St. Armands Circle & Lido Key Weather
Sarasota's balmy climate is one of the reasons visitors return every year: mild winters, spectacular springs and falls, and long beach-ready summers. Here is the current forecast, monthly averages, and what to pack for each season. Climate data is for the 34236 ZIP code (Sarasota).
Last verified: August 14, 2026
Current conditions & forecast
Monthly averages
| Averages | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 68° | 68° | 74° | 80° | 85° | 88° | 88° | 88° | 88° | 84° | 76° | 70° |
| Low | 52° | 54° | 58° | 64° | 70° | 74° | 76° | 76° | 75° | 68° | 61° | 55° |
| Rainfall | 2.3" | 3.1" | 3.6" | 1.3" | 3.1" | 6.3" | 6.8" | 8.6" | 7.1" | 2.3" | 2.1" | 2.4" |
Long-term climate averages for Sarasota. The chart makes the rhythm obvious: drier, cooler months run roughly October through May; the wet season peaks in June through September.
Seasons at a glance
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Mild and comfortable — highs near 70°F, lows in the 50s. A Gulf breeze can make evenings cool, so bring a light jacket. Best months for outdoor dining without the heat.
Spring (Mar-May)
Arguably the best beach weather of the year: warm, dry days in the mid-80s and evenings that stay pleasant. April is among the driest months.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Hot, humid, and rainy — afternoon thunderstorms are a daily ritual. Mornings are prime beach time before the clouds build. Carry water and use shade.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Temperatures ease and the crowds thin. September and October can still see wet weather and the tail of hurricane season, but by November the pattern dries out beautifully.
Rainy season & storms
Sarasota's summer afternoons reliably bring brief, intense thunderstorms — the Gulf Coast is one of North America's lightning hotspots. If you hear thunder, get inside; the storms typically pass quickly. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with the busiest stretch usually August through October. Before a storm threatens, monitor the National Weather Service - Tampa Bay and your hotel's guidance.
Sunset & photography tips
Gulf sunsets are the reward for a beach day. The pros say much of the color comes after the sun dips below the horizon — stay, turn around to see the sky behind you, and keep shooting. On Lido Beach you get open water to the west, which is why it draws a crowd every evening.
Live conditions links
National Weather Service
Official forecasts, warnings, and radar for the Tampa Bay/Sarasota region.
Area webcams
See the bay, downtown, and Siesta Key live before you decide on your beach day.
Plan your beach time: on summer days, aim for the water by mid-morning and plan indoor stops (shops, lunch) for the 2-5 p.m. storm window. See the Lido Beach guide and the one-day itinerary for timing.