The best time to visit Florida is usually in the Spring and Autumn, with January through April and September being great months to go to the Sunshine State. These months are usually cooler and less crowded. During the summer the temperature in Florida can be high, and theme parks and beaches can be more crowded. If Florida is at the top of your bucket list for destinations to visit, read on for our simple month-by-month guide to find out the best time to visit Florida.
Jump to our Florida weather monthly guide below:
Is there a best time to visit Florida?
Yes, there are certainly better months to visit Florida, depending on where you are going and what you plan to do. Your whole experience of Florida will change depending on the time of year that you choose to visit. Go in the middle of the high season and the beaches, theme parks, and attractions will be at their busiest, but if you can go at other times of the year you’ll be able to enjoy lower prices, shorter queues, and much smaller crowds.
The best month to visit Florida
The best month to visit Florida is most affected by the weather. Although the state is famous for its warm climate, temperatures can vary a surprising amount throughout the year and depending on which area you are in. If you’re planning to visit Orlando’s theme parks, or a visit to one of Florida’s great beach destinations, it really pays to plan ahead.
Weather-wise, the best time to visit Florida’s central cities such as Orlando and Kissimmee is from January to April. There’s little rain and the temperatures are warm, but not uncomfortably so. Crowds at attractions like Disney World and Universal Studios are also fairly low, though there are exceptions (hello, Spring Break).
If you visit during the summer and you can expect the weather to be hot and humid, with highs of around 92 F (33 C). The rainy season begins to kick-in in June and last through early October – this is the best time to visit Florida for lower prices and great Orlando villa deals.
South Florida
In South Florida and the Florida Keys, the best time of year for dry weather and buckets of sunshine is the winter and springtime (roughly December to April).
Unsurprisingly, these months are also the most popular among tourists visiting southern destinations like Miami, but it is still possible to bag great last-minute deals on vacation rentals.
The summer in South Florida (June to September) is hot and humid with plenty of big rainstorms, but prices are considerably lower than they are in high season.
If you love the sunshine (but not too hot), the best time of year to visit Florida’s southern region is April – it’s your best bet for a dry stay, with a good compromise of warm temperatures too.
North Florida
Northern parts of Florida tend to be considerably cooler, which makes summer a popular time of year to visit. Winter temperatures range from mild to surprisingly cold. Snow is not exactly common, but it has been known to fall.
Check out areas like Destin, where the vacation rentals are right on the beach.
When is hurricane season in Florida?
Florida’s hurricane season runs from June to November each year.
The worst month for hurricanes in Florida is September, with September 10 being the peak of the season.
It’s very hard to predict the number of hurricanes that will actually make landfall in a given year, however – and even if you visit during those months, there’s a very low risk that a hurricane will affect your vacation.
If you’re planning a trip to Florida in August, September, or October you might consider paying a little extra for travel insurance on your flights. This way, even if a weather-related emergency cancels your plans, you’ll get a full refund or equivalent rescheduling.
You can check the forecast on the National Hurricane Center website.
Monthly Florida weather guide
Florida weather in January
January is the coolest month of the year in Florida, with average lows of around 49 F (around 10 C) in Orlando. However, temperatures in the middle of the day can hit 74 F in the Florida Keys (around 23 C), making it possible to spend plenty of time exploring the great outdoors.
Florida weather in February
Across Florida, temperatures begin to edge upwards in February. The beaches begin to attract sunseekers from across the USA, while the colorful Mardi Gras celebrations get underway at Universal Studios in Orlando. If you’re in Florida at the end of February, be sure to check out the Daytona 500, Nascar’s most famous and action-packed event.
Florida weather in March
Dry and sunny, March signals the arrival of spring in Florida and is a great month for sightseeing. Try the International Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot in Orlando, or the Downtown Naples Festival of the Arts. We can’t write about March without mentioning spring break, which sees students heading to Florida’s beaches and resorts for a week of fun.
Florida weather in April
April is a great time to visit Florida. The days begin to feel longer and brighter and the weather warms up a lot, hitting around 81 F (27 C) in the Florida Keys. Despite this, there aren’t any of the big crowds associated with visiting Florida in high season. Local events include the Fort Myers Beach Film Festival and the lively Siesta Fiesta arts festival in Sarasota.
Florida weather in May
May marks the start of the warmest part of the year and is a good time to visit Florida. Crowds at blockbuster attractions like the Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios are manageable, at least until Memorial Day, when things get a little busier. Heading to Orlando? Make a trip to the Orlando International Fringe Theater Festival, which showcases musicians, dancers, and artists from around the globe.
Florida weather in June
June see around 7.5 inches of rain falling on Orlando. But don’t let that put you off; most of that rain falls in big thunderstorms, only to be replaced by bright sunshine. Temperatures can hit 91.3 F (33 C) in Naples – perfect for lazing on the beach or chilling out at your luxury vacation rental.
Florida weather for July
Hot, hot, hot! Florida swelters in July, with high temperatures right across the state. The good news is that there are some great deals on vacation rentals – and you can easily cool off at the beach or the water park. If you’re visiting early on in the month, make sure you make a trip to one of Florida’s big cities for the wild 4th July celebrations.
Florida weather August
Whether you’re visiting Florida for the wildlife or the nightlife, August is sure to deliver hot weather. Pack sunscreen and be prepared for a quick storm or two. The theme parks can be crowded in August, especially at the start of the month before the kids head back to school, but things get quieter as the month rolls on.
Florida weather September
Florida’s heat begins to let up a little in September and, after the Labor Day celebrations, the summer crowds start to subside. Most of Orlando’s main attractions will still be open though, making this a good time of year to visit. There’s plenty of rain, but most of that falls during thunderstorms.
Weather in Florida in October
If you’re looking for good weather and relatively crowd-free sightseeing, October is one of the best times to visit Florida. Temperatures average around 72 F (22 C) in places like Orlando and Kissimmee, with less and less rain as November approaches. Look out for Halloween-themed events at attractions across the state.
Florida weather in November
November is the driest month of the year in Orlando and compared with the downpours of the wet season, showers are few and far between in Miami and the Florida Keys. Temperatures are also considerably lower but it’s still warm enough for swimming across southern parts of Florida (especially at the start of the month). November events include the International Film Festival in Fort Lauderdale, which runs for 17 days.
Florida weather in December
December is one of the coldest months of the year in Florida, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be shivering on vacation. Temperatures regularly hit 72 F (22 C) in Orlando and can soar as high as 77 F (25 C) in Fort Lauderdale. Look out for the magical holiday parades taking place across the state.
Florida temperature by month
The climate charts below will give you an idea of the best time to visit Florida. We’ve picked Jacksonville, Orlando, and Key West to show how the weather changes from north to south.
Jacksonville
Orlando
Key West
Climate data: Florida State University
Hottest month in Florida
The hottest month in Florida typically falls during July, when temperatures soar across the Sunshine State. However, there can be variation depending on where you are in Florida. South Florida tends to experience even higher temperatures and humidity levels compared to the northern regions.
With an average high of around 90°F (32°C) and humidity levels on the rise, July is renowned for its sizzling summer days, and tourists flock to Florida’s theme parks and beaches. Remember to keep hydrated and take precautions against the intense heat – make good use of your private pool if staying in one of our villa rentals!
Coldest month in Florida
The coldest month in Florida varies depending on the region, with northern parts like Tallahassee and Jacksonville being the chilliest, with average lows ranging from 42°F to 44°F (5.5°C to 6.7°C).
In the central and southern regions, such as Orlando and Miami, December and January are typically their coolest months, with average low temperatures between 50°F and 60°F (10°C and 15.6°C). If you’re planning a visit to the Sunshine State and prefer milder weather, it’s advisable to pack layers and check local forecasts for the specific area you’ll be visiting. Stay prepared for the occasional cold snap even in the warmer months!
Florida wettest month
Florida experiences its highest precipitation levels during the summer, particularly in August. In some areas, such as around Orlando, June is when thunderstorms are most frequent. During the rainy season Florida sees an increased frequency of rain showers, thunderstorms, and occasional tropical storms.
Driest month in Florida
The driest month in Florida typically falls between November and April, with February often standing out as the driest period. April also tends to be quite dry as fronts become weaker, yielding less rainfall.
What are the worst months for allergies in Florida
Peak allergen levels occur in April, May, and September, however Florida’s warm climate sustains year-round flora, resulting in a continuous pollen season for allergy sufferers. For those with severe seasonal allergies, February to September can be problematic. Spring sees an upsurge in allergies, attributed to blooming trees releasing pollen into the air. Monitor pollen counts and pack your antihistamines to help manage your allergies.
The best time to visit Florida’s theme parks
The weather is only one consideration when visiting Orlando’s big attractions. You should also think about the possibility of crowds, which tend to peak when the kids are off school.
A good option is to visit during one of the two shoulder seasons, which run from January to April and September. There’s a good chance of warm, comfortable weather and – if you avoid any seasonal school breaks and holidays – the queues at water parks and theme parks are much smaller.
Some attractions close during the winter but lots of the main ones stay open right through the year, ensuring that you have plenty of things to do regardless of when you visit Florida.
If you want to avoid big crowds, consider visiting outside of school breaks and national holidays. It’s also worth thinking about the kinds of events that are taking place at the parks during your trip – is there a special Halloween celebration you want to check out, or a major convention that’s going to make the theme parks busy?
If you want to skip the theme parks altogether, there are heaps of alternative things to do – check out this guide to find out more.
When is the best time to go to Florida for families?
The best time to go to Florida for families will likely be the shoulder seasons from January to April and around September, for the best weather. If your choice of when to visit is limited to when you can take the kids out of school, know that visiting during the summer months may be a bit hotter and more crowded, but it is also a bit cheaper, and if you stay at a villa with a private pool, you always have somewhere to cool off!
When is the cheapest time to go to Florida?
The cheapest time to go to Florida is during the shoulder seasons, which fall between late spring in May to early June and early fall in September, with the summer months generally cheaper. This period offers a perfect blend of favorable weather and reduced tourist traffic, allowing you to explore Florida’s attractions without breaking the bank.
The best time to visit Florida for great vacation rental deals
Low-season offers are easy to find in some of Florida’s best resorts, including Reunion Resort, Windsor Hills, and Champions Gate. While prices for hotels and vacation rentals tend to go up in the high season, you can still get some great last-minute deals in Florida.
Check out our latest deals in Orlando, or browse through all of our Florida vacation rentals to find your dream hideaway.
