Best time to go to Florida: when to go and when to avoid (2023)

Wondering when is the best time to visit Florida? You are in the right place. In this article, we'll guide you through the best time of year to travel to Florida based on your needs.

At the end of this article, you can decide which is the best month to travel to Florida and how to plan accordingly. We'll tell you the months with the best weather in Florida, when the state is least crowded, and when it's cheapest to visit.

Florida is an amazing state with so much beauty to offerBeaches of the Emerald Coastto the swampland ofEvergladesto the wonderful livingKey Westit has something to offer every traveler.

Whether you are looking for oneromantic getaway in Floridaorfamily-friendly beachesYou will want to know when you are traveling to Florida. We've got you covered.

So grab a chair, grab a drink and let us guide you through the best time to vacation in Florida.

When is the best time to travel to Florida?

Deciding when to travel to Florida is never easy. As Floridians, we prefer the winter months when it gets a little cooler, but winter travel is a luxury most don't have.

I would say the best time to visit Florida depends on many factors such as: All of these factors come into play when choosing the best time of year to travel to Florida.

It also depends on where in Florida you plan to travel, as average temperatures and conditions can vary significantly from thePanhandle Beachesin the north toKey West Beachesin the south. The temperature difference can be up to 5 -10 degrees flag height.

Most agree that the best time to visit Florida is between March and April or September and October. This is when the weather is good and not too hot, it tends to be less crowded and is often cheaper. However, this is also the case when children are at school, so most cannot travel then.

As a guide, April and November have the least rainfall, and May and October have the combination of warmth and low rainfall. May is typically the best month for beach vacations and October/November tends to be less crowded in Orlando.

When you're thinking about when you're going to Florida, also think about where you're going. Central Florida tends to be less crowded and has more tolerable weather from January through April. South Florida tends to be at its best during the winter months, and North Florida is a great place to visit in the summer when the heat is less intense.

If you're thinking of visiting the Florida Keys, check out our article on themBest travel time for Key Westmight be helpful.

The worst travel time for Florida

Personally, we think there is no bad time to go to Florida. As long as you plan, know what to expect, and don't travel at a time when the conditions are hard for you to endure, you'll have a great time.

However, not all months are the same, so here are our thoughts on the worst travel time for Florida.

If you find the heat and humidity unbearable, you should avoid July and August. As a Florida resident I just find these months way too hot and tend to stay indoors.

June is usually the month with the most rainfall, followed by July and September. So if you are looking for a beach holiday these months might not be great.

Hurricane season lasts from June through November, and while hurricanes that hit the coast are rare, recent events have highlighted the real danger. Hurricanes tend to be more likely in late summer to early fall.

As far as crowds go, it very much depends on where you're going, but anytime the kids are on vacation there's a national holiday or a specific event like Pride in Key West attractions can get packed.

Also, keep in mind that during the Florida off-season, some attractions may not be open or may operate at reduced capacity if areas are closed. So check this out before you go to avoid disappointment.

When it comes to the worst time to go to Florida, it really is worse for you in your situation.

What is the cheapest month to travel to Florida?

The cheapest month to travel to Florida depends on where in Florida you are going and where you are traveling from. For us as Floridians it is often cheaper to travel in the summer months but if you are traveling from the UK for example summer is the most expensive.

High season in Florida is considered to be May through June and consequently prices can be higher at this time. The cheaper months for flights are typically January, September and May, but fares are cheaper outside of school and public holidays. There are also cheap flights for the USA at the end of August, when the children have gone back to school.

From early September through Thanksgiving, you can see cheaper theme park tickets (minus Halloween celebrations). And early February to May (minus Easter) prices can be lower.

For great hotel deals, September through Thanksgiving and mid-March through mid-June are usually great. Of course minus the school holidays.

To save money, also think about the destination. For example, staying in New Smyrna Beach rather than Daytona will save you money, and staying in Marathon rather than Key West will save you even more money. Panama City Beach will be less expensive than thatdestination beachesand deals can be found at some of the lesser-known beach destinations like Jenson.

The best time to visit Florida depends on so many things, but there's always a deal to be found, and if you can travel to Florida during the off-season, you'll always find a bargain.

What is rainy season in Florida?

Florida receives most of its rainfall during certain months known as the rainy season. The rainy season typically lasts from mid-May to mid-October, although this can change slightly depending on your location in Florida.

During these months, brief intense showers fall almost every day, usually in the late to late afternoon. Florida rain tends to be different than the rain most are used to. The showers are heavy and very brief, but you can get drenched. The rest of the time it is hot with bright sunshine and these showers are often a welcome change.

Hurricane season runs from June to November with the greatest risk between September and October.

What month is the best weather in Florida?

The best time to go to Florida based on the weather is a difficult question to answer as we all have our favorite weather. Florida has a humid subtropical climate, meaning summers are very hot and muggy and winters are drier and sunnier.

We personally prefer the weather from October to April, then the heat calms down and there is less rain.

The hottest month is usually July with an average temperature of 34°C 93°F and a minimum temperature of 24°C 75°F. The coldest month is January, with an average high of 22°C 71°F and a low of 11°C 51°F. However, these temperatures can vary widely from the northern Panhandle to the southern Keys.

In terms of rainfall, June is the highest and December is the lowest.

Most agree that the months with the best weather in Florida are between October and May.

High and Low Season for Florida

As a rule of thumb, high season in Florida tends to be when schools are on vacation and there are US national holidays. November through April is also considered peak season, as that's when tourists flock south to experience some of the best weather in the US.

The off-season in Florida generally runs from May to October, skipping school holidays when it can get very busy. Find hotel deals outside of Florida off-season school holidays.

However, this all comes with a caveat as it depends on where in Florida you are traveling to. South Florida beaches get crowded during spring break, northern beaches get crowded in summer. Theme parks tend to be busiest during the summer and school holidaysKey West is very popular in December.

February and September are usually great months to travel and accommodation prices can drop by up to 50%.

Visit Florida in the summer if you:

Visit Florida in the summer when it's the only time available. If you have children and this is one of the few times to visit, then this is the best time to travel to Florida.

The water is warmer and temperatures are hot hot hot and it can get very humid. Just be prepared for the rain and heat and make sure you protect yourself.

In summer it can get very crowded and hotel prices will increase in some places. On the positive side, all tourist attractions and activities are open and you can enjoy around eight hours of sunshine a day.

Visit Florida in winter if you:

If you are looking for less rain and more bearable temperatures, winter is perfect for you. However, winter does not necessarily mean less crowds and lower prices. Florida's population can grow by as much as a million people when seasonal sunseekers head to the state, particularly in December and February.

Visitors tend to be older generations, so tourist attractions can be less crowded and prices have come down in certain areas.

Water temperatures are a bit cooler and sunshine hours are typically around 6 hours. Plus, you don't have hurricane season in the winter.

Winter can be the best time to vacation in Florida.

Visit Florida in the fall if you:

Most believe that fall is the best time to travel to Florida. You'll find fewer crowds, warm but more bearable weather, and some deals. Again, this depends on where you're going as Disney can get packed during the Halloween period.

However, there is the highest chance of hurricanes in early fall, so keep that in mind. There can still be a lot of precipitation in September, but this decreases in October and November.

While Florida leaf colors aren't dramatic, there are still places to seeFall foliage in Florida. And Florida goes all out for HalloweenUniversal Halloween horror nights,Howl O Scream at Seaworld,AndFantasy-Festin Key West.

We think fall is the best time of year to visit Florida, especially if you love Halloween.

Visit Florida in spring if you:

If you avoid Easter/Spring Break, spring can be the best time to vacation in Florida. The weather is perfect, crowds are less and prices tend to be lower than other times of the year.

March and April see little rainfall, but this can increase in May. Average hours of sunshine per day are 9 and humidity is at its lowest.

If you are wondering when to travel to Florida and you can choose your dates, choose spring, it's really nice around this time.

Spring can be the best time to visit Florida.

When to go to Florida per month:

Florida in January

January in Floridais surprisingly a fairly popular time to visit. While there may not be many tourists, the people who make Florida their home during the winter are still here.

It's a very dry season and the average temperature is 60F 15C. Prices tend to be in the mid-range, but the further north you travel the more likely you are to find a bargain.

It's the coolest month of the year. However, temperatures vary greatly depending on where you are visiting. Higher temperatures are naturally found in the south and lower ones in the north.

Notable events during this time include Miami's Art Deco Weekend, Tampa's Gasparilla Pirate Fest and Dade City's Kumquat Festival.

January also hosts the Crystal River Manatee Festival and the Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival, both held near locations where hundreds of manatees congregate in winter.

Read our article about theThe best place to see wild manatees in Florida.

Florida in February

Februar in Floridasees the temperatures rising but it's still too chilly for tourists. This is also the time when winter's sunbathers begin to depart, making the state less crowded and prices lower.

Florida in February also seems to be festival month when the Florida State Fair, Edison Festival Of Light and South Beach Food and Wine Festival take place.

In late February, the Daytona 500 and Mardi Gras celebrations begin at Universal. Also worth mentioning are the Mount Dora Art Festival and the Naples National Art Festival.

Most consider February to be the best month to travel to Florida and we'd happily agree. It is definitely the least crowded time to visit Florida and can be the cheapest month to travel to Florida.

The average temperature in February is 62 F 17 C

To take a look at some of the Florida festivals, check out our articleThe 20 Best Festivals in Florida You Can't Miss.

Florida in March

March in Floridasees the onslaught of spring breakers which consequently lead us into high season in Florida. Temperatures are warm and dry making it perfect beach weather, some beaches like Daytona are a spring break mecca. If you are looking for a relaxed holiday, this is not the month, although the beginning of March is less crowded.

March is probably the last month you can see manatees before the water gets too warm.Hiking in Floridaand camping are also perfect in March.

The International Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot in Orlando takes place in March along with the Marathon Seafood Festival and the St. Augustine Lions Spring Festival.

If you are young and looking for a party atmosphere then this is the best month to go to Florida. It is also one of the best months in Florida.

Average temperatures are usually around 66 C, 19 F.

Florida im April

April in Florida marks Spring Break and prices fall, making April the least crowded time to visit Florida.

The days feel longer, the weather is getting warmer and the beaches are just perfect. There are also some great festivals in April.

The Fort Myers Beach Film Festival, the infamous Interstate Mullet Toss, and the Fort Lauderdale Air Show are all worth mentioning, but there's a lot more.

April can also be the cheapest month to travel to Florida. Most agree that spring is the best time of year to visit Florida.Florida im Aprilis just perfect in so many ways. Many believe it is the best month to visit Florida.

Average temperatures are typically around 71°C, 21°F.

Florida im May

More in Floridasees the start of the summer rainy season and humidity levels begin to rise. When the temperatures start to rise, so do the mosquitoes, so keep that in mind.

TheNorth Florida BeachesThe state tends to be busier and the south can be a bit quieter. It is also the start of sea turtle nesting season, so some beaches or parts of beaches may be closed.

The crowds while busy are for the most part manageable.

Pensacola comes alive with the Memorial Day Weekend Gay Party and generally gets busier starting with Memorial Day.

In terms of festivals, the Sunfest on West Pam Beach, the Florida Folk Festival in White Springs and the Key West Singers and Songwriters Festival are worth mentioning.

May is the best month to visit Florida if you want the heat but don't want the crowds. Florida in May is perfect beach weather for those who love the heat. Since Florida is off-season, you might be able to find some great deals.

Average temperatures for Florida in May tend to be around 76°C, 24°F.

Florida in June

June and FloridaWhen the heat really sets in, it's also the start of hurricane season, although it peaks in September and October.

When schools in the US close for the holidays, crowds begin to form, especially at theme parks. June is also the wettest month, so expect rain.

Gay Days and St. Pete PrideFest can attract over 40,000 members of the LGBTQIA+ community, which also drives prices up. Miami Fashion Week also takes place in June.

In Florida, all systems are up and running in June, all attractions are open and running at full capacity.

Average temperatures are typically around 81°C, 27°F.

Florida in July

in some waysJuli in Floridais very similar to June, it can get unbearably muggy and the bugs are out in full force.

TheFlorida Springscan be a welcome respite from all the heat although they will be busy. The Fourth of July is celebrated everywhere, with Miami really putting on a show.

July is also the start of the scallop season. The Pensacola Beach Air Show and Hemingway Days in Key West are also events worth attending.

Average temperatures for Florida in July tend to be around 82C, 28F.

Florida im August

August in Floridais still hot, humid and thundery, but towards mid-August the crowds start to decrease.

If you can handle the heat and don't mind the rain, there are deals to be found in late August. Miami Spice starts in August and it's also the International Ballet Festival.

Average temperatures are typically 82 C, 28 F. Florida in August is hot, but there are some great deals.

Florida im September

September in Floridasees the heat drop a little and the crowds drop. It's also the month when hurricanes are most active, so take any warnings or evacuation warnings seriously.

Most of the main attractions are still busy, although the crowds have calmed down so it can be a great time to visit Florida.

You'll encounter rain, so be prepared, and of course, Labor Day will draw crowds again. You will also see the start of some of the autumn festivals.

If you're wondering when to visit Florida, September can be a perfect month.

Average temperatures are usually around 80 C, 27 F.

Florida in October

Prices tend to go down duringFlorida in OctoberBut the theme parks can get crowded during Halloween events. The temperature begins to drop, the rain subsides, and we are nearing the end of hurricane season.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Universal's Halloween Horror Nights are in full swing and Oktoberfest events are far and wide.

The Key West Fantasy Fest also draws a huge crowd.

October in Florida sees good weather and relatively uncrowded beaches, and it tends to be quieter outside of theme parks and Halloween events.

Average temperatures are usually around 74 C, 23 F.

Florida im November

November in Floridasees the beginning of the dry season and the beginning of the winter sun, often referred to as snowbirds.

Thanksgiving sees a spike in visitors, but many of the usual tourist traps will be much quieter. Temperatures are lower, but the sea is still comfortable for swimming and the downpours stop.

Major Florida events in November include the Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival, the McIntosh 1890s Festival in Gainsville, and the Florida Seafood Festival in Apalachicola. The Miami Book Fair also takes place.

November is the low season in Florida and you can find deals.

Average temperatures are usually around 67 C, 19 F.

Florida in December

December in Floridasees the state giving everything at Christmas. It may not have snow, but the festive spirit is in full swing.

Winter sun-seekers tend to flockBeaches in South Floridaand Art Basel Miami Beach draws people to Miami.

Christmas parades are held across the state, although the theme parks seem to have the biggest and best. The Winterfest Boat Parade is a must and Tampa's Victorian Christmas will get you in the festive spirit.

Although it can get very busy, we feel like this state is special in December. While it might not be the perfect spot for Christmas postcards, it certainly puts a different twist on Christmas.

If you'll be in Florida in December, take a look at ours16 festive ways to celebrate Christmas in Florida.December can be the best time to visit Florida if you're looking for a different kind of celebration.

Average temperatures are usually around 62 C, 17 F.

As you can see, the question of when is the best time to travel to Florida is not easy to answer. Traveling to Florida is so personal and really depends on what you like.

Off-season Florida is a perfect time to visit if you don't have children, but the best month to travel to Florida for you might be during peak season. The best time to travel to Florida is when you can walk.

We hope this article has helped you determine the best month for you to visit Florida, and we hope you have an incredible time each time you visit. Enjoy your vacation and come back and let us know.