Weather & Climate
Sun, Surf and Sand
Trust us, you’ll quickly become accustomed to the mid-70s’ temperatures, gulf breezes and perpetual sunshine on Florida’s West Coast. And when the weather does turn severe, there are several state and local resources to keep families and communities safe, from shatterproof windows to rebuilding funds.
With a year-round radiant climate and outdoor recreation that invites boating, golfing or just a lazy day at the beach, dig your heels into the surf and enjoy an unbeatable waterfront lifestyle in Sarasota-Manatee.
Hurricane Ian recovery efforts
- Living Here
- Disaster Assistance
- Climate & Agriculture
It’s Always Outdoor Weather
When you move to Florida’s West Coast, it might be difficult to believe you could live anywhere else. In January, the average temperature in the Bradenton Area reaches a high of 72 degrees. Enjoy year-round outdoor activities like 14 pristine beaches in the Sarasota region, including America’s #1 rated beach, Siesta Key. More than 120 parks and trails extend across 3,000 acres in Sarasota County, inviting you to observe unique species of wildlife, go for a hike, bike or kayaking experience, or spend a day on the green in Venice. And with one of the Top Ten Prettiest Cities in the South, there’s always a good reason to get out and explore the many art districts across the region.
Well Prepared for the Storm
In Sarasota and Manatee Counties, rainfall typically only occurs less than a third of the year and rarely lasts longer than an hour and a half. And while hurricanes are part and parcel to Florida’s West Coast, the region has a low likelihood of experiencing a direct hit from a storm. The region is also tenured with decades of experience implementing safeguards to mitigate storm impacts, including homes built with hurricane-resistant windows, backup generators and detailed evacuation plans. Florida Disaster offers a checklist to ensure residents are prepared for an emergency well in advance and maintains an annual budget of $7 million for Hurricane Loss Mitigation.
Orange you Glad to Consider Florida’s West Coast?
As the home of Tropicana for 75+ years, there’s little wonder that Florida’s West Coast provides farm-fresh agriculture throughout the year. Sub-tropical temperatures, regular rainfall and 361 days of sunshine have made the Bradenton area an ideal place to grow citrus ever since Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon settled in the area in the 1500s. Now the groves in Florida yield more than 70% of the U.S. citrus production, and the state remains the world’s top producer of grapefruit.