Best Time to Go
Anytime! While most folks visit the St Petersburg area during the spring and summer, year-round the weather is warm and there is a lot to see and do. If the beach is calling, April, May, October, and November are good shoulder season visit times; you’ll miss the maximum summer crowds, skip the rainy season, and still have enough sunshine to cop a tan.

Average Weather
March through December, highs in the 70s and 80s make beaches accessible. During January, the coldest month, average daytime highs in the low 60s are the norm. Summer sees quite a bit of rain with average precipitation hitting over six inches from June through September. The peak of the rainy season is August when an average of eight inches falls.

Transportation
A car is essential for getting around the area. Public transport is planned to meet tourist's needs but it isn’t a reality yet. If you fly into the area you’ll probably arrive at Tampa International Airport as the St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport has somewhat limited service. Most major airlines fly into Tampa International. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty, and Value car rental airports all have outlets at Tampa International Airport.

In-Season Costs
Expect to pay in the $15 to $20 range for an evening meal in a moderately nice restaurant. The area has a full array of familiar chains and fast food emporiums if you’re traveling on a shoestring. Hotel rooms range from bookable bargains beneath $50 nightly (even during the summer) to luxury digs at over $150 easy. St. Petersburg caters to a diverse range of travelers so you can count on spending as little or as much as you like. Just be certain to save some funds for fun --- whether it’s playing putt putt or spending the day in Busch Gardens, you’ll want to savor the entertainment options all around.

Day Trips
If you are visiting St Petersburg you simply have to devote a day to Tampa. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is worth a day itself. In addition to thrill rides, Bush Gardens has one of the best zoos on the planet. Busch Gardens is located at 3000 E. Busch Blvd. (at McKinley Dr./N. 40th St. in Tampa). Call 813/987-5283 for information and current admission prices as they are subject to frequent change. Busch Gardens is open daily from 9am-6pm with extended hours to 7 and 8pm in the summer. In Tampa, the Ybor City area offers several themed walking tours, including a ghost walk. Eclectic shops and nightlife abound until 4 a.m.