for those transplants from the Northeast..I need advice (Tampa: sale, rent)

[deebin]

I have been to Tampa during the summer and know that it is quite HOT. When I have asked people in Tampa about when it starts to get hot, usually they say July and August. Do they have a different concept than this New Yorker of what hot is? Hard for me to believe that things aren't sizzling away in May (or April?) and stay that way into perhaps...October? Now, I much enjoy summer weather and the Northeast cold I can withstand until about December 31st (then I start longing for the Spring), but I am wondering if a move to Tampa might be a mistake. Is the Tampa heat intolerable from what month to what month?

[Mike1306]

Originally Posted by deebin

I have been to Tampa during the summer and know that it is quite HOT. When I have asked people in Tampa about when it starts to get hot, usually they say July and August. Do they have a different concept than this New Yorker of what hot is? Hard for me to believe that things aren't sizzling away in May (or April?) and stay that way into perhaps...October? Now, I much enjoy summer weather and the Northeast cold I can withstand until about December 31st (then I start longing for the Spring), but I am wondering if a move to Tampa might be a mistake. Is the Tampa heat intolerable from what month to what month?

You will read though this forum and find numerous threads on the subject. There are some like me that it never gets too hot and other that say it is unbearable 8 months of the year.

Some natives it is too hot for and some transplants it is too hot for.
Some natives it is never too hot and some some transplants it is never too hot.
It does really matter where you are from.

[annaegel]

From my experience, in the beginning it felt hot starting in April thru the end of Oct. Once you are down here for several years, you get use to the warmer weather. I moved down here on April 8th, 2005. When I first went to pick up my girls from school (only 4 blocks away), I had sweat pouring down my back. Now, 5 years later, it doesn't feel so bad. I love the winters. I hated winters up in NYC/NJ. Summer heat is unbearable mostly when it is humid. It is like the winters up north. You pretty much stay indoors in the summer. Everyone is different. I would suggest that you rent until you are pretty sure you want to stay. Do give it a few years because it does take at least that long for your blood to thin.

[ferret111]

I like the heat, but most people find late April or early May through August or September to be a difficult time of the year. Like other posters have mentioned, the humidity really is much worse than the actual heat.

Of course, some years it can be very warm throughout December. That wasn't really the case this year, but it does happen.

Hopefully you'll get used to it after living down here for awhile. Some do, some don't.

[lavender]

agree with annaegel - I am a european import and I found it hard from April to October, now I find it hard from June to Sept/Oct. I usually wear jeans up to may and sometimes into June but not to walk any long distances, more to protect me from bug bites Harder to zap me through denim!
I hate constantly spraying myself with deet - I wonder what it is doing to me.

[annaegel]

Originally Posted by lavender

- I hate constantly spraying myself with deet - I wonder what it is doing to me.

I have found a natural deet free product that works pretty well. I got it at Nutritions S'Mart, but you can probably find it at any health food stores. It is called Buzz Away extreme! I also went to the USF plant sale over the weekend and bought a product called Bug Bam. It is a bracelet that is natural, again deet free. I don't know if it works. I have bought similar stuff. It stinks and it did not work. I hope this one works. The woman who sold it to me said it works, we'll see. I was willing to give it a try. They have a store called Grace's Hydro at 8877 North 56 St. You can find more info on their website.

[gypsychic]

It also depends on WHERE in Florida you live, generally if you live near a coast or large lake you will get nice breezes which make things feel cooler. If you are in one of the larger inland cities (like Orlando) you will get the "heat sink" effect and feel much hotter, for much larger portion of the year.

I am a native currently living near the bay in Manatee County, and for me the weather doesn't start feeling a little too hot until June. July through Sept. are the worst months to me (every year will be different) as far as heat and humidity.

Best bet is live in a shady area near the coast or on a lake!

[FloridaKash]

Originally Posted by annaegel

I have found a natural deet free product that works pretty well. I got it at Nutritions S'Mart, but you can probably find it at any health food stores. It is called Buzz Away extreme! I also went to the USF plant sale over the weekend and bought a product called Bug Bam. It is a bracelet that is natural, again deet free. I don't know if it works. I have bought similar stuff. It stinks and it did not work. I hope this one works. The woman who sold it to me said it works, we'll see. I was willing to give it a try. They have a store called Grace's Hydro at 8877 North 56 St. You can find more info on their website.

Not sure if Florida mosquitoes are much different than Alaskan mosquitoes, but we also have a huge mosquito problem. In fact, some people call it the state bird and sell 'mosquito traps' that look like bear traps. Sometimes you will see mosquitoes so thick its hard to see through and quite intimidating. This is pretty much a lead up to explain I do have experience with mosquitoes.

Now, with that said. I find that bug sprays which do not contain DEET are inferior and do not work as well. If you want ultimate protection get something with deet in it. You do not need OFF! Deep Woods Sportsman (30% DEET) which has a high concentration of DEET, unless you are going into an area where the mosquitoes are very thick. I prefer the OFF! Family Care Smooth & Dry (15% DEET). Family care only lasts up to 2 hours. Make sure you reapply often!

[It's Cin!]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

It also depends on WHERE in Florida you live, generally if you live near a coast or large lake you will get nice breezes which make things feel cooler. If you are in one of the larger inland cities (like Orlando) you will get the "heat sink" effect and feel much hotter, for much larger portion of the year.

I am a native currently living near the bay in Manatee County, and for me the weather doesn't start feeling a little too hot until June. July through Sept. are the worst months to me (every year will be different) as far as heat and humidity.

Best bet is live in a shady area near the coast or on a lake!

About how close to the coast would you need to be to get the cooling breezes? That is something I haven't been able to figure out yet.

[BlueLemons]

I am originally from NY as well and its HOT ... I am actually thinking I have had enough. In the Tampa area, by Memorial Day weekend, you are done with the comfortable weather. In my opinion, September is the HOTTEST month. If we get lucky, its comfortable by Halloween, but not in the last few years. So plan on staying in the A/C from 6/1 to 11/1 ... sorry .. probably NOT what you wanted to hear