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Weather in Sarasota
Arts scene on Florida's cultural coast
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About Sarasota
Sarasota's arts scene rivals much larger cities, with world-class museums anchoring a sophisticated waterfront community. The Ringling mansions showcase Gilded Age grandeur. Pristine beaches remain refreshingly uncrowded.
Best months to visit
February, March, April, October, November, December
Things to do in Sarasota
Tour the Ringling Estate and its Italian Renaissance art collection
Attend performances at the Sarasota Opera or Van Wezel Hall
Walk Siesta Key Beach's powdery white sand at dawn
Visit the Mote Marine Laboratory for ocean conservation exhibits
Browse galleries and studios in downtown's historic district
Kayak through mangrove tunnels seeking manatees and dolphins
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
21C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Recommended
February
23C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Recommended
March
25C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Recommended
April
27C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
May
30C
Hot and humid, with some rainy days.
June
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
July
31C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
August
31C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
September
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
Recommended
October
29C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
November
25C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Recommended
December
23C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Sarasota pairs some of Florida's finest beaches — the quartz-sand stretches of Siesta Key chief among them — with a cultural scene that punches well above its weight, anchored by the Ringling Museum's circus history and Italianate art collection. It's a Gulf Coast town with an unusually polished downtown, full of galleries, theatres and a busy marina.
Best areas to stay in Sarasota
Siesta Key
A barrier island famous for its powdery quartz-sand beach and a lively village of bars and restaurants.
Downtown Sarasota
Galleries, theatres, restaurants and the marina, walkable and increasingly high-rise.
St. Armands Circle
An upscale shopping and dining circle on Lido Key, near the Ringling causeway.
The Ringling / Indian Beach
Home to the Ringling Museum estate and a quieter residential stretch of bayfront.
Getting to Sarasota
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Flights
Fly into Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), or Tampa International (TPA) about an hour north.
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From London
~10–12 hours from London with one connection.
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Getting around
A car is recommended for reaching the keys; trolleys cover downtown and Lido Key in season.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Sarasota?
March to May offers warm weather and lower humidity; winter is peak season for snowbirds, while summer is hot, humid and prone to afternoon storms.
How do I get to Sarasota?
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) serves the city directly, or fly into Tampa and drive about an hour south.
What makes Siesta Key Beach special?
Its sand is almost pure quartz crystal, which stays cool underfoot even in summer heat and gives the beach a brilliant white colour.
Is Sarasota good for art and culture?
Yes — the Ringling Museum complex includes an art museum, circus museum and the Ca' d'Zan mansion, plus a strong local theatre and opera scene.
How do I get around Sarasota?
A car is most convenient for reaching the keys and beaches, though a free downtown trolley and trolley service to Lido Key help in season.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Siesta Key's sand really is as soft and white as advertised — easily one of the best beaches I've visited in Florida.
Helen R. · March 2024
★★★★☆
Didn't expect Sarasota to have such a good art museum — the Ringling complex took up a whole afternoon and was worth it.
Dave M. · January 2024
★★★★☆
Quieter and more refined than other Gulf towns we visited, though September brought some afternoon downpours.
Priya K. · September 2023
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