Are you thinking about visiting Saint Petersburg, Florida? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Saint Petersburg worth visiting?
This coastal city is a good place to visit for two to four days. During our first trip to Saint Petersburg in 2010, we fell in love with its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful weather. We've come back several times since then to experience it even more. St. Petersburg is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida in the Tampa Bay area. It's a popular destination for its beaches and mild climate. There are plenty of recreational activities in the area such as golfing and boating. The waterfront is a nice area to explore and you'll find several good museums nearby.
St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
Reasons to Visit Saint Petersburg
Beaches
You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.
Museums
There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.
Food
It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.
Nightlife
There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.
Resorts
You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.
Shopping
You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.
Is Saint Petersburg worth visiting in the Summer?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Saint Petersburg. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
The weather in Saint Petersburg is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 28°C (82°F). But it can get as warm as 32°C (89°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
Visiting the nearby beaches is one of the most popular things to do this time of year, so spend some time enjoying the waves and sand. During this season it's fun to experience the beaches, the museums and landmarks, and the resorts. Also, you can experience the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Saint Petersburg
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 28°C (82°F) | 214 mm (8.4 in) |
| August | 28°C (82°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| September | 27°C (81°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
Is Saint Petersburg worth visiting in the Autumn?
The warm weather in autumn is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 24°C (76°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 29°C (84°F).
The peak season for travel is autumn in Saint Petersburg, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. This is a great time of year to wander through the museums.
Autumn Weather in Saint Petersburg
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 24°C (76°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| November | 20°C (69°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| December | 17°C (62°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
Is Saint Petersburg worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Saint Petersburg. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 15°C (59°F).
You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to browse through museums, taste delicious cuisine, and enjoy the evening activities.
Winter Weather in Saint Petersburg
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 15°C (59°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| February | 17°C (62°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| March | 20°C (67°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
Is Saint Petersburg worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the low season for travel in Saint Petersburg. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
The warm weather in spring is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 23°C (73°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 27°C (81°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the many shops, the famous sights and museums, and the nightlife scene.
Spring Weather in Saint Petersburg
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 23°C (73°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 25°C (78°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| June | 28°C (82°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Saint Petersburg
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Saint Petersburg might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Saint Petersburg here or see if Saint Petersburg is expensive here.
Related
What is Saint Petersburg most famous for?
Saint Petersburg is most famous for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. People visit this impressive coastal city for its great beaches. It is also known for its great museums and food. And many visitors also come to this coastal city for its nightlife, resorts, and shopping. It is often described as relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated.
What is the most famous sight in Saint Petersburg?
The most popular sight in Saint Petersburg is St. Pete Beach. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Saint Petersburg on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for St. Pete Beach and other attractions here.
How touristy is Saint Petersburg? Is it a popular coastal city to visit?
Saint Petersburg is a popular coastal city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
How long should I spend in Saint Petersburg?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Saint Petersburg is two to four days. Since Saint Petersburg has a variety of activities such as beaches, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Saint Petersburg?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Saint Petersburg?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Saint Petersburg?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.