If you’re planning a trip to Florida in mid-March, you probably wonder if you’ll need sunscreen, a light jacket, or maybe an umbrella. Most years, St. Patrick’s Day in Florida brings warm afternoons in the 70s to 80s, mild mornings in the 50s to 60s, and just a small chance of rain. That mix makes it one of the more comfortable times of year to enjoy beaches, festivals, or just eating outside.
Weather can shift a bit depending on where you go. South Florida usually feels warmer and a bit more humid, while North Florida sometimes hangs onto a touch of spring chill in the mornings.
Coastal areas stay breezy, which keeps afternoons pleasant. Inland cities, on the other hand, might feel just a little hotter.
Knowing these patterns helps you plan your day with a bit more confidence. Whether you’re walking in a parade, hanging by the water, or checking out local events, Florida’s St. Patrick’s Day weather usually gives you plenty of chances to be outside without the extremes of summer heat or winter cold.
Typical Weather Conditions on St. Patrick’s Day in Florida
Most of Florida sees mild to warm temperatures, moderate humidity, and light to breezy winds on St. Patrick’s Day. The state usually avoids weather extremes compared to the peak of summer or the chill of winter.
Average High and Low Temperatures
March 17 usually feels pretty comfortable, making it a great time to be outside. In South Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach), highs often climb into the low to mid-80s °F, with lows in the upper 60s to low 70s °F.
In Central Florida (Orlando, Tampa), you’ll typically see highs in the upper 70s to low 80s °F and lows from the upper 50s to mid-60s °F. North Florida (Jacksonville, Tallahassee) stays cooler, with highs in the low to mid-70s °F and lows in the upper 40s to mid-50s °F.
Records sometimes show spikes into the upper 80s °F, especially in South Florida. Cold fronts can bring cooler days up north. Rainfall usually stays light, but you might see a random shower.
Typical ranges:
- South Florida: 82–86 °F high / 68–72 °F low
- Central Florida: 78–82 °F high / 58–65 °F low
- North Florida: 72–76 °F high / 48–55 °F low
Humidity Levels
Humidity on St. Patrick’s Day usually runs lower than in the summer. You’ll notice moderate humidity across Florida, which makes the warmth feel a lot more tolerable than in late spring or summer.
South Florida often sees daytime humidity between 60–70%. Central and North Florida can dip a bit lower, especially after a cold front.
Mornings feel more humid, but things dry out by the afternoon as temperatures climb. That balance of warmth and humidity makes for pretty comfortable outdoor events, parades, and festivals.
Unlike summer, when high humidity and thunderstorms go hand in hand, mid-March rarely brings heavy rain. The air feels less sticky, even in the south.
Wind Patterns
Winds on March 17 usually stay light to moderate, but they can shift if a front moves through. In South Florida, you’ll often feel an east to southeast breeze at 8–15 mph, which helps keep coastal spots comfortable.
Central and North Florida sometimes get north or northwest winds after a cold front. Those breezes can make mornings and evenings feel cooler.
Gusts above 20 mph don’t happen much, but you might catch them when a system passes by. Coastal areas tend to be breezier, while inland spots often feel calmer.
Winds usually add to the comfort, balancing sunshine and humidity and making outdoor gatherings feel just right.
Rain Chance and Precipitation Trends
Rain around St. Patrick’s Day in Florida isn’t rare, but it usually comes in light amounts. Rain patterns shift depending on where you are, with coastal and inland areas seeing different trends.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Historical records show that March 17 in Florida usually brings very little rain. Many years, you won’t see any measurable rain at all. When it does rain, it’s often less than half an inch.
For example, Miami has seen rainfall from trace amounts up to just over 2 inches in unusually wet years. Orlando and Tampa show similar patterns, with most years bringing little or no measurable rain.
Here’s a quick look at typical rainfall:
| Location | Typical Range | Heavy Years |
|---|---|---|
| Miami | 0.00″–0.20″ | 1.5″–2.0″ |
| Orlando | 0.00″–0.25″ | 1.0″–1.5″ |
| Tampa | 0.00″–0.20″ | 1.0″+ |
So, you’re more likely to get dry weather than a soaking rain, but a quick shower is always possible.
Probability of Showers
The chance of rain on St. Patrick’s Day in Florida usually sits between 25% and 40%, depending on the year and region. South Florida’s odds are a bit higher, thanks to its tropical climate.
Out of more than a century of records, Miami has picked up measurable rain on about one in four St. Patrick’s Days. Most of those were just brief showers, not all-day storms.
Most years, you’ll stay dry, but you can’t completely rule out a passing shower. Afternoon showers pop up more often in central and southern Florida, while northern areas usually stay drier.
Regional Rain Variations
Rain patterns really do differ across Florida. South Florida tends to have the highest chance of showers, thanks to its proximity to warm ocean waters. Miami and Fort Lauderdale sometimes see short-lived rain, but long, wet periods aren’t common.
Central Florida, including Orlando, usually gets a little less rain. Showers here are often brief and scattered, and most years are dry.
North Florida usually has the lowest rain chance on March 17. Cities like Jacksonville often make it through the holiday without any measurable rain.
So, if you’re planning outdoor activities, the southern part of the state carries the greatest risk of showers, while the north is usually the driest.
Temperature Patterns Across Florida Regions
Temperatures around St. Patrick’s Day can really vary depending on where you are in Florida. You’ll notice cooler mornings up north and warmer afternoons down south, with clear regional differences in highs and lows.
Northern Florida
In northern Florida, you usually find cooler weather compared to the rest of the state during mid-March. Average daytime highs tend to run from the upper 60s to mid-70s °F, while nighttime lows can dip into the upper 40s or low 50s °F.
This region can still have chilly mornings, especially inland. Tallahassee and Jacksonville often start the day cool but warm up nicely by afternoon.
Rainfall isn’t heavy, but you might get a light shower. Winds sometimes feel stronger here than down south, adding to the cool vibe. If you’re planning to be outside, you’ll probably want a light jacket early and lighter clothes later.
Typical Range (°F):
- High: 68–75
- Low: 48–52
Central Florida
Central Florida feels milder and a bit more stable. Daytime highs around St. Patrick’s Day often reach the mid to upper 70s °F, and lows usually stay in the upper 50s to low 60s °F. Orlando and Tampa usually enjoy comfortable afternoons that make outdoor events a breeze.
Humidity stays moderate, and rainfall is generally low in mid-March. Short showers can happen, but they don’t last long. Breezes are lighter than up north, so the air feels warmer and more settled.
This region often gives you some of the most balanced weather in Florida this time of year. If you’re heading to a parade or festival, you can expect pleasant conditions without needing heavy layers.
Typical Range (°F):
- High: 74–79
- Low: 58–62
South Florida
South Florida is the warmest part of the state when St. Patrick’s Day rolls around. Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Naples often reach the low to mid-80s °F in the afternoon, with lows in the upper 60s to low 70s °F.
The climate here feels more tropical, and humidity runs higher than in the rest of Florida. Rain chances stay low, but you can get a quick shower. Winds usually stay light, and sunshine is common, so the holiday can feel almost like early summer.
If you’re spending time outside, get ready for warm afternoons. Light clothing, sunscreen, and some water will help, since the sun can feel strong. Even in the evening, it rarely gets cool enough for a jacket.
Typical Range (°F):
- High: 80–85
- Low: 68–72
Recent Weather Trends and Notable Records
St. Patrick’s Day weather in Florida has generally stayed warm, with occasional cool spells and rare rain events. Records show both mild spring days and some wild temperature swings that really stand out.
Recent Years’ Weather on March 17
In recent decades, you’ll usually see daytime highs on March 17 ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s °F across most of Florida. Nights tend to be mild, averaging in the low to mid-60s °F.
Rainfall is pretty uncommon on this date. Many years go by with little or no measurable rain. Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach have often reported dry weather on March 17.
But there are always exceptions. In 1993, South Florida got nearly 3 inches of rain, making it one of the wettest St. Patrick’s Days on record. Years like 2014 and 2020, though, stayed completely dry and sunny.
Light breezes and comfortable humidity usually make it a pleasant day to be outside.
Record Highs and Lows
Historical records show a big range for March 17 temperatures in Florida. The highest recorded highs have reached the upper 80s °F, like 88°F in 1953 and 2014. Those years honestly feel more like early summer than spring.
On the flip side, record lows have dropped into the 40s °F, with years like 1915 and 1947 standing out. It’s rare, but cold fronts can still sneak into Florida in mid-March.
A quick look at Miami’s long-term data:
| Year | Record High | Record Low |
|---|---|---|
| 1953 | 88°F | 68°F |
| 2014 | 88°F | 74°F |
| 1915 | 63°F | 47°F |
| 1947 | 73°F | 47°F |
These records show just how much things can shift, even though most years bring steady, warm weather.
Extreme Weather Events
Most St. Patrick’s Days in Florida feel pretty calm, but a few years have brought some wild surprises. The “Storm of the Century” in 1993 stands out as the most extreme, hammering the state with severe weather, strong winds, and heavy rain.
A few years brought sharp cold snaps too. In 2010, Miami only hit 68°F for a high, which is a big drop from the usual mid-70s to low-80s. That kind of chill doesn’t happen often, but strong cold fronts sometimes push that far south.
Heavy rain is rare on St. Patrick’s Day, but it’s not impossible. In 2003, South Florida saw almost 2 inches of rain, making it one of the wettest March 17ths on record.
Florida’s spring winds often peak around mid-March. Gusts can make the coast feel cooler and might mess with boating or beach plans, even if the sky looks clear.
Beach and Outdoor Conditions Around St. Patrick’s Day
Florida’s weather around St. Patrick’s Day usually brings warm afternoons and mild mornings. You won’t often see extreme cold, so the beach is usually a great bet for sunbathing or light water activities.
Wind and surf can change fast if a front moves through, though.
Beach Weather Expectations
Daytime highs along the coast often hit the upper 70s to mid-80s °F. Nights cool off into the 60s, which makes those early mornings feel crisp until the sun gets going.
Humidity stays moderate compared to summer, so the air feels pretty comfortable. Most years, rain is light or doesn’t show up at all on March 17.
If you’re heading to the beach for the afternoon, pack sunscreen and light clothes. The sun angle in March is stronger than you might expect, so UV exposure sneaks up on people. Breezes off the water can keep you cool, but sometimes they make it feel chillier than the thermometer says.
Rip Current and Surf Conditions
Rip currents pose a year-round hazard on Florida’s Atlantic coast. Around St. Patrick’s Day, passing cold fronts sometimes churn up choppy surf and stronger currents, especially if winds swing from the northeast.
Gulf Coast beaches usually have calmer surf, but currents can still pop up near piers or jetties.
Surf heights tend to stay between 1–3 feet, but after a front, they can spike for a day or two. Lifeguards post daily flags to show the risk:
- Green = low hazard
- Yellow = moderate surf or currents
- Red = high hazard, strong currents
Always check local advisories before you swim. Even strong swimmers should steer clear of structures, since rip currents love to form there.
Outdoor Activity Recommendations
Mild temperatures and dry air make this a great time to get outside. Walking tours, parades, or golf all feel easier without the summer heat. Afternoon highs in the 70s and 80s °F let you stay comfortable, whether you’re active or just hanging out.
Mornings often start in the 60s, which is perfect for hiking or biking before the sun gets intense. Bring water, since you’ll feel the sun more by midday.
If you’re out in the evening, grab a light jacket. Coastal breezes can cool things off quickly after sunset. If rain happens, it’s usually quick and light, so most outdoor plans can go on without much trouble.
Travel and Packing Tips for St. Patrick’s Day in Florida
Florida’s weather in mid-March usually feels warm, but it can change fast with quick showers or cooler nights. You’ll want to dress for comfort at outdoor parades, but also be ready for late-night events or breezy coastal evenings.
Clothing Recommendations
March highs usually land in the mid-70s to low 80s °F, so go for lightweight, breathable clothes. Cotton shirts, shorts, and sundresses work well for parades or festivals.
Once the sun goes down, evenings can slip into the 60s °F, especially up north. A light sweater or jacket will help you stay comfortable if you’re out late.
If you’re heading to a St. Patrick’s Day parade or festival, green-themed outfits are fun, but make sure they’re practical too. Comfortable shoes matter, since you’ll probably be on your feet a lot. Sandals are fine for quick trips, but closed-toe shoes are better for crowds or grassy parks.
Rain Gear and Sun Protection
March brings a moderate shot at afternoon showers. Rain doesn’t usually last long, but it can come down hard, so toss a small umbrella or poncho in your bag. Ponchos work better at packed events where umbrellas get in the way.
The sun can be sneaky-strong, even in early spring. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and remember to reapply if you’re staying out for hours. Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat help with glare and keep your skin safer.
It’s also smart to carry a refillable water bottle. Humidity can make it feel hotter, and staying hydrated keeps you from getting wiped out at long festivals.
Event Planning Considerations
St. Patrick’s Day in Florida usually brings parades, live music, and plenty of outdoor food and drink festivals. You’ll probably spend hours in the sun, so don’t forget to plan for shade breaks or find a few indoor spots to cool off.
Cities like Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale tend to draw big crowds. If you want a good parade spot or easy parking, try to get there early. Trust me, comfortable shoes and clothes make all that waiting around a lot more bearable.
Traveling with kids? Pack snacks, water, and maybe a small game or two for those inevitable slow moments. If you’re heading out in the evening, remember that temperatures can dip a bit, so layering helps.
Check the local forecast before you leave, just in case you need to grab a poncho or jacket. You never know when Florida will surprise you with a quick rain shower.