ST. JOHNS COUNTY WEATHER GUIDE

Weather in St. Johns County, Florida

A practical local guide to temperatures, rainfall, humidity, hurricanes, beach weather and surf conditions across St. Johns County — from Ponte Vedra and Nocatee to St. Augustine, RiverTown and the beaches.

79.9°F Average annual daily high near St. Augustine
50.6" Average annual rainfall
Jun–Nov Atlantic hurricane season
Sep–Oct One of the strongest surf windows
WHAT THE YEAR FEELS LIKE

Florida seasons are a little different.

St. Johns County has mild winters, an early warm-up, a long humid summer and a fall that can remain surprisingly warm along the coast.

December – February

Mild Winter

Cool mornings and comfortable afternoons are common. Strong fronts can occasionally bring freezing temperatures inland.

March – May

Warm Spring

One of the most comfortable periods of the year. Warm afternoons arrive quickly while humidity is usually more manageable than midsummer.

June – September

Hot + Humid

Temperatures often approach 90°F with warm nights, frequent thunderstorms and high humidity.

October – November

Warm Fall

October can still feel like summer, but cooler fronts and lower humidity gradually become more frequent.

CLIMATE NORMALS

St. Johns County weather by month

The figures below use long-term NOAA climate normals from the St. Augustine area. Conditions elsewhere in the county can vary somewhat, especially inland.

Month Avg High Avg Low Average Rainfall
January 67.5°F 47.8°F 2.74 in.
February 69.7°F 50.2°F 2.69 in.
March 74.4°F 54.6°F 3.43 in.
April 79.8°F 60.6°F 2.93 in.
May 85.1°F 67.4°F 3.66 in.
June 88.6°F 72.3°F 6.27 in.
July 91.0°F 73.8°F 4.88 in.
August 89.9°F 74.2°F 7.18 in.
September 87.4°F 73.1°F 7.18 in.
October 81.8°F 66.5°F 4.37 in.
November 74.9°F 57.5°F 2.32 in.
December 68.9°F 51.3°F 2.99 in.

Climate averages describe long-term conditions and are not a weather forecast.

ONE COUNTY, DIFFERENT WEATHER

The beach and inland St. Johns can feel very different.

🌊 Coastal St. Johns

Ponte Vedra Beach, Vilano Beach, St. Augustine Beach and other Atlantic communities are strongly influenced by the ocean.

  • Sea breezes can moderate summer afternoons.
  • Winter nights are often milder than farther inland.
  • Humidity and salt air remain noticeable.
  • Wind, tides and rip currents matter for beach conditions.

🌴 Inland St. Johns

Fruit Cove, Julington Creek, Switzerland, RiverTown and western St. Johns are less directly moderated by the Atlantic.

  • Summer afternoons can become hotter.
  • Winter nights may cool more sharply.
  • Thunderstorms can be extremely localized.
  • It may be raining heavily five miles away while your neighborhood stays dry.
THE HUMIDITY QUESTION

Why does 90°F in Jacksonville feel so different from 90°F in Denver or Boston?

The thermometer only measures air temperature. Your body experiences temperature together with humidity, sunshine, wind and how effectively sweat evaporates.

Jacksonville / St. Johns

Warm Atlantic air frequently keeps moisture levels high. Sweat evaporates more slowly, which reduces the body's ability to cool itself.

Denver

Denver's air is typically much drier. Sweat can evaporate quickly, which is why 90°F in the shade can feel dramatically different from humid Florida heat.

Boston

Boston can absolutely experience hot, humid days, but prolonged high-moisture summer heat is generally less persistent than in Northeast Florida.

Example: At 90°F and roughly 60% relative humidity, the heat index is around 100°F. At 90°F with roughly 40% humidity, the apparent temperature is much closer to the actual air temperature. Direct sunshine can make either situation feel hotter.

SURF + BEACH WEATHER

When is the best surf in St. Johns County?

North Florida can surf year-round, but late summer through fall usually provides one of the strongest combinations of swell potential and warm water.

Local surf season

JanWinter fronts
FebFront-driven surf
MarSpring swells
AprVariable
MayOften smaller
JunOften inconsistent
JulTropical swell possible
AugTropical season builds
SepPrime window
OctPrime window
NovFall + winter energy
DecWinter fronts

Morning sessions can often be cleaner before daytime onshore winds strengthen, but swell direction, tide and sandbars matter more than the calendar.

Explore St. Johns Beaches →

🌕 What about the full moon?

A full moon does not automatically create larger ocean waves. Wind and storms create surf swell.

The moon does affect tides. Around both the full moon and new moon, the sun, Earth and moon align more closely, creating a larger tidal range.

That can change how a local sandbar or inlet breaks, so surfers should pay attention to tide stage rather than assuming a full moon means bigger surf.

Check NOAA Tides ↗
JUNE 1 – NOVEMBER 30

Hurricane preparation in St. Johns County

St. Johns County can experience hurricane winds, tropical-storm conditions, storm surge, flooding, fallen trees and prolonged power outages. Preparation is easier before a storm enters the forecast.

1. Know your evacuation zone Know whether your home is in an evacuation zone and identify more than one route out.
2. Sign up for alerts Use county emergency alerts and monitor official weather information.
3. Build a hurricane kit Water, food, medications, batteries, flashlights, first aid and important records.
4. Plan for pets Prepare carriers, food, medications and pet-friendly evacuation arrangements.
5. Prepare your property Secure outdoor items, inspect drainage and document your home's condition.
6. Follow evacuation orders Do not wait until conditions deteriorate before leaving if officials order an evacuation.
7. Charge + fuel Charge phones and battery packs and prepare transportation before demand spikes.
8. Protect important documents Store insurance, identification and medical information in waterproof or digital form.
9. Remember flooding Water can be a major hazard even when hurricane-force winds do not directly affect your neighborhood.
AFTER THE STORM

Local storm recovery services

Storm recovery can involve several different types of companies. Use the StJohnsFL.org business directory to research local options and verify licensing, insurance and current availability directly.

After-storm contractor reminder: Major storms create intense demand. Document damage, verify licenses and insurance, read contracts carefully and be cautious about pressure to sign immediately or make large upfront payments.
WEATHER QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions about St. Johns weather

What is the hottest month in St. Johns County?

July has the highest average daytime temperature near St. Augustine, with average highs around 91°F. August is nearly as warm and has very warm overnight temperatures.

What is the rainiest time of year?

Summer through early fall is the wettest period. August and September average roughly seven inches of rain near St. Augustine.

Does St. Johns County get hurricanes?

Yes. St. Johns County can experience tropical storms, hurricanes, storm surge, flooding and wind impacts. Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.

Does it freeze in St. Johns County?

Yes, occasionally. Freezing temperatures are less common near the immediate coast but become more likely during strong winter cold snaps farther inland.

Does it snow in St. Augustine?

Measurable snow is extremely rare. Snowfall is not part of the normal winter climate in St. Johns County.

Why does 90°F feel hotter in Jacksonville than Denver?

Humidity slows the evaporation of sweat, which makes it harder for your body to cool itself. Denver's much drier air generally allows sweat to evaporate faster.

Is the beach cooler than inland St. Johns County?

Often during summer afternoons. The Atlantic and sea breeze can moderate temperatures near the coast, while inland areas can experience larger temperature swings.

What are the best months for surfing around St. Augustine?

Late summer through fall, especially September and October, generally offers one of the best combinations of tropical swell, warm water and fall weather patterns. Winter cold fronts can also produce good surf.

Does a full moon make waves bigger?

Not directly. Wind and storms generate surf swell. Full and new moons increase the tidal range, which can change how local sandbars and surf breaks behave.

What is the best time of year for comfortable weather?

March through April and late October through November are often among the most comfortable periods, with warm daytime temperatures and less persistent summer humidity.

Why can one neighborhood get a thunderstorm while another stays dry?

Summer thunderstorms in Northeast Florida can be very localized. Sea-breeze boundaries and local wind interactions can produce heavy rain over one part of the county while nearby areas remain dry.

Where should I check the official weather forecast?

Use the National Weather Service Jacksonville office for local forecasts and hazards, the National Hurricane Center for tropical systems, NOAA for tide information and St. Johns County Emergency Management for county emergency instructions.

Weather data and official resources: NOAA/NCEI 1991–2020 Climate Normals · National Weather Service Jacksonville · National Hurricane Center · St. Johns County Hurricane Preparedness · NOAA Tides & Currents.