Tampa, FL – September 2025 was one of the driest on record for much of the Tampa Bay region, with Tampa International Airport reporting its driest September since records began in 1890.
According to the National Weather Service Tampa Bay, most of west-central Florida received less than half its typical September rainfall. Tampa logged just 0.70 inches of rain, compared to a 6.09-inch average, a deficit of more than 5 inches. That shortfall officially ranks the city’s September 2025 as the driest ever recorded.
Other reporting stations also saw sharp drops in precipitation. Sarasota-Bradenton recorded just 1.66 inches, making it the third driest September since 1911. Brooksville measured 1.74 inches, ranking it the fifth driest. St. Petersburg logged only 1.80 inches, the sixth driest since records began in 1914.
Despite the lack of rainfall, temperatures across the region were relatively close to normal. Tampa averaged 83.4°F, about 0.7 degrees above its long-term September average, tying for the sixth warmest September on record. Fort Myers came in at 82.6°F, ranking as the 29th warmest.
The lack of rainfall raises concerns heading into Florida’s typically drier fall season, with meteorologists noting that prolonged dry conditions could increase drought risk and wildfire potential.
