Sarasota (FL) Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Sarasota.
Climate overview of Sarasota
Sarasota, Florida, United States of America, experiences moderate temperature changes through the seasons. August is the warmest month with daytime highs of 33°C (91°F), while January is the coolest at 22°C (72°F).
Rainfall is high, totalling around 1170 mm (46 in) per year. August is the wettest month and November the driest. The city also experiences distinct dry (November to December) and wet (July to September) seasons, with very warm summers and pleasant winters. The most sunshine falls in May, with an average of 10.5 hours of daily sunshine.
Sarasota Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Sarasota - and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Sarasota
The climate in Sarasota experiences moderate temperature changes, with mild shifts between seasons. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a very warm 33°C (91°F) in August, the warmest time of the year, to a pleasant 22°C (72°F) during cooler months like January.
At night, you can expect temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) in August to around 11°C (52°F) during January.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Sarasota
Sarasota has a relatively rainy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1170 mm (46 in) of rainfall annually. Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. In the wettest month, August it receives heavy rainfall, averaging 200 mm (7.9 in) of precipitation, recorded across 21 rainy days. In contrast, the driest month November brings less rainfall, with 33 mm (1.3 in) over 5 rainy days. For more details, please visit our Sarasota Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Sarasota
Seasonal changes in sunshine hours are quite dramatic in Sarasota. While May receives considerable daily sunshine with up to 10.5 hours, December marks the darkest time of the year, where sunshine is scarce with only 6.4 hours of sunlight per day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Humidity in Sarasota by Month
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Sarasota.
The city experiences its highest humidity in August, reaching 78%. In April, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 69%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Best Time to Visit Sarasota
Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.
- Best overall: January, February, March, April, October, November and December
- Warmest weather: June, July, August and September
- Most sunshine: April and May
- Wettest months: June, July, August and September, when rainfall is highest.
- Seasonal pattern: Distinct dry (November to December) and wet (July to September) seasons, with very warm summers and pleasant winters
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Sarasota
What is the best time to visit Sarasota?
January, February, March, April, October, November and December typically offer the most optimal weather in Sarasota. In contrast, August and September tend to have less optimal conditions. Sarasota has distinct dry (November to December) and wet (July to September) seasons, with very warm summers and pleasant winters.
What temperatures can I expect in Sarasota?
Daytime highs range from 22°C (72°F) in January to 33°C (91°F) in August. Nighttime lows range from 11°C (52°F) to 25°C (77°F).
How much rain does Sarasota get?
Annual rainfall is around 1170 mm (46 in). August is the wettest month with 200 mm (7.9 in), while November is the driest with 33 mm (1.3 in).
How sunny is Sarasota?
Sarasota receives around 2,924 hours of sunshine per year. May is the sunniest month with 314 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 191 hours. Overall, Sarasota enjoys abundant sunshine.
Sarasota 3-Day Forecast
Sarasota (FL) 3-Day Forecast
Sarasota on the map
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