The climate of Sarasota
Sarasota,
Florida, balances on the precipice of the humid subtropical Köppen climate classification (Cfa), with the defining characteristic of having no dry season. It's geographical location is nestled on the southwest coastline of the Florida peninsula, granting it the pleasure of the Gulf of Mexico's marine influence. This seaside city's climate undergoes an eclectic mix of weather expressions throughout its journey around the sun.
Temperature patterns in Sarasota undergo a slow, disciplined climb from a modest
January average high of 68.5°F (20.3°C), peaking at a balmy 88.5°F (31.4°C) in
August. This mercurial rise in temperature is mirrored by a concurrent period of escalating night-time lows, with the mercury dipping from 56.1°F (13.4°C) in January to 79.7°F (26.5°C) in August. But the atmosphere doesn't stop at directing thermal displays; it plays an essential role in sculpting the levels of humidity, which maintain a consistent presence of between 72 to 76% throughout the year.
Rainfall levels unveil another pattern in Sarasota's weather; a distinctive shift from drier to wetter periods. The first quarter of the year ushers in moderate rainfall of between 1.06" (27mm) to 1.34" (34mm). However, these numbers quickly multiply, inflating to a copious 6.42" (163mm) by August, definitely the wettest month of the year. Together, these weather parameters yield a compelling narrative of this city's climate, with episodes of boundless sunshine, spans of high humidity, and bursts of substantial rainfall.
The best time to visit Sarasota
The period from
November to
April embodies the most inviting time to visit
Sarasota. This span of months ushers in cooler temperatures, with highs oscillating between 68.5°F (20.3°C) and 82.6°F (28.1°C). Even more enticing is the dramatic contraction in the amount of rainfall during these months. Visitors can expect no more than 1.97" (50mm) of precipitation in
December, representing the driest phase Sarasota experiences in the year. Moreover, this window offsets the risks of torrential downpours with abundant sunshine, making the city a formidable destination for sun-seekers.
The worst time to visit Sarasota
Visitors might want to forgo plans to visit
Sarasota from
June through
September. The mercury undergoes a sharp upwards curtail during these months, with the average highs rocketing to between 87.3°F (30.7°C) and 88.5°F (31.4°C). Moreover, this period coincides with the zenith of rainfall, peaking at the dizzying height of 6.42" (163mm) in
August. Consequently, this phase of the year is typically marred by persistent and often extensive rain showers.
Spring weather in Sarasota
Spring ushers in a mild phase in
Sarasota, where temperatures lie in a pleasant range between 71.2°F (21.8°C) and 80.2°F (26.8°C). The soothing climatic period also brings with it a gradual increase in the levels of rainfall, transitioning from 1.06" (27mm) in
February to 1.34" (34mm) by
April. Throughout this period, visitors can enjoy an average daylight span of 12 hours and modest humidity levels that never exceed 75%.
Summer weather in Sarasota
Summers in
Sarasota see an escalation in temperature, hovering between 84.2°F (29°C) and 88.5°F (31.4°C). Coinciding with this increase, the city witnesses a surge in rainfall, with
June picking up to 5.55" (141mm) and reaching the annual high of 6.42" (163mm) by
August. Despite the propensity for rain, sunshine remains a steadfast companion with up to 13.5 hours of daylight in June.
Autumn weather in Sarasota
Autumn in
Sarasota signals a retreat in temperatures and, more distinctly, a tapering off in rainfall. While
September basks in the residual warmth of summer at 86.9°F (30.5°C), by
November, the highs capitulate to a more temperate 76.3°F (24.6°C). Similarly, the rainfall patterns show a noteworthy descent from 4.61" (117mm) in September to a much lower 1.06" (27mm) by November.
Winter weather in Sarasota
Winter months in
Sarasota offer a respite from the year's scorching highs and drenching rains. Temperatures during this period are gentle, with daytime highs varying from 68.5°F (20.3°C) in
December to 72.5°F (22.5°C) by
February. Concurrently, these months receive the least rainfall in the year, providing an annual low of 1.97" (50mm) in December. This drier period is complemented by extended sunshine hours, providing visitors ample opportunity to explore and enjoy the charms of Sarasota, completely unencumbered by unfavorable weather.
Weather in January
January ushers in
Sarasota's calendar year with mild winter weather. Relative humidity hovers around 73%, with cloud cover at 30%. Temperatures fluctuate between a soothing 56.1°F (13.4°C) at night, climbing gradually to a comfortable 68.5°F (20.3°C) during the day.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Sarasota's
February weather ushers in a slightly warmer ambience compared to
January. The sea temperature starts to hint at the approaching mild spring, while gentle breezes continue to nurture the calm atmosphere in the city.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The city of
Sarasota welcomes
March with fine, mild weather typical of the late winter transitioning into early spring. Daylight increases to 12 hours per day, and the UV index moves up the scale, indicating more sunny days. One notable feature of March is the rise in rainfall to 1.26" (32mm), which signifies a slight increment compared to
February.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Sarasota's
April begs to differ from the previous month by introducing a pronounced change in the weather. Sarasota witnesses longer daylight hours extending to 12.8 hours, creating more opportunities for outdoor pursuits. A visible increase in temperature is evident, signifying the arrival of warmer spring mornings and nights.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Sarasota is characterized by the arrival of a warmer climatic period, signaling the beginning of a hot summer. The sea temperature noticeably increases, leading to warmer and more humid coastline days. Sunshine duration extends to 13.5 hours a day, with a noticeable rise in the UV index, marking the onset of summer.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings sultry summer days to
Sarasota, with temperatures that are noticeably higher than in
May. An increased number of sunny hours of 13.9 per day paints the town a shade brighter, adding to the vibrancy of summer in Sarasota.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The
Sarasota summer continues to sear through
July, with temperatures remaining comfortably high. This marks the peak of the summer months with the maximum temperatures reaching up to 88°F (31.1°C) during the day. The cloud cover is slightly heavier than in
June, and wind speed continues to lose momentum, making for calm, sultry days.
Weather in July »Weather in August
The
August weather in
Sarasota carries forward the essence of summer from
July without any drastic changes. Daylight hours reduce marginally to 13.1 hours a day, subtly indicating the impending transition to autumn. Despite high temperatures, the town appears gorgeous in its thick cloud cover and balmy weather.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Sarasota's
September weather rings in slight changes as summer slowly starts to recede, paving the way for milder autumn. Daylight hours progressively shorten to 12.3 hours a day, indicating the near arrival of shorter autumn days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Sarasota is marked by a distinct shift towards the mild weather conditions of the fall season. The sea temperature drops noticeably, and the daytime temperature also takes a slight dip, leaning towards the cooler end of the scale.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November ushers
Sarasota into the winter season, prompting observable drops in temperature. The shift in weather from warm to cold is gradually noticeable, with a reduction in daylight hours to 10.8. Even sea temperatures recede, paving the way for cooler breezy evenings by the coast.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Sarasota wraps up the year with a full entrance into winter, bringing correspondingly lower temperatures. The weather becomes cooler and more comfortable, helping locals and visitors embrace the festive season. The UV index drops to 5 and daylight shortens to 10.4 hours a day, indicating shorter days and long, chilly nights.
Weather in December »