Weather in Tampa, Florida
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:56 AM
- Moonset
- 12:30 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Tampa at a glance
- Today vs. normal: NaN°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: February 3 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Peak growing season
As of May 17, the growing season is at its peak — frost is months away. Continue succession-planting beans and summer squash. Start fall brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, kale) from seed indoors for transplanting in late summer.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| March | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | — |
| April | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | — |
| May | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | — | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
August brings Tampa's highest temperatures (~84°F mean) while January delivers the coldest (~62°F). Rainfall reaches its peak in August (9.0 inches) and drops to its lowest point in November (1.4 inches).
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 62° | 2.6″ | 4 |
| February | 65° | 2.6″ | 4 |
| March | 69° | 2.5″ | 3 |
| April | 74° | 2.5″ | 3 |
| May | 80° | 2.6″ | 4 |
| June | 83° | 7.4″ | 10 |
| July | 84° | 7.8″ | 11 |
| August | 84° | 9.0″ | 11 |
| September | 83° | 6.1″ | 8 |
| October | 77° | 2.3″ | 4 |
| November | 70° | 1.4″ | 2 |
| December | 65° | 2.6″ | 4 |
Regional context
Tampa belongs to a humid subtropical climate region, sharing similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with nearby cities in this zone.
Similar climates: Miami, FL, Orlando, FL, Jacksonville, FL, Cape Coral, FL, Palm Bay, FL.
Naturalist notes
During late April, southern magnolia trees begin their fragrant blooming season across Tampa's landscape.
May brings the return of chuck-will's-widows, their distinctive three-note calls echoing through Florida's woodlands after dark.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Tampa?
- Tampa's last spring frost typically occurs around mid-February, with the first fall frost returning around mid-December.
- What is the rainy season in Tampa?
- August records the highest rainfall with about 9.0 inches on average; Tampa receives roughly 49 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Tampa?
- August typically brings the warmest temperatures, averaging about 84°F.
- What is the coldest month in Tampa?
- January typically brings the coldest temperatures, averaging about 62°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Tampa?
- Cool-season crops (peas, lettuce) can be planted around the last spring frost (mid-February); warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers) should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Tampa get?
- Tampa experiences about 69 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Tampa?
- Tampa's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; use the USDA's online lookup with the city ZIP for the current zone designation.
Climate
Tampa, Florida experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. January temperatures hover near 62°F while July averages 84°F — a 22°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Tampa receives about 49 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 69 rainy days.
Several factors determine Tampa's weather patterns: latitude (28.0°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These elements influence what grows here, when frost occurs, and daily weather conditions.