Weather in Tampa

Newcomers to Tampa will enjoy pleasant weather all year round. Tampa is officially said to have a humid subtropical climate, but some aspects of the weather here verge on tropical, especially close to the waterfront areas. As is the case throughout much of Florida, Tampa’s climate features hot, humid summers marked by frequent thunderstorms and mild, dry winters. Spring and autumn are warm and pleasant.

Most of the annual rains in Tampa fall between the months of June and September. In terms of temperatures, annual highs range from 65°F to 95°F (18°C to 35°C) throughout the year and rarely exceed 100°F (38°C). The city’s proximity to large bodies of water accounts for both its moderate temperatures and high humidity levels during summer. Areas further away from the coast experience greater fluctuations in temperature and weather patterns.

The hot and wet season starts in May and runs through October. Seasonal highs are around 90°F (32°C), with lows averaging 70°F (24°C). Humidity levels are high at this time of the year, and thunderstorms are likely daily. Summer thunderstorms feature brief periods of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and lightning.

Afternoon storms tend to be followed by pleasant, clear weather and cooler evening temperatures, while morning storms usually bring high humidity levels. At times, storms can be quite intense, bringing damaging wind, hail, torrential rain and the occasional tornado.

The drier months in Tampa begin in November and last till the end of April. The weather during these months tends to be sunny and mild, but temperatures do start to drop slightly. While the skies remain clear, highs during the coolest part of the winter drop to an average of around 70°F (21°C). Tampa residents may also experience the odd cold front, which brings rain and a few colder days.