Local Weather

TAMPA WEATHER

Tampa Weather

Weather and climate

Tampa's climate is subtropical, with a threat of frost about once every 2-3 years. Highs usually stay between 65 and 95 °F (18 and 35 °C) year round, and lows rarely go below 32 °F (0 °C). These rare freezes are an enormous threat to area agriculture and aquaculture. Likewise, summer temperatures are predictable, and have never risen above 100 °F (38 °C). The all-time record high temperature in downtown was 99 °F (37 °C), recorded on June 5, 1985.

Fog can also be an occasional problem in the winter and spring. Temperatures are hot May through October, which coincides with the rainy season. These summer days have highs around 90 °F (32 °C) and high humidity. The summer nighttime temperature drops to only around 75 °F (23 °C). Other times of the year, the temperatures are moderate and sunshine is abundant.

Thunderstorms are a major concern on summer afternoons. High winds, small hail, and torrential rain often accompany these common afternoon thunderstorms which can be severe. Tornadoes are not unheard of. These storms often move out over the Gulf of Mexico at night, where they are easily seen from land as spectacular light shows.

Another major concern for Tampa is the Atlantic hurricane season which runs from June 1st to November 30th and peaks in September. It has been more than 70 years since Tampa has had a direct hit from a hurricane. Tampa also is popularly known as the "Lightning Capital of the World", due in part to the frequent, dangerous and (on rare occasions) deadly lightning strikes.