Clearwater Beach has been ranked as the No. 1 beach in the US by TripAdvisor and that’s surely not without reason. The uniquely fine and white sand beaches are wide and very long- in Clearwater Beach alone there are 2.5 miles of uninterrupted beach. But if you combine the different districts on the barrier islands, the beaches seem endless.
The weather invites you to enjoy the beach all year round- be it walking, jogging or cycling in the winter months, swimming in the summer months or building the largest sand castles at any time of year! Even in the coldest months from December until February it can easily be 66°F and in the summer temperatures reach highs of 87°F. In winter the Gulf of Mexico has an average water temperature of 64°F but it’s already in April that it’s ready to swim in at 73°F.
Best Time to Visit Clearwater Beach
Located in the subtropical climate zone, Clearwater Beach offers hot summers and mild temperatures for the rest of the year. In Winter daytime highs are around 70°F, lows are in the high 50s F and it hardly ever rains.
In spring temperatures are in the pleasant 70s F and the Gulf water has also reached swimming temperatures. In summer it gets very hot, in the mid 80s F, with the humidity making it feel even warmer. It does rain quite a bit too in summer and the peak of the hurricane season is from mid-August to September.
And finally, in fall temperatures get more pleasant in the low 80s F again, humidity and rain reduces and the water is still beautifully warm in the low 80s F. There might still be some storms passing through in fall though.
So given the really nice weather conditions all year round, it’s hard to say when the best time to visit is - maybe it’s better to flip it and say that it might NOT be the best time to visit from July until September given the rain, humidity and slight hurricane risk.
Things to know about Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach has been ranked the No. 1 beach in the United States by TripAdvisor. The beaches are wide and endless in length and uniquely white due to the sand’s origins in the mountains rather than shells from the sea. You should experience it to judge the beauty for yourself! Clearwater is a beach vacation destination that’s ideal for families. It offers lovely restaurants and bars but for more intense nightlife you should take a trip to the nearby St. Petersburg or Tampa.
Here is a short guide on what to do in Clearwater Beach without a car and further down are some tips for longer excursions.
- Enjoy the sugar sand beaches! Building sandcastles, relaxing on the beach, taking a swim or walk or cycle along the No. 1 rated beaches must be the best thing to do in Clearwater Beach!
- A sunset experience on Pier 60 is a must see too. A beautiful array of colors from orange to red can be observed whilst listening to live music or watching artists perform.
- The Clearwater Marine Aquarium was originally a hospital for sick or hurt sea animals. It became famous when it was the set for the movie ‘Dolphin Tale’. The aquarium is the most famous attraction in Clearwater Beach.
- A boat trip to see dolphins, “pirates” and sunsets should also be on your travel itinerary.
- All sorts of restaurants offer great live music in the evenings. In addition, you might be able to spot one or two famous artists at the Ruth Eckerd Hall.
If you are renting a car there are so many attractions nearby- something is guaranteed for everyone!
- Visit the Dali Museum in St Petersburg to see the art of one of the world’s greatest painter and sculptor.
- Especially kids will enjoy a day at Busch Gardens where they can see all sorts of animals as well as riding some roller coasters.
- A little bit of a drive but doable from Clearwater Beach is a day trip to Disney World in Orlando. The children will surely be grateful for the extra effort!
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