Weather in Sarasota

Though we may not experience the leaves changing/turning colors, we've got big, green palm trees. And for many, that's good enough! Our shoulder season tends to be quite mild and pleasurable with a comfortable warmth, little rain and balmy breezes.

Autumn is a busy time of year here, with a bevy of outdoor festivals, community events, local markets and more happening. As people get excited for the approaching holidays, the area goes into full celebration mode and it's easy to see why.

The hotter temps of summer begin to drop, and cooler Gulf Coast breezes provide reprieve for those who prefer to be outside. From Labor Day weekend into December, enjoy tons of outdoor activities and family-fun things to do throughout the fall—including harvest outings to commemorate autumn's beautiful, breezy weather. 

Winters are much cooler, drier, sometimes windy and partly cloudy. Even during the winter solstice, our sunsets are later than northern states, between 6 and 6:30 p.m. We don't get snowfall, as temperatures typically stay within the mid-50s to low 70s during winter, with it rarely ever going below 39°F.

It's no wonder why flocks of birds fly south year after year, just as part-time residents do, from December to March. With unbeatable winter weather compared to our fellow states, many escape the frost, snow and ice from up north to experience the cool 60s that partake mostly this time of year.

Though you may experience an influx of people here during this time, the weather makes up for it, with little to no rain, some wind and tons of things to do outside—on and off the water. Many swimmers don't mind the refreshing dip in water temp, compared to more northern waters, so don't skip the beach just because it's "wintertime"—we have lifeguards year-round at public beaches. If you enjoy surfing, this is also prime time to perhaps catch a cold front and winter swell at Venice Jetty.

The weather is pretty much perfect from March through May, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the high 80s, with little rain during these months. Spring remains one of the most popular and traveled times of the year for visitors to come and snag a few rays of Suncoast sunshine. 

While much of the Panhandle and east coast Florida cities are commonly deemed as spring break central, Sarasota does remain a popular spring break town for many out-of-towners. Those looking for less of a party and more relaxation will flock to the Gulf Coast for a warm, sun-filled beach retreat before heading back to work or school. 

Spring training is also a popular reason for visitors to come down to Sarasota this time of year, as a chance to experience a more intimate setting with their favorite MLB players. Many sports fans and those looking to defrost their winter-chilled bones make their way down south in March, arguably one of the nicest months weather-wise here,  to catch a game or two.

Summers are hot and sunny, with temperature ranges between the high 70s and mid-90s. During this "wet season," we often see occasional afternoon rain and/or thunderstorms, which keep the vegetation and flora vibrantly green and lush this time of year. 

Though the heat and humidity are something we face in a subtropical climate, if you love soaking up the Vitamin D and sporting tanks and sandals from morning to night, this is a great time to visit. Some additional pros of coming during the summer is it's technically "off-season," so you may find cheaper deals on flights, accommodations and tours, as well as avoid the inevitable crowds that flock here in peak season.

Summer is also widely considered the locals' favorite time of the year, as the beaches and parks become less packed and parking is a breeze! Added bonus? Summer solstice in the southern part of the country means we get longer days of sunlight compared to states farther from the equator, so you can expect daylight during summer till 8:30 or 9 p.m. That means more hours to play outside and a better chance to catch a Gulf Coast sunset! And if you're interested in meteorology, summertime is a great chance to witness a true Florida thunderstorm (from a safe place indoors or at least 30 miles away, using the 30/30 rule of thumb). Our lightning shows are unlike any in the world.