Vacation and Travel Essentials
Weather:
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|
Jan
|
Feb
|
Mar
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Apr
|
May
|
Jun
|
Jul
|
Aug
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Sep
|
Oct
|
Nov
|
Dec
|
|
Average temp. (°F)
|
61.8
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63.2
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67.4
|
70.9
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76.6
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80.7
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82.0
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82.2
|
80.9
|
75.2
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69.3
|
63.7
|
|
High temp(°F)
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72.6
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74.0
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78.0
|
82.2
|
87.7
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90.5
|
91.5
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91.4
|
90.0
|
85.4
|
79.9
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74.4
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Low temp(°F)
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50.9
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52.4
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56.8
|
59.6
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65.5
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70.8
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72.5
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72.9
|
71.8
|
64.9
|
58.7
|
52.9
|
|
Precipitation (in)
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2.9
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2.6
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3.4
|
1.9
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2.8
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7.5
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8.6
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9.3
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7.4
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2.9
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2.3
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2.4
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Climate:
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|
Jan
|
Feb
|
Mar
|
Apr
|
May
|
Jun
|
Jul
|
Aug
|
Sep
|
Oct
|
Nov
|
Dec
|
|
Days with precipitation
|
7
|
7
|
7
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5
|
6
|
13
|
16
|
16
|
14
|
7
|
5
|
6
|
|
Wind speed (mph)
|
8.6
|
9.1
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9.4
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9.1
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8.5
|
7.8
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7.0
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6.9
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7.6
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8.3
|
8.2
|
8.2
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|
Morning humidity (%)
|
87
|
86
|
87
|
86
|
86
|
87
|
88
|
90
|
91
|
89
|
88
|
88
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Afternoon humidity (%)
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59
|
56
|
54
|
51
|
52
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60
|
63
|
64
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63
|
58
|
58
|
59
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Sunshine (%)
|
63
|
65
|
71
|
75
|
75
|
67
|
62
|
61
|
61
|
65
|
64
|
61
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Local Seasons:
Sarasota is beautiful at any time of year. The seasons change on Florida’s west coast. In the winter, there are a few days when the heat goes on in the house, but outdoors the sun and cloudless blue sky more than compensate for the slight chill in the air. Visitors from the north are accustomed to 70F water temperatures for their summer swimming, and have no hesitation in plunging into the Gulf for a winter swim. The locals smile at these brave tourists and wait for spring and summer to swim in water that reaches the mid-80s.
How to Get Here
By Air
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (code SRQ)
6000 Airport Cir.
Sarasota, FL 34243
941-359-2770
SRQ is the closest international airport to the Gulf Islands resort area. Located on the Manatee and Sarasota county line, the airport is three miles to downtown Sarasota and is served by some of the nationally recognized airlines as well as certain local and regional carriers.
Tampa International Airport
5503 West Spruce Street
Tampa, Florida 33607
813-870-8794
Located approximate 70 miles north of Sarasota, the airport is served by many of the national and international airlines as well as certain local and regional carriers.
Ground Transportation:
Most of the major car rental companies as well as taxi, limousine, and shuttle bus services are available at the airports.
By Car
The city is easily accessible via Interstate Highway 75 from both the north and south.
By Train
Amtrak
1993 Main Street
US 301 and Main the East Bound Side
Sarasota, FL 34231
800-USA-RAIL
Call for additional information
By Bus
Greyhound
575 N Washington Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-955-5735
How to Get Around:
With so many sites to see and things to do both in Sarasota as well as throughout the entire area, the best way to get around is by either personal or rental car. Bus transportation (SCAT) is available and quite convenient in reaching downtown attractions and entertainment.
Featured Vacation and Travel Essentials
Demographics -
The area is a very popular vacation and retirement destination, but also has a thriving, year-long, industrial and commercial sector. Close proximity to the Port area of Tampa, it is an extension of the Tampa Bay Metropolitan area. -
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Getting Around -
This guide to getting around Sarasota and the Beaches lists many of the public means of transportation as well as private companies - taxi, limo and shuttle services. Along the beach, many people use the trolley system - it's free on Anna Maria Island. -
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Getting Here -
Helpful information on getting to the Sarasota area either by air or car. Several airports service Sarasota - including the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SQR). Close proximity to the Interstates I-75, I-275, and I-4 make driving easy. -
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History -
Most noteable is the arrival of De Soto to the area - the first European to venture into the American Southwest. Numerous historical references can be found at the visitor centers and local museums - along with the De Soto National Memorial. -
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Local Resources -
Use this guide to many of the resources available to travelers includes listings of the local Chamber of Commerce offices, Tourism and Convention Visitors Bureaus and other helpful places to get visitor information and helpful local knowledge. -
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Maps and Directions -
Here are a few tips on selecting and using some of the maps that are available for visitors to Sarasota. Many local maps are free and can be obtained at any of the local visitor centers or the brochure rack in your hotel lobby. -
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Weather -
What to expect with the weather in Sarasota and surrounding areas. Local temperatures throughout the year, ocean temps, and rainfall. Also a brief primer on what some of the seasons have in store for you beyond the averages. -
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