Honestly, people think Florida is just endless sunshine and 80-degree days year-round. It’s a common trap. If you’re looking at the 10 day weather forecast for st petersburg fl right now, you’re probably seeing something a bit more... complicated.
St. Petersburg is gorgeous. I mean, they call it the "Sunshine City" for a reason—it literally holds a Guinness World Record for the most consecutive days of sunshine (768 days back in the late 60s). But January? January in St. Pete is a wild card.
Right now, we're looking at a stretch that feels more like a roller coaster than a tropical vacation. Today, Friday, January 16, 2026, started out with a legit Cold Weather Advisory. We’re talking a morning low of 47°F, though the wind chill actually made it feel like 43°F near Albert Whitted Airport. If you stepped outside in flip-flops this morning, you definitely regretted it.
The Next 10 Days: A Breakdown of the "Sunshine City" Reality
The forecast is showing some serious mood swings. We’re moving from "grab a heavy sweater" to "maybe I can sit by the pool" in the span of about 48 hours.
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The Immediate Outlook
Tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, is looking like the sweet spot. We’re expecting a high of 70°F with mostly sunny skies. It’s that perfect Florida winter day where the air is crisp but the sun is strong enough to warm your skin. But don't get too comfortable. By Sunday, a front moves in. We’ve got a 65% chance of light rain and a high of only 63°F. Plus, the wind is going to kick up to 25 mph from the north. That's a "stay inside and drink coffee" kind of wind.
Moving into Next Week
Monday and Tuesday stay cool, hovering in the low 60s. It’s dry, though, which is nice. By Wednesday, January 21, the heat starts to creep back up toward 70°F. The back half of the 10-day window looks much milder, with highs climbing into the low 70s by Thursday and Friday. Saturday, January 24, might even hit 74°F.
Here is the thing about St. Pete weather: the humidity makes everything feel more intense. When it’s 50°F and humid with a north wind, it feels significantly colder than a dry 50°F in, say, Denver. Your bones actually feel the chill.
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Why the Forecast Changes So Fast
You've probably noticed that the forecast for St. Petersburg can change in an hour. We’re a peninsula on a peninsula. We have the Gulf of Mexico on one side and Tampa Bay on the other. That water is a massive thermostat. Right now, the Gulf water temperature is sitting around 63°F to 68°F. That’s actually warmer than the air temperature during these cold snaps!
The water helps keep the city from getting as freezing as inland places like Ocala or Orlando, but it also fuels those sudden rain showers that pop up on Sunday's forecast.
Survival Guide for a Rainy or Cold St. Pete Day
If the 10 day weather forecast for st petersburg fl is looking a bit grey for your visit, don't panic. St. Pete is actually one of the best cities in Florida to be "stuck" in when the weather turns.
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- The Dali Museum: If it's raining on Sunday like predicted, head here. It’s an architectural masterpiece even from the outside, and the surrealist art inside is the perfect vibe for a cloudy day.
- Imagine Museum: Located in the Grand Central District, this place is all about contemporary glass art. The way the lighting hits the glass when it's overcast outside is honestly pretty magical.
- Indie Bookstores and Coffee: Go to Black Crow Coffee Shop and then walk right next door to Tombolo Books. You can lose three hours there easily.
- The Sunken Gardens: If it's one of the cooler, sunny days (like Monday), this is the time to go. You won’t sweat through your shirt while looking at the flamingos.
What to Pack
You basically need two different wardrobes for the next 10 days.
- Layers are non-negotiable. A light puffer jacket or a decent windbreaker is a must for those 25 mph winds on Sunday.
- Waterproof shoes. When it rains in St. Pete, the streets can get puddly fast.
- Sunscreen. Seriously. Even when it’s 59°F today, the UV index is still sitting at a 4. You will get crispy if you’re out for a long walk on the St. Pete Pier.
The "Real" Forecast Most People Miss
People obsess over the high temperature, but in January, you need to look at the "feels like" and the wind direction. A north wind means cold air is being pushed down from the continent. A south or southeast wind—like we’ll have on Saturday—brings that warm, moist air up from the Caribbean. That 8 mph southeast wind on Saturday is why the temperature jumps 11 degrees from Friday.
Basically, if the wind is coming from the North, pack a jacket. If it's coming from the South, you're probably good in a long-sleeve tee.
Actionable Insight for your Trip:
Check the hourly wind forecast before you head to the beach. Even if the high is 72°F, a 15 mph breeze off the water can make the sand feel chilly. If you're planning a boat trip or a visit to the Pier, aim for Wednesday or next Friday when the winds are calmer and the temperatures are more predictable. Don't let a "60% chance of rain" on Sunday ruin your plans—museums in this city are world-class and keep you completely dry.