Current Beach Updates & Conditions

Learn more about current beach conditions in St. Pete-Clearwater, home to America's Best Beaches, in beautiful Tampa Bay.

an aerial view showing people wading in clear water near white sand with boats and Honeymoon Island in the background

Honeymoon and Caladesi islands are state parks that are beloved for their stunning beaches.

Our award-winning beaches are the jewel of St. Pete-Clearwater! Learn more about America's Best Beaches before your visit.

All Beaches are Open

All public beaches in Pinellas County are open. 

Nourishment of Pass-a-Grille Beach

Pinellas County is taking steps to restore and protect our paradise with a nourishment of Pass-a-Grille Beach which is on the south end of St. Pete Beach.Throughout the entire process, all Pass-a-Grille businesses are open and ready to help you enjoy your experience at America’s Best Beaches!

Pinellas County has begun Phase 2 of the project to begin the renourishment process to the south side of Pass-a-Grille Beach from 9th Avenue (just south of Paradise Grille) to the jetty fishing pier. The southern section of the project is expected to be completed by mid-September, weather-permitting. During this portion of the project, the entire north side of Pass-a-Grille Beach will remain open. Once the southern portion is complete, the south end of the beach will be reopened and nourishment will be moved north of Paradise Grille. The entire project is scheduled to be finished by mid-November, weather-permitting.  

During this project, access to portions of Pass-a-Grille Beach within the construction zone will be impacted, and access to the 1st Avenue Fishing Pier/Pass-a-Grille Jetty will be closed for the duration of the project. It is important that beachgoers stay clear of active construction zones and boaters are advised to use caution around the dredging area and follow all local notices to mariners. For additional information on the project and up-to-date details on access closures, please review the Pass-A-Grille Beach Nourishment information page. 

Beach Erosion in the North Section of Honeymoon Island State Park

Part of the natural ebb and flow of barrier islands means that beach sand moves. This has occurred at Honeymoon Island State Park, where the northernmost mile of the beach has been separated from the main island, with a cut in-between. Park rangers urge visitors not to attempt to reach the sandspit (the small north island), as changing tides, strong currents and deep water pose a hazard for swimmers. Please use caution and remain on the part of the beach that is accessible.

Protecting Dunes to Protect America's Best Beaches

Whenever and wherever you visit our beautiful beaches, it's very important that you avoid walking on dunes and any areas with sea oats or other vegetation. Please use designated boardwalks and pathways to access the beach. Learn more about the recently completed dune and beach restoration project.

Tips to Enjoy America's Best Beaches this Summer

Almost every day is a beach day in St. Pete-Clearwater, home to America's Best Beaches. But remember the following tips to have a safe and enjoyable outing.

  • Avoid the mid-day heat by arriving at the beach early or late in the day (bonus: sunset!) and staying for a couple of hours. Save the middle of the day for enjoying our wonderful attractions, museums and restaurants! You could even pamper yourself with a spa treatment or take a siesta at your hotel.
  • Wear sunscreen and apply often.
  • Remember to bring insect repellent. In particular, beaches with natural areas or fresh/brackish water nearby, such as Fort De Soto Park, Shell Key, Egmont Key and Honeymoon Island State Park, may have more mosquitoes in the summertime. 

This page was updated on August 16 2024 

See For Yourself

Take a look at this live beach webcam to see what's happening on America's Best Beaches. And check out our live webcam page for even more views of our beaches.

Aerial view of St. Pete Beach emerald-green waters with Bellwether Beach Resort in the background
live webcam

St. Pete Beach at TradeWinds Island Grand Resort

Take a look at the gorgeous waters and soft white sand lining the coast at one of St. Pete-Clearwater's top resorts.

Read More About St. Pete Beach
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Beach Safety and Courtesy Every Day

On any beach day, it's important to be aware of current beach conditions. Look to the beach flag warning system (see details lower on this page) and heed any posted warnings. Rip tides are infrequent, but can be present without being obvious to beachgoers.

Below, you'll also find information on seasonal air and water temperatures, as well as additional resources to help you plan your beach vacation.

As you enjoy America's Best Beaches, please remember to be considerate of other beachgoers, wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and have a safe and sunny beach day.

Florida's Beach Warning Flag Program

Many Florida beaches, including beaches in St. Pete/Clearwater, utilize a beach warning flag system to let beachgoers know of current beach conditions. You'll most often see beach warning flags posted on or near lifeguard stands. 

Here are the beach warning flag colors and what they mean:

Green Flag: Low hazard, calm conditions.

Yellow Flag: Medium hazard with moderate surf or currents.

Red Flag: High hazard, with high surf or strong currents; when these conditions are present, lifeguards may ask swimmers to get out of the water.

Double Red Flag: Water is closed to the public (you may still walk on the beach, but you may not enter the water).

Blue Flag: Stinging or hazardous marine life such as stingrays or jellyfish are present.

It's important to note that rip currents can occur unexpectedly at any beach. Swimmers should be aware of their surroundings and read about what to do if they get caught in a rip current.

 

Average Water Temperatures

Yes, you can swim at our beaches, year 'round! Most visitors find our Gulf water temperatures quite pleasant, especially if they are coming from colder climates. See our chart of average Gulf water temperatures below.
January 64 F 17.7 C
February 64.4 F 18 C
March 66.7 F 19.3 C
April 73 F 22.8 C
May 78 F 25.6 C
June 82.4 F 28 C
July 85 F 29.6 C
August 86.7 F 30.4 C
September 84.6 F 29.2 C
October 81 F 27.3 C
November 75 F 23.8 C
December  68.5 F 20.3 C

 

Average Air Temperatures

Florida is the Sunshine State, and we have warm weather year 'round. Here's a chart of average monthly highs and lows in St. Pete-Clearwater. Summer months tend to have brief afternoon rainstorms, while winter months are typically dry. Be sure to leave the beach if a thunderstorm is coming.
Month High Low
January 66.7 F /19.3 C 57 F / 13.7 C
February 68.7 F / 20.4 C 59 F / 15 C
March 72 F / 22.3 C 62 F / 16.7 C
April 78 F / 25.4 C 68 F / 20 C
May 82 F / 27.9 C 78 F / 25.6 C
June 86 F / 29.9 C 78.4 F / 25.8 C
July 87 F / 30.7 C 80 F / 26.6 C
August 88 F / 31 C 81 F / 27 C
September 87 F / 30.3 C 78 F / 25.5 C
October 81 F / 27.3 C 73 F / 22.5 C
November 81 F / 27.3 C 75 F / 23.9 C
December 71 F / 21.5 C 61 F / 16.2 C

 

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