Weather in St. Augustine

St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European-founded city in the United States, and it shows it off proudly — the coquina walls of the Castillo de San Marcos, narrow cobblestone lanes of the old town, and horse-drawn carriages clopping past centuries-old buildings. Add a genuinely good beach a short drive away and a nightly glow of fairy lights through the historic district, and it's an easy place to fall for.

Best areas to stay in St. Augustine

Historic Downtown / St. George Street

The pedestrianised heart of the old town, lined with colonial-era buildings, shops, and restaurants.

Castillo de San Marcos area

The waterfront fort and surrounding green space, with views across Matanzas Bay to Anastasia Island.

St. Augustine Beach

A popular sandy beach with a pier, just across the bridge from the historic district.

Anastasia State Park

A protected barrier island with beaches, dunes, and trails, ideal for a quieter day by the sea.

Getting to St. Augustine

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Flights

Fly into Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), around 45 minutes' drive away, or Orlando International Airport (MCO), connecting via a major US hub from the UK.

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From London

~10–12 hours total journey time from London with a connection

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Getting around

The historic district is highly walkable; a free trolley service and rental cars cover the wider area and beaches.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit St. Augustine?

March to May and October to November offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than the busy summer months, which are hot and humid.

What is the Castillo de San Marcos?

A 17th-century Spanish stone fortress overlooking Matanzas Bay, the oldest masonry fort in the continental US and a highlight of any visit to the old town.

How do I get around St. Augustine?

The historic district is compact and best explored on foot; a free trolley-style hop-on-hop-off service also covers the main sights, with a car needed for the beaches.

Are the beaches near St. Augustine good?

Yes — St. Augustine Beach and Anastasia State Park offer wide sandy stretches just a short drive from the historic centre, popular for swimming and surfing.

Is St. Augustine good for a day trip from Orlando?

It's roughly a 1.5–2 hour drive from Orlando, making it feasible as a long day trip, though an overnight stay allows time to properly explore the old town and beaches.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Walking the old town at dusk with all the lights coming on was magical — the Castillo de San Marcos was a real highlight too. Felt completely different from the rest of Florida.

Patricia E. · October 2023

★★★★☆

Added this on as a day trip from Orlando and wished we'd stayed longer — the history is genuinely fascinating and the beach nearby was a nice bonus.

Brian H. · April 2024

★★★★★

Such a charming, walkable city with brilliant restaurants tucked into old buildings. Anastasia State Park beach was a lovely way to end the day.

Wendy L. · May 2024