Clearwater in September: Weather, Travel Tips & More for 2024
LOOKING INTO VISITING CLEARWATER IN SEPTEMBER?
You’ve come to the right place! We have spent months living in Florida, and Clearwater is one of our favorite destinations in the state. As you start heading into September and October in Clearwater, tourism is significantly less than in earlier months of the year.
By September, families aren’t vacationing because kids are back to school. Warm temperatures, high humidity, and hurricane season tend to keep visitors away during this time of year.
Although, Clearwater in September has some of the warmest temperatures, you can still find plenty of fun things to do in the area.
Clearwater in March is the least rainy month, and in July and August, the rain starts to pick up. Whether you’re making a day trip from Orlando to Clearwater to enjoy the beautiful beaches or you’re spending your entire time in Clearwater, you will have a great time!
Clearwater Weather in September
During the month of September, the weather in Clearwater slowly begins to cool as the summer wraps up. You can expect the rain to finally level off with similar levels to June. It’s a definite decrease from August, which is the rainiest month in Clearwater. Temperatures will remain warm and the humidity will still be high.
High and Low Temperatures in Clearwater in September
During the month of September, you can expect the average temperature in Clearwater to be 86° Fahrenheit. Keep in mind the high humidity during September will make this feel much warmer if you aren’t used to humid conditions.
Overnight, the average minimum temperature in Clearwater drops to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Average high temperature in Clearwater in September: 86° Fahrenheit
- Average low temperature in Clearwater in September: 78° Fahrenheit
- What are the hottest months in Clearwater? July and August at 87° Fahrenheit
- What are the coldest months in Clearwater? January at 65° Fahrenheit
Clearwater Beach Water Temperature
The average sea temperature in Clearwater is nearly 86° Fahrenheit. The range for water temperature has a low of 81° Fahrenheit and a high of 89° Fahrenheit.
You can read more about the water temperature in our Clearwater Beach Water Temp Guide.
Can We Swim in Clearwater in September?
You can swim in Clearwater in September. The water temperature averages at about 86°F, you should not have any problems being comfortable swimming in the ocean.
Rain
June is when the summer rains start, then reaches its peak in August. By September, the rain is starting to decrease.
You can expect a little over 2″ inches of rain which is more than double the monthly rainfall from October through May. But again, this is a big fall from the over 3″ of rain in August. The thunder and rain storms usually last an hour or less, and then it is back to sunny skies.
If you hear thunder, remember to head inside.
How Cloudy is Clearwater in September?
You can expect about 53% cloud cover in the city of Clearwater in September. This means you can expect a lot of cloud cover during your visit to Clearwater in September, but not as much as Clearwater in August.
The end of the month tends to be mostly clear, so if you visit then, you’re more likely to find clear skies.
When are Sunrise and Sunset in September?
Sunrise in September starts at 7:11 am in the first part of the month. As the month goes by, sunrise gradually will get later. By September 15th, sunrise is at 7:17 am, and by the end of the month, sunrise is at 7:24 am.
Sunset at the beginning of September is at 7:54 pm. By the end of the month, you can expect sunset at 7:20 pm.
What to Wear in September
The weather in September is going to have high temperatures and humidity. You can expect quite a bit of cloud coverage and some rain. Overall, you should expect warm weather with highs in the mid to upper-80s.
With temperatures in the 80s, you will want to bring proper sun protection like a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and shades for the beach. Also, make sure to bring plenty of water with you.
Events in Clearwater in September
Throughout the month of September, there are lots of fun things to do in the area. If you’re wondering what to do in Clearwater, Florida in September, most of these events are occurring throughout the month, so keep an eye on schedules to see if any of the events line up during your visit to the Gulf of Mexico.
Sunsets at Pier 60 Daily Festival
This is a really fun and lively event that everyone will enjoy going to. Sunsets at Pier 60 is held daily at Pier 60 starting two hours before sunset. The party continues for two hours after sunset.
At the festival, you will find all sorts of street performers and artisans, as well as a lively crowd. We stumbled upon the festival during our first trip to Clearwater Beach and had a great time there. It is a great way to end your day, all while taking in the beautiful sunsets at Pier 60.
Events at the Ruth Eckerd Hall
The Ruth Eckerd Hall is a great center for the performing arts, with a few shows going on in September. The performances held at this venue are varied, so be sure to check their schedule ahead of your visit. It is advised to get your tickets ahead of time.
Check their schedule to see if you will be able to attend any of their events.
Concerts
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a summer evening with the added bonus of live music. There are a handful of summer concerts happening in Clearwater and nearby Tampa during the month of September.
Be sure to check local entertainment schedules to see if your trip lines up with one of the musical dates.
Sporting Events
An activity that everyone will love in Clearwater in September is a baseball game. The Tampa Bay Rays’ season will be in full swing over in Tampa. If you plan on going into Tampa for the day, you can add on a visit to Ray’s Stadium.
If you’re planning to stay in Clearwater, their minor league baseball team, The Clearwater Threshers are fun to watch too. And they have amazing fireworks shows the whole family will love after each Saturday home game during the month of September.
During the month of September, there are lots of great farmers’ markets around town. The Safety Harbor’s Market on Main is held every Sunday, and St. Pete Saturday Morning Market is held every Saturday.
Every year, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium puts on the Summer Glow Event. The event features extended visiting hours, live entertainment, and free boat rides. Hurry in if you’d like to catch this fun event as it wraps up in the early days of September.
If you’re a family of athletes traveling to Clearwater in September consider joining the Fit Foodie 5K on September 9th. It’s sure to be a fun event!
Other Fun Things to Do in Clearwater
Along with spending time at the beach at Pier 60, there are many other fun beaches to go to (even dog-friendly ones), like Honeymoon Island State Park and Caladesi Island. The warm daytime temperatures make it really nice to spend time at the sandy white beaches there.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a working marine hospital that works to rehabilitate and rescue marine animals. It is home to many dolphins, which my kids loved seeing. There are also a few other exhibits you can enjoy there.
If your family loves dolphins as much as we do, this is a great opportunity to get up close to these beautiful animals. This is one of our favorite things to do in Clearwater with kids.
Dolphin Boat Tour
Another really fun activity to enjoy in Clearwater is a dolphin adventure. We did this during our last visit to the Gulf Coast and had a great time. We got to see so many dolphins, and it was so fun to be out on the water. The views of the city were beautiful!
Our youngest was learning all sorts of new words when we went on our last dolphin tour, and it was so fun to hear her scream “dolphin” every time she saw one.
Explore Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs is a very charming and cute Greek city about 30 minutes north of Clearwater. The sponge docks are a fun area to window-shop, and there are some delicious restaurants there. We had a lot of fun exploring this part of town and seeing all of the amazing sponges that come out of the ocean.
Be sure to stop by some of the Greek bakeries for some delicious treats. There are some nice benches down by the water to enjoy your treats!
Clearwater Sunset Sailing Cruise
Another great way to enjoy time on the water in Clearwater is on a sunset sailing cruise. There are many different Clearwater Sunset Cruises to choose from. We love spending time on the water and at the beach at sunset. There is something magical about watching the sun dip below the horizon when you’re near the water.
It is so beautiful and a perfect way to end your day. Kids under five are not allowed on this tour.
▶ BOOK Clearwater Sunset Sailing Cruise
Kayaking
If you’re looking for a more active and adventurous thing to do in Clearwater, kayaking in a clear bottom vessel is a lot of fun. It’s an amazing way to experience the sights and wildlife of Clearwater.
As you explore Clearwater on this guided experience on the water, you’re likely to see dolphins and manatees! We got to see quite a few manatees in the Florida springs during our last visit to Florida, and it is so cool to get to see them in their natural habitats.
Along with plenty of cool things to see, your knowledgeable guide will share all sorts of information about Clearwater’s local history and wildlife.
Johns Pass Boardwalk in Madeira Beach
Another fun area to do some window shopping and exploring is the Johns Pass Boardwalk. There are lots of great shops as well as Clearwater restaurants. This old fishing village is a great place to spend the day near St. Pete’s.
This is a great place to spend the afternoon on the water and mix in some shopping and dining.
Best Time of Year to Visit Clearwater
The best time of year to visit Clearwater will depend on what you are looking for on your vacation. Each season has its pros and cons. The winter months have more visitors but dryer weather conditions.
Clearwater, Florida weather in April and other earlier winter months also has milder temperatures, so you can easily enjoy the outdoors without the humidity and the heat.
If you are looking for fewer tourists and less expensive rates, you should visit between July and September. However, the weather is hotter and more humid. September also falls during the end of the Atlantic Hurricane Season.
Where to Stay in Clearwater in September
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
⭐️ Rating 9/10 | 📍Location: 301 S Gulfview Blvd in Clearwater Beach | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
The Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa is a beautiful property close to the beach and one of the best family resorts in Clearwater. On the property, you will find a poolside bar, a coffee shop, as well as the amazing Sandava Spa. It’s so convenient, too, just a short walk from all the amenities in downtown Clearwater.
Shor American Seafood Grill is one of the hotel’s two onsite restaurants. You won’t regret getting up early to visit this spot because it’s one of the best places in Clearwater Beach for breakfast!
The location is ideal. Everything you need is within walking distance. There is a small market next to the property, so you can stock the kitchen. The fitness center is well-maintained and spacious.
– Martha (Read more Reviews)
There is also a great outdoor pool area with a kid’s area, waterslide, cabanas, and sun loungers. You can also take advantage of the local shuttle as well as water sports equipment. This is a great hotel with a convenient location, making it easy to enjoy all of the fun things to do in Clearwater.
▶ Check Rates & Availability at Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort
Barefoot Bay Resort and Marina
⭐️ Rating 9.2/10 | 📍Location: 401 East Shore Drive in Clearwater Beach | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
If you’re looking for something a little less expensive but still with great amenities and positive reviews, check out Barefoot Bay Resort and Marina. On-site, they have free self-parking, BBQ grills, and an outdoor pool. There is also a terrace and picnic area.
Simple check in, staff was very accommodating, view was awesome and even has a dock that over looks the water
-Tarryce (read more Reviews)
It is a four-minute walk from Pier 60 as well as the beach walk.
▶ Check Rates & Book: Barefoot Bay Resort & Marina
AC Hotel Clearwater Beach
⭐️ Rating 9.2/10 | 📍Location: 395 Coronado Drive in Clearwater Beach | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
AC Hotel Clearwater Beach is a beautiful hotel with an amazing pool with ocean views. There is onsite laundry, a restaurant, a convenience store, and a gym. There is also a nice rooftop terrace, perfect for relaxing after a day of fun in Clearwater.
Check in was super easy – the valet was quick and nice -the rooms are new and very clean. Rain shower heads in the bathrooms. Great hotel for a nice price. Rooftop bar and lobby bar. Great little raised pool
– Stephanie (read more Reviews)
Clearwater Beach, the Beach Walk, and Pier 60 are all within a six-minute walk. This makes it easy to explore the fun things to do in the area, even if you don’t have a car.
▶ Check Rates & Book: AC Hotel Clearwater Beach
This area also has an impressive selection of fun Clearwater Motels, if none of the above options fit exactly what you’re looking for.
FAQ: Clearwater in September
Is September a Good Month to Visit Clearwater, Florida?
September is not the most ideal time to visit Florida unless you are a big fan of humidity and warm weather. The summer heat is still hanging on in September, so you can expect hot and muggy days. You can also expect some rain in Clearwater in September.
A big bonus of visiting this time of year, however, is the water temperature is also warmer, making it more comfortable to swim in the ocean compared to the earlier winter and spring months.
Can You Swim in Clearwater in September?
You can definitely swim in Clearwater in September. The average water temperature in August and September is about 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This is warm enough to enjoy swimming in the ocean for most people.
Most people will find this warm enough for swimming. For some people, the water may be too warm, and they would prefer it to be a bit cooler as a way to cool off from the warm outdoor temperature.
Is Clearwater Beach Busy in September?
The busy season in Clearwater starts to slow down in early summer, as the summer rain and humidity increase. Crowds lessen even more into September, as most family travel has wrapped up with kids back in school. The busy season for Florida Gulf Coast beaches is from late February through early May.
How Hot is Clearwater, Florida in September?
You can expect hot and humid temperatures in Florida in September. The average temperature in Clearwater in September is 85°F. On cooler days, the average high is a slightly more comfortable 77°F.
You can also expect a muggy rate of 75% humidity. This is about as humid as it gets in Clearwater.
Does it Rain in Clearwater in September?
Yes, you can expect some rain in September. That said, keep in mind it is the least rainy of all the summer months. You can expect over 2 inches of rain to fall in Clearwater throughout the month of September.
There are, on average, 9 days of rain in Clearwater in September. Storms happen often but typically pass quickly.
Conclusion: Clearwater in September
We hope this guide has been helpful in understanding the Clearwater Beach weather in September and all the fun things to do in the area. There’s no better way to wrap up a summer of fun than a last-minute trip to Clearwater!
September is a great time to take advantage of this beautiful area of the Gulf Coast if you plan on spending lots of time in the water or indoors on a rainy day.
We always have a great time when we visit Clearwater. There are so many family-friendly activities and beautiful beaches.
