Essential information for St Petersburg

When to go

St Petersburg has a sub tropical climate, meaning that it never gets cold on British terms. With 248 sunny days a year, it’s no wonder that this town is known as the Sunshine City. The best months to visit are between March and May when temperatures vary between 15°C and 29°C. Rainfall is slight during these months. By contrast, the summer months tend to be rainier, and this is also St Petersburg’s hurricane season. Temperatures can rise up to a very warm 33°C during this period.

St Petersburg is busiest during the hot summer and dry and warm winter months. But spring is one of the most pleasant seasons to visit the city thanks to the mild temperatures when conditions are optimum for sporting and outdoor activities. As it’s not the area’s busiest time, you’re likely to find plenty of cheap Florida holidays on offer between March and June.

Health and safety

Florida is known for its mosquito population, so in order to minimise the chance of being bitten, you should take necessary precautions. You can do so by avoiding standing bodies of water and by protecting your skin when outdoors with mosquito repellent.

As with any holiday, you should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself and family on your trip. If you’re visiting Clearwater specifically to take part in sports or watersports, you should make sure your insurance covers this. See our holiday extras page for more information and for the latest health and safety information visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/health.

Some hospitals may ask non-US residents to pay a deposit on admittance. You should direct any requests for funds to your travel insurance provider in the first instance and only pay the hospital if you’re advised to do so by your travel insurance company.

Passports and visas

If you’re travelling to the United States on a British passport, you will require an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation – ESTA – as part of the Visa Waiver Programme. You will need to do so from the official [ESTA website](https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ target=_blank) at least 72 hours prior to travelling. This process provides the airline with information about you such as details of your passport, country of residence and address of your first night’s stay in the USA. To find out more and to apply visit the ESTA website.

If a child is travelling with only one parent or someone who isn’t their parent or legal guardian, you may be required to provide certain documents at the border.

By law, you must carry your passport with you and may need to show it when paying by credit card. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements.

Getting around

The St Petersburg area is close to both – St Petersburg Clearwater International and Tampa International Airport – but the typical airport to fly into on package holidays to Florida is Orlando International Airport. If you’re flying to the latter, transfers to St Petersburg usually take around two hours. Most tour operators include transfers so getting to your resort should be easy.

St Petersburg itself is mainly pedestrianised, so it’s very easy to get around the city. There are two major motorways, I-75 and I-275, which connect you to other destinations throughout the state of Florida.

There’s also a Looper Trolley bus service, which is ideal for travelling around the St Petersburg area and the city itself. Otherwise, it’s easy to rent or hire a car here, and outlets can be found at airports or through your hotel concierge. There’s also an Uber car sharing facility in St Petersburg.

Advice for travellers with children

If you’re travelling with your children you needn’t worry that they’ll be bored. For a start, St Petersburg has an abundance of fantastic beaches, where the family can enjoy watersports, boat trips and even swim with dolphins. Numerous restaurants offer kids’ menus and are very child-friendly. There are even flamingos to be found in St Petersburg’s Sunken Gardens in the centre of town.

Electricity

Connector type: Flat two- and three-pin plugs, type A or B

Voltage Info: 120 volts

Emergency information

For all emergency services, dial 911.

British Consulate

If you’re a victim of crime or affected by a crisis overseas, or if something happens to a relative or partner contact the British Consulate in Miami.

Address: 1001 Brickell Bay Drive, Miami FL 33131

Phone (from within St Petersburg): +1 (305) 400-6400

Hospital

Medical treatment is often costly within the United States, so you’ll need to make sure you have adequate funds in case of an emergency, and ensure that your healthcare insurance is up to date.

The St Petersburg General Hospital can provide assistance with ongoing treatment, surgery and medical emergencies, among other services.

St Petersburg General Hospital

Address: 6500 38th Ave N, St Petersburg, FL 33710, USA

Phone: +1 727-384-1414