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Weather Overview for Tampa

Tampa is a Gulf Coast city located in the state of Florida belonging to the country of the United States of America (USA) and is the 54^th largest city in the USA.  It is today also referred to as the Tampa Bay Area.  Tampa has a population of 344,000  and is surrounded by 2 natural bodies of water, Old Tampa Bay and Hillsborough Bay which both come together to form Tampa Bay which in turn flows into the Gulf of Mexico.  The proximity to these bodies of water moderates local temperatures and creates humidity in the atmosphere.  Tampa climate is said to be a humid subtropical climate.  The weather being, warm and humid during the summer with frequent thunder storms, dry winters and freezing conditions every few years.  This city has a summer wet season where nearly two thirds of annual precipitation falls between the months of June through to September.  Tampa weather is also affected by passing hurricanes and June to November is the hurricane season.  Tampa feels the effects of hurricanes but direct hits are not common.  The last Tampa Bay hurricane was in 1921 causing 10 million dollars of damage to the area.  The rain which falls as a result of these storms is essential for the replenishment of the water supply in the area.  You can also expect late afternoon thunderstorms during summer afternoons which high winds, small hail and torrential rain accompany.  Tampa is also known as the ‘Lightning Capital of North America’ as storms are so regular during summer due to deadly and dangerous lightning created which has been known to kill and seriously injure several people each time.

Due to the weather conditions in the summer Tampa is most popular to visit during autumn, winter and late spring.  Rain is less frequent in autumn.  There is a threat of light winter freeze from November to March but this normally only happens every other year with big freezes only occurring every 15 to 20 years.  Temperatures are hot from mid April through to October.  Tampa’s wet season produces a lot of rain measuring an average of 26.1 inches from June to September then only 18.6 inches during the remaining months of the year.  In summer temperatures reach average highs of 90 and evening temperatures drop to average 70’s.  Fog can also be a problem in the spring and winter.  The hottest / wettest month of the year is August and the coldest month of the year is January.  The topography in the area is fairly flat. 

Tampa has a lot to offer from its vibrant night life where it is rated sixth on Maxim Magazines list of top party cities.  It has world class golf, aquariums, sport arenas and theme parks so there are activities for all the family whatever the age.  The culture of Tampa is of many stage and performing arts establishments and theatres.  It is home to a lot of professional wrestlers and death metal bands, along with other musical bands such as Equilibrium, Christian Metalcore and Underoath.  There are a number of varied subjected museums here along with a former World War 11 Victory Ship which is now used as a museum ship.  If you prefer the outdoors there are over 165 parks and beaches, Lowry Park Zoo and Adventure Island – Water Park.  In 2008 this city was placed as the 5^th best outdoor city by Forbes.  For those who prefer to shop there are plenty of shopping districts to get absorbed in.  There are also plenty of annual festivals filling the streets of Tampa, such as: Gaspirilla Pirate Festival – mock pirate invasion, Outback Bowl – New Years Day Festival and plenty more.  If you prefer to be in the hustle bustle of the spectators of a professional sports match, then you would be in luck here as Tampa has teams in 3 professional sports leagues of baseball, soccer and hockey.  This city is a great place to enjoy the weather, attractions, culture or sports.  You can look at the weather averages which provide a weather forecast to give you a good idea of when the best time to book your holiday would be. 

In Summer in Tampa you can expect high temperatures in the 90’s and low temperatures in the 70’s and very often afternoon thundershowers with high humidity.   Temperatures are usually hot from May through to October.  The rainy season starts in June and carries on all through summer.  The sea temperature is averaged at 84⁰F.  You can expect 8 to 9 hours of daily sunshine in this season.  The hottest months are July and August.  The wettest month is August.

In Autumn temperatures become cooler and rainfall less frequent but tropical storms and hurricanes are likely.  In this season temperatures tend to reach highs remaining in the 80’s but can reach 90⁰F.  November is normally the coldest month in this season and September being the wettest.  You can expect sea temperatures to range from lows in the mid 50’s to highs in the mid 80’s with 7 to 8 hours of daily sunshine.  

In Winter the climate is normally dry and mild with temperatures reaching highs in the 70’s and lows in the 50’s, temperatures rarely drop below 30’s but can happen every few years. Tampa has only ever suffered 1 blizzard which was in 1899 with bay effect snow coming off Tampa bay.  The last time there was any measurable snow in this season was in 1977.  There can be the occasional rainfall brought by a cold front and cooler temperatures but sea temperatures remain warm staying in the 60’s.  The wettest and coldest month is February.

In Spring the weather is still normally mild with temperatures reaching highs in the 70’s and lows in the 50’s.  There are late season cold fronts which occur in this season.  These cold fronts with the warm air sometimes cause thunderstorms.  The sea temperatures start warming up again in this season.  The hottest month is normally May and the wettest months being March and May.