The oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the US, St Augustine is a great place to dive into North America’s past thanks to its history-rich museums, centuries-old architecture and year-round moderate temps.
In fact, St Augustine sits in a seasonal sweet spot. The city is situated along the northern coast of Florida, where it enjoys slightly more temperate climes than its counterparts in the southern half of the state. But that doesn’t mean it escapes the uncertainty of hurricane season or the daily afternoon deluge that comes with Florida’s summer season.
Despite the possible threat of heavy summer storms, the city remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to paddleboard in the ocean or go wildlife-watching in a state park. Sure, you might get some rain, but it’s bound to blow over in a few hours, revealing the sun and new opportunities to explore the sights and sounds of a tropical destination that exudes sweet Southern charm. From high season to low, the most crowded times to visit, and the best periods for budget travelers, this month-by-month guide can help you plan the perfect trip to St Augustine.
High season is the driest time of year: March–May
Best time for soaking up the sun
The spring months in St Augustine are the perfect time to enjoy both the cultural and natural beauty of the city as they bring some of the driest times of the year. Rainy season is still months away, which means clear skies, low humidity and comfortably warm temps that lend themselves to long days on the beach uninterrupted by the daily storms that plague the summer. It’s also a great time to explore the various state parks, as the threat of mosquitoes and sweltering heat awaits the summer months.
It's not too hot in shoulder season: November–February
Best time for exploring the cultural sights
During the winter months, you’ll spot local and native Floridians trotting out their leggings and leather jackets. You might want to take a page from their playbook, as temperatures fall to the upper 40ºFs in the evening. Daytime is a different story, though — low-to-no humidity and sunny 65ºF days make it the perfect time to walk around the Historic District, visit a farmers market or tour one of the area’s several distilleries and wineries.
Expect heat, humidity, and rain in low season: June–October
Best time for budget travelers
Summer brings Florida’s rainy season, where afternoon thunderstorms can make the air feel soupy during the day. During the evenings, the humidity dissipates a bit, making an alfresco meal or cocktail quite comfortable. Temps also spike during the season, with highs hovering in the 90ºFs and dipping into the mid-to-low 70ºFs at night. You can expect discounted attractions and hotel stays in the summer thanks in part to hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1 to November 30. The peak of the season hits between August and October, so plan cautiously and accordingly.
January is good for daytime activities outdoors
Ringing in the new year with a hangover? Good news: the cooler daytime temps lend themselves to outdoor activities that’ll help you sweat out the spirits from the night before. At night, things can get a bit chilly, so ducking into a theater for a film or live performance is the way to go.
Key Events: St Augustine Film Festival, Matanzas 5000 5K and Fun Run.
February is a fairly quiet time to visit
The bright, cooler weather continues, but St Augustine remains relatively quiet in terms of visitors. It's a great time to visit the Historic District and spend some time dipping in and out of the shops on St George Street.
Key Events: Flight to Freedom, St Augustine Spanish Wine Festival.
The spring break crowd descends in March
During March, things take a considerable turn towards the warmer. That’s when the spring break crowd descends upon the area for sunny, rain-free days spent laying out by the Atlantic Ocean or watching the pro golfers take their best swings on the green.
Key Events: Searle’s Raid for Visitors, The Players Championship.
It's time to celebrate in April
It’s spring, and the flowers aren’t the only thing in full bloom. Events and activities are popping up all over the city, including the annual Birding and Photo Fest. St Augustine also takes its Easter festivities quite seriously, welcoming parades and elaborate ceremonies that pay homage to its historic past.
Key Events: St Augustine Easter Parade, Florida’s Birding and Photo Fest, Blessing of the Fleet.
St Augustine gets busy in May
May is one of the busiest times of year in St Augustine — it’s right before the rainy season kicks into high gear, so you can comfortably enjoy some of the outdoor food and spirits festivals that are popular around the time.
Key Events: St Augustine Food and Wine Festival, Annual Craft Brewers Fest.
June is the start of the hurricane season
Hurricane (and rainy!) season kicks off in June, which means daily downpours in the late afternoon — a perfect time to drop into a museum or cozy up in your hotel’s lounge with a good book and a local brew.
Key Events: Battle of Bloody Mose.
Expect rain every day in July
You can count on rain just about every day in July. But by the evening, the weather cools and clears, making for great Fourth of July firework-viewing conditions by the Matanzas River.
Key Events: Fireworks over Matanzas.
Some accommodations offer low-season discounts in August
It’s the dog days of Florida summer, and unless it involves a trip to the local beach or a hotel pool, most people avoid being outdoors during this time. The forecast will likely call for daily rain storms, which means some hotels offer up low-season discounts.
Brave the rain at music festivals in September
The height of the hurricane season brings more rain and a greater threat of major storms. However, that doesn’t stop popular bands and musical acts from taking the stage at various venues during the annual Sing Out Loud Festival.
Key Events: St Augustine Founder’s Day celebration, Sing Out Loud Festival.
Threats of hurricane reduce in October
It’s still peak hurricane season, but as the month winds down so does the threat of a storm. It’s still warm, but the heat isn’t quite as suffocating as the summer months. If the weather permits, take advantage of the cooler temps and buy tickets to the Rhythm and Ribs Festival, a winning combination of barbeque and live music.
Key Events: Greek Festival, Rhythm and Ribs Festival.
Evening temperatures are refreshing in November
While hurricane season doesn’t officially end until the end of the month, most of the storm activity has quieted down and the daily downpours have slowed to a non-existent trickle. The dropping humidity and refreshing evening temperatures make it a great time to get outside and revel in some of the seasonal activities.
Key Events: Historic Lincolnville Festival, Light the Way Home Festival of Trees.
Enjoy the seasonal lights in December
The water temperature in December dips to uncomfortably chilly temps, but the clear skies and refreshingly crisp air make it a great time to take in St Augustine’s Nights of Light, an annual celebration that drapes the 20 blocks of the Historic District in white twinkling lights.
Key Events: Nights of Lights.
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