"Do I really need a sweatshirt in Florida?" is one of the questions we hear most on St. Armands Circle, usually from someone who didn't pack one. The answer depends on the month. This guide covers what to pack for Sarasota in every season, based on National Weather Service normals for the Sarasota-Bradenton airport, plus the sun and beach gear you'll want year round and what's easy to pick up once you're here.
Packing at a Glance
- Winter (December to February): highs in the low to mid 70s, lows in the 50s. Bring a sweatshirt or fleece for the evenings.
- Spring (March to May): highs climb from the upper 70s to the upper 80s, and it's one of the drier stretches of the year.
- Summer (June to September): highs around 90 to 91, warm nights, and the rainy season. Pack light, quick-dry clothes and a small umbrella.
- Fall (October and November): warm days that ease into the 80s and then the 70s, with cooler nights by late November.
- All year: sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. The sun is strong here even in January.
- Carry-on liquids: 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less per container, in one quart-size bag.
Sarasota Weather by Season: The Numbers
These are the 1991 to 2020 climate normals for the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport from the National Weather Service. Normals are averages, so any given week can run warmer or cooler.
- December: average high 75, low 55. About 2.3 inches of rain.
- January: average high 72, low 52. About 2.8 inches.
- February: average high 75, low 55. About 1.9 inches.
- March: 78 and 58. April: 82 and 63. May: 87 and 68.
- June through September: highs of 90 to 91 and lows of 74 to 75, with 6 to 9 inches of rain a month. August is the wettest month at about 9.1 inches.
- October: 86 and 68. November: 80 and 60.
Winter: Yes, Pack the Sweatshirt
Winter is the busiest season here, and it's when packing goes wrong most often. Days are lovely, sunny and in the low 70s. But once the sun goes down, it cools off fast, and January nights average about 52 degrees. When a cold front comes through, it can get much colder: the record lows for January at the airport are in the 20s.
That's why we sell so many sweatshirts in a beach town. For winter, pack:
- A sweatshirt or fleece for sunset on the beach, dinner on a patio or a boat ride. Our favorites are the Longboat Timber Crew, the women's Longboat Key Mock Neck and the Lido Key Mock Neck.
- A light jacket or a hoodie for windy days on the water or a boat ride after dark.
- Long pants for evenings, plus shorts for the afternoons.
- Closed-toe shoes for the cooler nights, along with sandals.
About swimming: Gulf water near Sarasota usually sits in the low to mid 60s in January, based on recent readings from NOAA's nearest tide gauges at Clearwater Beach and Port Manatee. Plenty of winter visitors walk the beach and wade instead of swimming, so a swimsuit is optional. A heated hotel pool is a different story.
Forgot yours? See all sweatshirts and hoodies, or stop by the shop.
Spring: Light Layers and Lots of Sun
Spring is close to perfect. March averages a high of 78, and by May it's 87. Rain is light until the rainy season arrives around mid to late May, so most days are dry and sunny.
- Shorts, sundresses and tees for the days.
- One light layer for March evenings, which still dip into the upper 50s.
- A swimsuit. The Gulf warms through the 70s in March and April and into the 80s by May.
- A hat for spring training. If you're catching the Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium, day games mean hours in the sun. A Lido Key Cap or a visor helps.
Summer: Light, Quick-Dry and Ready for Rain
Summer is hot and humid, with highs around 90 and nights that barely drop below 75. It's also the rainy season. The National Weather Service dates Southwest Florida's rainy season from about mid-May to mid-October, and storms usually build in the afternoon along the sea breeze. Mornings are often the best time for the beach.
- Lightweight, breathable clothes and a couple of quick-dry shirts.
- A compact umbrella or rain jacket for afternoon showers.
- Sandals that can get wet.
- A light layer for indoors. Air conditioning in restaurants and museums can feel chilly after the heat outside.
Summer is also sea turtle nesting season, which runs May 1 to October 31. Plan to take your chairs and umbrella off the beach each evening and keep lights off the sand at night.
Fall: Warm Days, Then the First Cool Nights
October still feels like summer, with an average high of 86, but the rain eases off as the month goes on. By November, highs are near 80 and lows near 60, and late November evenings start to call for a layer again.
Fall is still hurricane season, which runs June 1 to November 30, so pack with flexibility in mind and keep an eye on the forecast before you travel.
Sun Protection: Pack It for Every Month
The sun here is strong all year, and the white sand reflects it back at you. This is the one category not to skimp on:
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm. Bring travel sizes in your carry-on or full sizes in a checked bag. We also carry Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Spray and Sun Bum Lip Balm SPF 30 if you'd rather buy it here.
- A hat with a brim. There's little natural shade on most beaches. Try a Siesta Key cap or browse hats and visors.
- A long-sleeve sun shirt for kayaking, fishing or long beach walks. The Sarasota Performance Keys Long Sleeve has a map of the keys on it.
- Polarized sunglasses for glare on the water.
Beach and Day-Trip Gear
- A beach towel. Many hotels and rentals provide them, so check first. If not, a Sarasota beach towel doubles as a souvenir.
- A reusable water bottle. Pack it empty to get through airport security, then fill it up. The Sarasota Water Bottle is a good size for a beach bag.
- Water shoes for paddling the Lido mangrove tunnels or walking shelly beaches.
- A dry bag or zip bag for your phone on a kayak or boat.
- A tote with room to spare. You'll come home with shells.
What You Don't Need to Pack
It's easy to travel light here. If you run out of sunscreen, forget a hat, or find January colder than you expected, it's easy to pick these up here. We're at 410 St. Armands Circle, a few minutes from Lido Beach, and open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Our island-logo sweatshirts and tees also make the trip home lighter in a different way: you're wearing your souvenir.
What to Pack for Sarasota FAQ
Do I need a jacket in Sarasota in winter?
Bring a sweatshirt, fleece or light jacket. January days average about 72 degrees, but nights average about 52, and cold fronts can push it lower.
How cold does it get in Sarasota in January?
The normal January low at the Sarasota-Bradenton airport is about 52 degrees. Cold snaps happen, and the record lows for the month are in the 20s.
What should I wear in Sarasota in December?
Shorts or light pants and tees for the day, which average a high of about 75, plus a sweatshirt or fleece for evenings, which average about 55.
Is it warm enough to swim in Sarasota in winter?
The Gulf usually runs in the low to mid 60s in January, so many visitors wade rather than swim. The water warms into the 70s by March and April.
What is the rainy season in Sarasota?
The National Weather Service dates Southwest Florida's rainy season from about mid-May to mid-October. Storms usually build in the afternoon, so mornings are often best for the beach.
What should I pack for Sarasota in summer?
Light, breathable clothes, a swimsuit, sandals, a compact umbrella or rain jacket, and plenty of sun protection. Highs average around 90 to 91.
Can I bring sunscreen in my carry-on?
Yes, in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less inside one quart-size bag. Larger sizes go in a checked bag, or you can buy sunscreen when you arrive.
Do I need water shoes in Sarasota?
They're helpful for kayaking the Lido mangrove tunnels and walking shelly stretches of beach. You won't need them on the soft sand at the main beaches.
When is hurricane season in Sarasota?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. If you travel in those months, keep an eye on the forecast before your trip.
Where can I buy a sweatshirt near Lido Beach?
The Sarasota Style at 410 St. Armands Circle carries island-logo sweatshirts and fleece, a few minutes from Lido Beach. We're open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Plan the Rest of Your Trip
Still picking dates? Our guide to the best time to visit Sarasota walks through the weather, water temperatures and crowds month by month. And if your first stop is the beach, read our Lido Beach guide before you go. When you're in town, come say hi at The Sarasota Style on St. Armands Circle.