Current Beach Updates & Conditions
America's Best Beaches are open and ready to welcome you.
Beautiful Clearwater Beach was named America's #1 Beach in 2019, 2018 and 2016.
Although it was originally predicted that Hurricane Ian would have a major impact on St. Pete/Clearwater and the Tampa Bay region, the storm passed approximately 150 miles to our south. Our thoughts are with our friends in the Fort Myers Beach area, as well as other Florida communities that have been impacted. We are very fortunate that the effects on St. Pete/Clearwater have been relatively mild.
If you are heading to the beach in the days after a storm, it's particularly 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 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.
Look for the Beach Flags posted at lifeguard stations to see if the surf is calm enough for swimming.
See For Yourself
Live From Clearwater Beach
Watch the lucky ones who get to spend the day on the white sands of award-winning Clearwater Beach.
Discover More Clearwater BeachLive Webcam (no audio)
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 Beach Water Temperatures
| 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
| 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 |