Living in Tampa Bay
Weather
What to Expect
The cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee are located in Florida, which has a humid, subtropical climate with two distinct seasons: a hot and humid season from May through October and a milder, dry season from November through April. Nearly two-thirds of annual precipitation happens between June and September, so students can expect a lot of rain this time of year.
What to Pack
Light clothing that can be layered is appropriate for most of the year, although students may need a coat in the cooler months. An umbrella, rainboots, and other rain gear may be helpful during the summer and fall months. Students may also want to consider the size and layout of USF's campus and come prepared to walk, so they should consider bringing comfortable clothing to wear in these different types of weather conditions.
Hurricane Safety
The Tampa Bay area is vulnerable to hurricanes, particularly during hurricane season which occurs between June 1 and November 30. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with USF's Hurricane Guide and to create a plan in the event of severe weather. Please review the USF resources below to learn more about hurricane safety.