Tampa Florida - Weather in February?

Hey folks - I know there are a few regular travellers to Florida who frequent this forum so hope you guys might be able to help.

Looking at the weather chart for Tampa in February, looks like averages around low 70's in the day time, dipping in to the low 50's at night. These are obviously 'numbers on a page' and don't tell you how it actually feels. For example in July the temperature might be 90 but with the humidity it'll feel hotter.

My question is basically whether it's likely to be warm enough for beach/sitting outside in the sun time, or will we be stuck to indoorsy activities?

Thanks in advance for your help

[Neil]

We've done Orlando a couple of times in Feb and spent 2 nights in Tampa during one of those trips. The weather really does vary so much, from some days having frost on the ground in a morning, to early 80's the next day.

Basically, mornings are cold, days are usually pleasant but not boiling and night times chilly. Rain is minimal but it really is a case of packing shorts and t-shirts and also jeans, hoodies and coats!

February is a beautiful time of year for the gulf coast.

As Neil says, temps do vary but the main noticable difference is the reduced humidity which makes it feel far more comfortable.

We generally found a light jumper in the morning but by 11 it was still fine for shorts and t-shirts, just a little chilly once the sun went down.

By February it is starting to get warm (by warm this is when the locals take off one of there 3 jackets and gloves). as Luke says it can be beautiful but a bit chilly early on and later in the evening. Dry though. The trend the past couple of years has been 'colder' winters so you might not find it 'hot' hot. the later you leave it -or get into March , and the better the weather is. Nov and March are my favourite months.

We went February this year and it was in the 80's, last year at the same time we had to buy jackets and jumpers as it was so cold. Pack a bit of both and you'll be fine.

You will definitely need long sleeves in the evenings in February as it can get quite chilly. I was at Disney during the evening in February this year and it was freezing - despite wearing jeans and a cardigan I only had flip flops on my feet and I suffered with the cold.

I always think it's a bit like an English summer in Feb. I was there this year at that time and it was glorious sunshine, mixed with rain and some clouds.

I have been a few times in Feb - cool evenings but I have only ever had glorious sunshine, low-mid 70s.

Enjoy.

I am there every year in February and as the others say it varies. There have been frosty mornings the last couple of years but by lunchtime it is usually beautiful. I wouldn't say it is sunbathing on the beach weather but is perfect for outdoor activities. My favourite is kayaking in Tampa Bay around the various islands.

The other good reason to go in Feb/March is that there are usually lots of events on as it is high season. So outdoor concerts, art shows, festivals etc......

Just don't be put off by the locals giving you strange looks if you are in shorts and a t shirt as they are always wrapped up in fleeces, gloves and scarves. Even the weather forecaster tells you to put a sweater on if it is likely to dip below 70F.

Susnhine 8D

Thanks for the useful responses, I knew I could count on V-Flyers for some wisdom oo)

I think we'll probably take the plunge and book. Just got to decide the routing (likely LHR-JFK-TPA/SRQ) and between VS and BA.