Seasons of Sarasota County
Rainy Season
June-October
Sarasota County receives an average annual rainfall of 60 inches, more than enough to keep our tropical foliage vibrant and lush. Summer storms usually strike in the early afternoon and dissipate by sunset, but on occasion, they will streak the night sky with spectacular flashes of lightning. View these natural showcases from the safety of indoor structures.
Hurricane Season
June 1-Nov. 30
Although the season lasts six months, the prime months for hurricanes in southwest Florida are August through October. Other than Hurricane Charley's damage to the lightly populated eastern section of the county in 2004, most years the area sees several small tropical storms. To stay prepared, monitor local weather broadcasts.
Alligator Mating Season
Peaks in May
Alligators live in most of Florida's ponds, streams, lakes and rivers. The height of alligator mating season is in May, when mature male gators often find their way into residential pools in search of female gators. They're plentiful and feisty this time of year, so give them plenty of space. Always stay clear of baby alligators, whose mothers are often close by. Never feed an alligator, and do not wade in waters that alligators are known to inhabit. Alligators are attracted to food sources by sound and may attack if they hear you thrashing about.
