (89.1 °F) in February 2018.
Precipitation amounts to 65 mm (2.6 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 65% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 19.5 °C (67.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.

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March is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 20.3 °C (69 °F), with a minimum of 15.2 °C (59.3 °F) and a maximum of 25.4 °C (77.8 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 6.5 °C (43.5 °F). However, it dropped to 0.5 °C (32.9 °F) in March 1996.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 29.5 °C (85.5 °F). However, it reached 33.3 °C (91.9 °F) in March 2020.
Precipitation amounts to 65 mm (2.6 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 72% of the time.
The average humidity is 68%.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 20 °C (68 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.

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April is generally a warm to hot month. The average temperature is of 23.3 °C (74 °F), with a minimum of 18.2 °C (64.8 °F) and a maximum of 28.3 °C (83 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 11 °C (51.5 °F). However, it dropped to 6.1 °C (43 °F) in April 2003.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 31.5 °C (89 °F). However, it reached 35.6 °C (96.1 °F) in April 2017.
Precipitation amounts to 65 mm (2.6 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 10 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 77% of the time.
The average humidity is 67%.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 22 °C (71.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.

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May is generally a warm to hot month. The average temperature is of 26.4 °C (79 °F), with a minimum of 21.4 °C (70.6 °F) and a maximum of 31.3 °C (88.3 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 16 °C (60.5 °F). However, it dropped to 9.4 °C (48.9 °F) in May 1992.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 34 °C (93.5 °F). However, it reached 36.7 °C (98.1 °F) in May 2017.
Precipitation amounts to 65 mm (2.6 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 35 minutes.
There are on average 10 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 75% of the time.
The average humidity is 67%.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 25 °C (77 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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June is generally a very hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 28.3 °C (83 °F), with a minimum of 24.1 °C (75.4 °F) and a maximum of 32.5 °C (90.5 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 20.5 °C (69.5 °F). However, it dropped to 15 °C (59 °F) in June 2008.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 35 °C (95 °F). However, it reached 37.2 °C (99 °F) in June 2020.
Precipitation amounts to 185 mm (7.3 in), distributed over 13 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 55 minutes. June 21, the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 9.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 67% of the time.
The average humidity is 73%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 27.5 °C (82 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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July is generally a very hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 28.8 °C (84 °F), with a minimum of 24.8 °C (76.6 °F) and a maximum of 32.8 °C (91 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 22 °C (71.5 °F). However, it dropped to 20 °C (68 °F) in July 2013.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 35 °C (95 °F). However, it reached 36.1 °C (97 °F) in July 1993.
Precipitation amounts to 195 mm (7.7 in), distributed over 17 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 40 minutes.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 63% of the time.
The average humidity is 75%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 9 kph (6 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 29 °C (84.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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August, the hottest month of the year, is generally a very hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 28.9 °C (84 °F), with a minimum of 24.9 °C (76.8 °F) and a maximum of 32.9 °C (91.2 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 22.5 °C (72.5 °F). However, it dropped to 21.1 °C (70 °F) in August 1994.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 35 °C (95 °F). However, it reached 37.2 °C (99 °F) in August 2014.
Precipitation amounts to 230 mm (9.1 in), distributed over 16 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 5 minutes.
There are on average 8 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 62% of the time.
The average humidity is 76%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 9 kph (6 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 30 °C (85.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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September is generally a very hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 28.2 °C (83 °F), with a minimum of 24.1 °C (75.3 °F) and a maximum of 32.3 °C (90.2 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 20.5 °C (69 °F). However, it dropped to 16.1 °C (61 °F) in September 1991.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 34.5 °C (94.5 °F). However, it reached 36.1 °C (97 °F) in September 2018.
Precipitation amounts to 155 mm (6.1 in), distributed over 13 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 60% of the time.
The average humidity is 75%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (6 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 29 °C (84.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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October is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 25.2 °C (77 °F), with a minimum of 20.7 °C (69.2 °F) and a maximum of 29.8 °C (85.6 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 13 °C (55.5 °F). However, it dropped to 5.6 °C (42.1 °F) in October 2008.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 33 °C (91.5 °F). However, it reached 35.6 °C (96.1 °F) in October 2018.
Precipitation amounts to 60 mm (2.4 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 30 minutes.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 66% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 27.5 °C (81 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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November is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 21 °C (70 °F), with a minimum of 15.9 °C (60.7 °F) and a maximum of 26.1 °C (78.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 7.5 °C (45 °F). However, it dropped to 3.3 °C (37.9 °F) in November 1993.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 30.5 °C (86.5 °F). However, it reached 33.3 °C (91.9 °F) in November 2015.
Precipitation amounts to 35 mm (1.4 in), distributed over 5 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 40 minutes.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 63% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 24.5 °C (76.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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December is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 18.3 °C (65 °F), with a minimum of 13.3 °C (55.9 °F) and a maximum of 23.3 °C (73.9 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 4.5 °C (40 °F). However, it dropped to -1.1 °C (30 °F) in December 2000.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 28 °C (82.5 °F). However, it reached 30.6 °C (87.1 °F) in December 1991.
Precipitation amounts to 65 mm (2.6 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 25 minutes. December 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 6 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 59% of the time.
The average humidity is 73%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 22.5 °C (72 °F). Therefore, the sea can be considered barely acceptable for swimming.