Is there a best time to visit Clearwater Beach?
Visiting Clearwater Beach and choosing the best time is very dependent on how you want your time spent at the beach. If you’re looking for warm weather and plenty of sunshine, the summer months (June-August) are the best. These months are also the most crowded. If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, the milder seasons (April-May and September-October) are a better choice.
What’s the weather like at Clearwater Beach during the summer?
During the summer months at Clearwater Beach you expect warm and often humid weather. Temperatures typically range from the mid-80s to the low 90s humidity can make it feel even warmer.
Summer is also the rainy season in Clearwater and the Tampa Bay area, this means occasional thunderstorms and brief showers are common, particularly in the late afternoon. the skies are often clear or partly cloudy, allowing for plenty of sunshine to enjoy the beach.
The water temperature in the Gulf of Mexico is usually very warm during this time, often reaching into the 80s Fahrenheit providing ideal conditions for swimming and other water activities.
What’s the weather like at Clearwater Beach during the Spring?
Temperatures during the spring months of March, April, and May usually range from the high 60s to the low 80s creating a comfortable climate that’s neither too hot nor too cold.
The humidity levels are generally lower in the spring compared to the summer months, which is much more preferred to most visitors. Rainfall is less frequent during this season too. The water temperature in the Gulf of Mexico starts to warm up, ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit making it suitable for water activities as spring progresses.
Spring is easily one of the best times of year to visit Clearwater Beach!
What’s the weather like at Clearwater Beach during the Winter & Fall?
Daytime highs in the Winter usually range from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit while night temperatures can dip into the 50s or 40s during a cold snap. The Gulf of Mexico’s water temperatures are cooler, ranging from the low to mid-60s Fahrenheit (16-18°C), making swimming less appealing for some.
(September through November) is a transitional season in Clearwater Beach, with temperatures gradually cooling from summer highs. Daytime temperatures in the high 70s to mid-80s in early fall, slowly cooling as winter approaches. Water temperatures in the Gulf remain warm, usually in the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit making it one of the best times for swimming and water sports.
Fall can also be part of the hurricane season, so occasional storms and heavy rainfall might occur, particularly in early fall!
Heads Up: Clearwater Beach Hotel Prices in Summer & Spring Break Go Up!
Hotel prices tend to be higher in the summer months. If you’re on a budget, consider visiting during the off-season (November-December and January-March). During the summer and especially Spring Break, hotels are often much more expensive to accommodate for the demand. Clearwater Beach Parking is harder to find and the beach is often WAY more packed.
You can find a day during November-December and January-March with few people at the beach. However Summer and Spring months can be almost too packed for comfort if you go to the beach right off the hotels (by the Hilton south of Pier 60.)