Best Time to Visit St Augustine [Updated July 2025]

St. Augustine, Florida, is America’s oldest city that locals proudly call the “Ancient City.” It is a place where centuries-old cobblestone streets wind past Spanish colonial buildings. Horse-drawn carriages clip-clop beside modern cafes, and where Atlantic Ocean beaches stretch just minutes from historic fortresses.

Here you’ll walk through the massive stone walls of Castillo de San Marcos, a 350-year-old fortress. St. George Street comes alive with street performers, unique shops, and restaurants serving everything from Spanish tapas to Southern comfort food. The beaches of Anastasia State Park offer pristine sand dunes and great surfing just a short drive from downtown.

The subtropical climate here means warm weather most of the year. But choosing the right time matters. Summer months can feel sticky and hot with afternoon thunderstorms. Winter brings perfect temperatures and clear skies. Spring and fall offer comfortable weather with different crowd levels.

Want to figure out the perfect time for your visit? Check out when to visit St. Augustine and what each season brings to this historic coastal gem.

About St. Augustine, FL

St. Augustine sits on Florida’s northeast coast where the Matanzas River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Founded in 1565, it’s the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the United States. The city mixes historic charm with beach town vibes perfectly.

The subtropical climate means summers are hot, oppressive, and mostly cloudy, while winters are cool and partly cloudy, with wet weather year-round. Temperatures typically range from 48°F to 90°F throughout the year. You’ll enjoy over 220 sunny days annually, making outdoor activities possible almost any time you visit.

Rain falls throughout the year, with the wettest period lasting from June through October when there’s over a 40% chance of wet days. The driest months run from October through June. This means you can count on some rain during your stay, but it rarely ruins entire days.

St. Augustine Travel Seasons at a Glance

Here’s when tourists flock to the Ancient City and when you’ll have more space to explore.

Peak Times: March to May and October to December

Spring and fall bring the most pleasant weather with temperatures between 65°F and 80°F, making these the busiest tourist seasons. Hotel rates climb, and popular attractions see long lines.

Great Times: January to February and September

These months offer good weather with manageable crowds. You’ll find decent hotel deals and shorter waits at major historic sites while still enjoying comfortable temperatures.

Quieter Times: June to August

Summer heat and humidity keep some visitors away, meaning better deals on accommodations. Perfect beach weather makes up for the sticky conditions, and many indoor attractions offer cool relief.

Why Visit St. Augustine?

This coastal city offers much more than just history lessons. You can explore the Old Jail Museum and hear ghost stories, then walk to the beach for swimming and surfing. The Lightner Museum showcases amazing collections in a former luxury hotel from the 1800s.

The food scene here rocks. From fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants to Spanish-inspired dishes that reflect the city’s heritage, every meal tells a story. Different areas have their own feel. The historic district buzzes with tourists and street music. The beaches feel relaxed and laid-back.

St. Augustine loves outdoor adventures. You can take boat tours through salt marshes, bike along scenic coastal routes, or just relax on white sand beaches. The city sits right on the water, so you’re always close to ocean breezes and water activities.

The climate allows year-round outdoor fun. Even summer offers great early morning beach walks and evening strolls through the historic district when temperatures cool down.

Your Month-by-Month Guide to St. Augustine

St. Augustine in January: Cool and comfortable, fewest tourists, perfect for museums and historic sites
St. Augustine in February: Mild weather, still quiet, great for walking tours and outdoor dining
St. Augustine in March: Warming up, spring break crowds, wildflowers bloom in parks
St. Augustine in April: Beautiful weather, busy season begins, ideal for everything
St. Augustine in May: Warm and pleasant, festival season peaks, excellent temperatures
St. Augustine in June: Summer heat starts, more humid, great beach weather begins
St. Augustine in July: Hot and muggy, afternoon storms, perfect for swimming
St. Augustine in August: Hottest month, most rain, best time for beach activities
St. Augustine in September: Heat continues, fewer crowds, comfortable evenings return
St. Augustine in October: Perfect fall weather, busy again, ideal for outdoor activities
St. Augustine in November: Cool and dry, fewer tourists, excellent walking weather
St. Augustine in December: Mild winter, holiday decorations, pleasant all day

When Is the Best Time to Visit St. Augustine?

The best time to visit St. Augustine is March through May and October through November when temperatures stay in the comfortable 65°F to 80°F range. These months offer ideal weather for walking historic streets, exploring outdoor attractions, and enjoying beach time without extreme heat. You’ll get sunny skies, gentle ocean breezes, and perfect conditions for everything St. Augustine offers.

These periods give you the classic St. Augustine experience – pleasant days, cool evenings, and weather that makes every activity enjoyable.

Visiting in Spring (March to May)

Spring in St. Augustine brings some of the year’s most delightful weather. Days warm to the mid-70s to mid-80s while nights stay cool in the 50s and 60s. The historic district fills with blooming flowers, and the beaches start feeling warm enough for swimming.

This is perfect weather for exploring the city on foot. Historic tours feel comfortable, outdoor dining becomes enjoyable, and beach visits are pleasant without being overwhelming.

St. Augustine Weather in Spring

March: 55°F (low) / 74°F (high) | Rain: 3.4 inches
April: 60°F (low) / 79°F (high) | Rain: 2.8 inches
May: 67°F (low) / 84°F (high) | Rain: 3.5 inches

Things to Do in St. Augustine During Spring

Spring weather makes every outdoor activity shine. Walking tours through the historic district feel comfortable all day. The beaches at Anastasia State Park and St. Augustine Beach offer great conditions for swimming, surfing, and beach walking.

Boat tours become really enjoyable, and the many outdoor restaurants and cafes feel perfect for long meals with friends and family.

St. Augustine Events in Spring

Easter Festival (March/April) – Historic celebrations throughout the city
Spring Arts & Crafts Festival (March) – Local artists showcase work outdoors
St. Augustine Music Festival (March) – Classical music performances in historic venues
Celtic Festival (March) – Irish music, dancing, and food celebration
Rhythm & Ribs Festival (April) – BBQ competition with live music

Local Eats in St. Augustine During Spring

Spring weather makes outdoor dining irresistible. Historic restaurants with patios become perfect spots for trying local seafood and Spanish-inspired dishes. The comfortable temperatures make it fun to walk between different neighborhoods and sample various restaurants.

St. Augustine Travel Tips During Spring

Spring brings busy crowds, especially during spring break in March and April. Book hotels early and make dinner reservations in advance. Pack layers since mornings can be cool but afternoons warm up quickly. This is peak season, so expect higher prices and more people at popular attractions.

Visiting in Summer (June to August)

Summer gets hot and humid with temperatures reaching the upper 80s to low 90s most days. The hottest month is August with average highs of 89°F and lows of 75°F. This is also the wettest time of year, with August seeing an average of 18 wet days.

But if you love beach weather and don’t mind afternoon thunderstorms, summer offers the best ocean conditions of the year.

St. Augustine Weather in Summer

June: 73°F (low) / 87°F (high) | Rain: 5.8 inches
July: 75°F (low) / 89°F (high) | Rain: 6.3 inches
August: 75°F (low) / 89°F (high) | Rain: 7.1 inches

Things to Do in St. Augustine During Summer

Summer is perfect for beach activities. The Atlantic Ocean reaches its warmest temperatures, making swimming, surfing, and water sports ideal. When it gets too hot, duck into air-conditioned museums like the Lightner Museum or take indoor tours of historic sites.

Many restaurants have covered patios with fans to keep you comfortable, and evening activities become more popular as temperatures drop.

St. Augustine Events in Summer

Fourth of July Celebration (July) – Fireworks over Matanzas Bay
Summer Music Series (June-August) – Free concerts in historic venues
Pirate Gathering (June) – Costumed fun and pirate reenactments
Ghost Tours Peak Season (June-August) – Evening tours when it’s cooler

Local Eats in St. Augustine During Summer

Summer dining focuses on fresh, cold dishes and tropical drinks. Think ceviche, cold gazpacho, frozen cocktails, and lots of fresh seafood. Many restaurants offer special summer hours with later seating when temperatures cool down.

St. Augustine Travel Tips During Summer

Book accommodations with good air conditioning and pools. Plan indoor activities during the hottest part of the day (11 AM to 4 PM). Bring an umbrella for afternoon storms. Summer offers better hotel deals, so you can afford nicer places with resort amenities.

Visiting in Fall (September to November)

Fall brings relief from summer humidity and marks the return of perfect St. Augustine weather. September still feels warm, but October and November offer some of the year’s most comfortable conditions. Days are warm and pleasant, while nights become cool and perfect for outdoor activities.

Tourist crowds haven’t reached winter peak levels yet, so you’ll find good deals and manageable crowds at attractions.

St. Augustine Weather in Fall

September: 72°F (low) / 86°F (high) | Rain: 5.4 inches
October: 65°F (low) / 81°F (high) | Rain: 4.0 inches
November: 57°F (low) / 75°F (high) | Rain: 2.2 inches

Things to Do in St. Augustine During Fall

Fall weather brings back comfortable conditions for walking tours and outdoor exploration. The historic district becomes enjoyable for long strolls, and beach visits feel pleasant without summer’s intense heat.

This is perfect weather for boat tours, outdoor dining, and exploring the many parks and natural areas around the city.

St. Augustine Events in Fall

Fall Festival (October) – Harvest celebration with local crafts and food
Halloween Ghost Tours (October) – Spooky tours through haunted locations
Nights of Lights Setup (November) – Preparation for holiday light displays
Thanksgiving Events (November) – Historic celebrations and special dinners

Local Eats in St. Augustine During Fall

Fall weather makes outdoor dining enjoyable again. Restaurant patios reopen for comfortable evening meals, and the pleasant temperatures make it fun to explore different neighborhoods and their unique dining scenes.

St. Augustine Travel Tips During Fall

Fall offers excellent weather with moderate crowds through October and November. September can still feel quite warm and humid, so early fall requires summer precautions. Pack light layers since days are warm but evenings can be cool.

Visiting in Winter (December to February)

Winter brings St. Augustine’s most perfect weather conditions. Temperatures stay mild with sunny days in the upper 60s to low 70s and cool nights in the 40s and 50s. This is also the driest time of year, with November having the fewest wet days at just 6.3 days with precipitation.

This is peak tourist season when visitors from cold climates come to escape winter, so expect the highest prices and largest crowds.

St. Augustine Weather in Winter

December: 50°F (low) / 70°F (high) | Rain: 2.4 inches
January: 48°F (low) / 67°F (high) | Rain: 2.7 inches
February: 51°F (low) / 71°F (high) | Rain: 2.5 inches

Things to Do in St. Augustine During Winter

Winter weather is perfect for every activity St. Augustine offers. Historic walking tours feel comfortable all day, outdoor dining is pleasant for lunch and dinner, and beach visits are enjoyable even if swimming feels a bit cool.

This is ideal weather for exploring the many outdoor attractions, taking boat tours, and spending entire days outside without weather concerns.

St. Augustine Events in Winter

Nights of Lights (December-January) – Millions of lights illuminate the historic district
New Year’s Celebration (December) – Historic countdown in the plaza
Washington’s Birthday Celebration (February) – Colonial reenactments
Chocolate Festival (February) – Sweet celebration at Whetstone Chocolates

Local Eats in St. Augustine During Winter

Winter weather makes every outdoor dining experience perfect. Restaurant patios are at their most comfortable, and the pleasant temperatures make it enjoyable to walk around and try restaurants throughout the different parts of the city.

St. Augustine Travel Tips During Winter

Winter is the most expensive and crowded time to visit. Book everything well in advance, especially during the Nights of Lights season. Pack layers since mornings can be cool, but afternoons warm up nicely. This is the best time for first-time visitors who want guaranteed good weather.

Best Time of the Year to Visit St. Augustine (By Interest)

Here’s when to visit based on what matters most to you:

For Fewer Crowds: June-August, weekdays anytime
For Perfect Weather: March-May, October-November
For Beach Activities: May-September
For Historic Tours: October-April
For Photography: December-February, October-November
For Cheaper Prices: June-August, January-February
For Events and Festivals: March-April, December

For Fewer Crowds: June to August and Weekdays Year-Round

Best Time to Visit St. Augustine for Fewer People

The summer months have fewer tourists due to the heat and humidity. Visiting Tuesday through Thursday, any time of year, means shorter lines at attractions and less crowded restaurants and historic sites.

For Perfect Weather: March to May and October to November

Best Time to Visit St. Augustine for Ideal Temperatures

These months offer the best conditions with temperatures between 65°F and 80°F, clear skies, and minimal rainfall. Perfect for every outdoor activity St. Augustine offers.

For Beach Activities: May to September

Best Time to Visit St. Augustine for Swimming and Beach Fun

The warmest months with the best ocean temperatures. Water temperatures peak in August at 82°F, making swimming, surfing, and water sports most enjoyable during this period.

For Historic Tours: October to April

Best Time to Visit St. Augustine for Walking and Sightseeing

Cooler months provide comfortable conditions for walking tours through the historic district and exploring outdoor attractions without excessive heat and humidity.

For Photography: December to February and October to November

Best Time to Visit St. Augustine for Great Pictures

The clearest skies occur from late September through early June, with the best lighting conditions for photography during these drier months.

For Cheaper Prices: June to August and January to February

Best Time to Visit St. Augustine on a Budget

Summer heat means lower hotel rates and restaurant deals. Early winter also offers good deals before peak season begins in March.

For Events and Festivals: March to April and December

Best Time to Visit St. Augustine for Special Events

Spring brings festival season with outdoor celebrations, while December features the famous Nights of Lights holiday display.

Where to Stay in St. Augustine

Find amazing vacation homes that capture St. Augustine’s historic coastal charm. These properties offer beautiful locations near beaches and historic sites, plus all the amenities you need for the perfect Ancient City getaway. Here are some incredible St. Augustine vacation homes you can book with AvantStay:

Vilano Villa – A stunning 7-bedroom home just six minutes from Surfside Park Beach and downtown St. Augustine.
Blue Hour – Perfectly designed house in a good location to capture those magical coastal sunsets.
Cottagecore Coast – Cozy coastal cottage that has an intimate back patio perfect for gathering together.
Serenity at Surfside – Just minutes from Vilano Beach and the cobblestone streets of America’s oldest city.
Haven Grove – Your peaceful retreat with convenient access to St. Augustine’s historic attractions.

Create Your St. Augustine Itinerary

Ready to plan your historic coastal adventure? Let our team help you set up everything for your St. Augustine escape! We can arrange ghost tours, historic site tickets, boat tour reservations, and unique local experiences that show you the real Ancient City.

Just contact us or download the AvantStay App to book extra activities, get recommendations from locals, and manage your entire trip through one simple app.

Want more ideas for historic fun? Check out our guide to the best things to do in St. Augustine. And if you’re interested in exploring more of Florida’s coast, look at our guides to other historic coastal destinations.

Plan Your St. Augustine Adventure

No matter when you visit, St. Augustine’s rich history, beautiful beaches, charming cobblestone streets, and warm Southern hospitality will create memories that last forever. The city offers the perfect mix of educational discovery and coastal relaxation. Every visit brings new stories and authentic historic experiences.

Your perfect St. Augustine vacation home is waiting for you. Book with AvantStay today and discover how amazing historic getaways can be when you experience St. Augustine’s legendary charm, culture, and coastal beauty.

FAQs

Is St. Augustine expensive to visit?

St. Augustine can be costly during peak season from March through May and October through December when hotels charge premium rates because of perfect weather and high demand from tourists seeking to experience America’s oldest city. However, you can save considerable money during the summer months when you’ll find great hotel deals, restaurant specials, and fewer crowds, while still enjoying excellent beach weather and indoor historic attractions.

How crowded does St. Augustine get?

Peak season brings heavy crowds, especially during major events like Nights of Lights and spring festivals, when historic sites, popular restaurants, and St. George Street get packed with visitors. For a more relaxed experience, visit during the summer months or explore during weekdays when there are fewer tourists and shorter waits at attractions.

When to avoid St. Augustine?

Summer months from June to August bring intense heat and humidity that can make walking tours through the historic district uncomfortable during midday hours. However, this is actually perfect weather for beach activities and air-conditioned indoor attractions. Peak winter months from December to March see the highest prices and biggest crowds because of perfect weather. Still, St. Augustine’s year-round mild climate and diverse mix of indoor and outdoor activities make it a great destination any time if you plan for the season and know what to expect.