Current Beach Updates & Conditions

Seasonal & Other Changes on Our Beaches

The beaches of St. Pete-Clearwater change each year and every season. Some changes are due to investments to maintain our pristine 35 miles of white-sand beaches, such as renourishment projects that restore and widen the beach to provide more room for fun and to protect coastal wildlife. Excellent beach conditions are also maintained by the tireless efforts of residents and visitors participating in clean up and restoration projects throughout the various St. Pete-Clearwater beach communities. 

At times, threats to beach health can include effects of storm surge and coastal flooding as well as red tide, which is a higher-than-normal concentration of algae that is harmful to marine life and causes respiratory irritation for some people.

In addition to these, St. Pete-Clearwater's beaches experience seasonal changes in more subtle ways:

• Turtles nest on our beaches May 1 through October 31. During this time, visitors and residents are strongly encouraged to be extra dedicated to leaving the beach clean and flat, as well as keeping lights dim or off at night to prevent turtle disorientation.
• Gulf water temperatures vary with the seasons. In winter, water temperatures are around 65°- 70°F, while in summer, the water can reach above 85°F. Changes in the temperature can affect the movement of marine life. For example, the best time to see manatees in the Gulf is in the warmer months (late spring to early fall) and the best time to fish for tarpon is March to July. Stone crab season starts October 15 and runs through May 1.
• The busiest time of the year to visit our beaches is during spring vacation, around Easter. Beaches tend to be less-occupied during fall periods when kids are back in school.