The Best Time to Travel to Florida (Monthly Travel Tips) (2023)

Wondering what month or time of year is the best time to visit Florida? Our team of Florida locals is here to serve you!

Florida is the country's only peninsula and the only state that maintains a true subtropical climate year-round, meaning there's never a bad month to visit. However, some months can definitely be better than others depending on your preferences.

If you're booking a trip to Florida this year and are wondering when to travel and what to do, we've covered every single detail to consider before planning your trip.

Everyone visits us for different reasons, so we've broken down the best times to visit for every possible type of holiday and preference.

Best Times to Visit Florida: Brief Summary

• Best time for a beach vacation in Florida:April, May and November (great weather, fewer visitors)
• Best time to go to amusement parks in Florida:January, February, September and October (lower attendance and lower costs)
• Best travel time for national parks in Florida:spring and autumn
• Best time to fish in Florida:Summer; June, July, August and September
• Best time to golf in Florida:most of the year, with the winter months having the best weather
• Best travel time for Miami & the Keys in Florida:January, February, March, April and May
• Best time for fewer crowds in Florida:July, August and September
• Best time for lower prices in Florida:January & September

We'll explain each of these seasons in more detail later in this post, as each topic deserves a more detailed description of why it's best to choose specific months for specific purposes.

Florida seasons at a glance

Beach season in Florida:We realize that many visitors will come to Florida with only one thing in mind: get to the beach! It's almost impossible to come to Florida without considering where you'll be stranded on vacation, especially if you're coming from a landlocked area. And because Florida is literally the warmest state in the country, there's almost no bad time to hit the beach. However, March seems to be peak season for the beaches as everyone will be coming here for Spring Break.

If we had to choose, we would suggest when there are fewer people and optimal temperatures. The best months for a beach vacation in Florida are April, May and November. There may be a moderate crowd at this time of year but you will get some of the best wind and water temperatures. In winter the sea breezes and swimming water can be quite cold and in the summer months there is a very high chance of hurricanes, tropical storms and daily rain showers that could ruin your plans.

Peak Theme Park Crowds in Florida:It's shocking that the high season for theme parks doesn't necessarily follow the high and low seasons of Florida's tourist crowds. We base our theme park volume on Walt Disney World, the vacation capital of the world and where most vacationers will head when they arrive in Orlando. However, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, Sea World, and Legoland are all in close proximity and will fluctuate similarly.

Although the rainy weather is at its worst, most visitors will be at the theme parks in June, July and August. Not only will you be competing with other tourists at this time, but locals will also flock to have fun. Amusement parks will also see an uptick in March for spring break and December for Christmas. This leaves the months of great weather ripe for harvest with lower ticket and accommodation prices. To take advantage of this, you should visit Florida's theme parks in the months of January, February, September or October (can still be hot).

Closed season in Florida:Florida is a snowbird's paradise, hosting winter visitors and retirees who either come here for longer vacations or stay for a full six months before heading north in the hotter months. They often arrive in October and migrate north in or before May. When they are here, the state will be noticeably busier, especially around the holidays and in the spring when there are more tourists.

The slow season is inevitably the time when few people, even Florida residents, want to be here: hurricane season. Hurricane season lasts from June to November, but the worst weather tends to occur in July, August and September. Not only are these months riddled with daily thunderstorms (and the somewhat infrequent potential hurricane or tornado), but the air is at its hottest and muggiest. Most people try to avoid this when vacationing in Florida.

Florida month by month

This breakdown for each month will help you determine which season best suits your preferred activities. Although the weather in Florida is pleasant year-round, each month is slightly different from the next. We've covered these in detail month-by-month.

Florida in January

Click here for our complete travel guide to Florida in January

January weather in Florida is typically the coldest month of the year. In the northern portion of the state (Central Florida to the Panhandle), average daily highs are about 18.3 °C (65 °F) and lows are about 2.2 °C (36 °F). In the southern portion (central Florida to the Keys), average highs are closer to 22.2 °C (72 °F). You'll almost never see snow, even in the northern part of the state, and rain is pretty rare this month. When packing, it is best to bring several layers as the morning starts out cold and warms up as the day progresses.

January crowds in Florida tend to be among the slowest of the year. The places where you'll see the biggest rush of visitors are in towns that are popular with snowbirds. Most travelers will be pleasantly surprised by the cheaper accommodation options in Florida this time of year.

Best beaches in January:Gold Coast, die Florida Keys, Treasure Coast

The best things to do in January:Everglades National Park, Mount Dora, scuba diving in the Keys, golfing, amusement parks, pig hunting

Events in January:South Florida Fair, Florida Manatee Festival, Saint Augustine Film Festival, Homestead Championship Rodeo, Art Fort Lauderdale, Mecum Auto Auction, Key West Food & Wine Festival, Gasparilla Pirate Festival

Florida in February

Click here for our complete travel guide to Florida in February

February in Florida can vary each year but is typically cooler. In the northern half of the state, highs average around 20 °C (68 °F) and lows at 7.2 °C (45 °F), while highs in the southern half are closer to 23.3 °C (74°F). Very often at this time the cold air collides with the humidity and creates fog on the streets for several hours every morning until about 10 o'clock.

Visitor numbers in Florida in February vary depending on which region you visit that month. However, February tends to be a slightly slower month for holidays. Most parts of Florida will see a lull, even on the beaches, as most families will generally not be traveling this month, but snowbirds will keep the state busier this month.

Best beaches in February:Gold Coast, Treasure Coast, die Florida Keys

The best things to do in February:South Florida, Ocala, Mount Dora, Swimming in the Crystal River, Scuba Diving in the Keys, Everglades National Park, Golfing, Amusement Parks, Spring Training

Events in February:Valentinstag, Spring Training Games, Florida State Fair, Florida Strawberry Festival

Florida in March

Click here for our complete travel guide to Florida in March

March weather in Florida can be cool, with warmer days averaging lows of 10°C (50°F) to highs of 23.9°C (75°F). Springtime in Florida tends to have drastic temperature swings every day, so pack light layers to slip on and off as needed. March is also a windy month for Florida with fog in the morning hours.

March crowds in Florida are seeing a slight upward trend as most of the country's residents vacation for spring break. Florida is a popular spring break destination due to its abundance of beaches and warm weather, so most beach towns and major cities will be quite busy.

Best beaches in March:Gold Coast, Space Coast, Emerald Coast

The best things to do in March:Orlando, Jacksonville, South Florida, Space Coast, Snorkel Devil's Den, Explore Florida Caverns, Play Golf, Spring Training

Events in March:Spring Training Games, Florida Strawberry Festival, Sarasota Jazz Festival, Florida Renaissance Festival

Florida im April

Click here for our complete Florida April travel guide

April weather in Florida is gradually getting warmer, with less fog and less wind and more sunshine and breezy afternoons. April is also considered the last month of the dry season; The rain will start in late May through summer. Most of Florida will average 55°F (12.8°C) to 85°F (29.4°C) in April. Humidity is always quite high with April being around 70% humidity.

April crowds in Florida are easing just a little after March's spike in Spring Break attendance. April is an excellent time to take advantage of lower hotel rates while also enjoying the oceans, beaches and inland before the heat of the summer months becomes unbearable. Snowbirds are still in town this month, so their most popular cities will still be pretty busy.

Best beaches in April:Treasure Coast, die Florida Keys, Gold Coast

The best things to do in April:Explore Orlando, West Palm, Apalachicola, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida Caverns, snorkel at Devil's Den, hike national and state parks, dive the Keys

Events in April:Florida Keys Island Festival, Pioneer Days Festival

Florida im May

Click here for our complete travel guide to Florida in May

The weather in Florida in May is definitely warmer than at the beginning of the year, with temperatures rising throughout the month. May tends to have the nicest weather outside of the spring months, with significantly less fog and more sunshine throughout the day. May is the start of the rainy season in Florida, so expect occasional rain during your trip. Most of Florida will average 65°F (18.3°C) to 85°F (30°C).

May crowds in Florida are moderate. It is usually when snowbirds begin to return north with the increasing temperature rise that month. It's an excellent time to take advantage of lower hotel rates while also experiencing the state's oceans, beaches and inland areas before the heat rises. Beaches should be fairly crowded, but not as crowded as Spring Break.

Best beaches in May:die Florida Keys, Treasure Coast, Gold Coast

The best things to do in May:Key West, Sarasota, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Bahia Honda State Park, Big Cypress State Park, Tube the Itchetucknee, Hochseefischen

Events in May:Cinco de Mayo, Suwannee River Jam, Oceanfront Bandshell Concert Series, Orlando International Fringe Festival, Megacon, Jacksonville Jazz Fest

Florida in June

Click here for our complete travel guide to Florida in June

June weather in Florida will feel noticeably hotter and wetter than the other spring months. June is the rainy season, so expect showers and thunderstorms at any point during your trip during this month. Typically during the summer months in Florida, it rains for about an hour in the afternoon and then tapers off in the evening. But some days there will be thunderstorms that last all day into the night.

Even though the weather can be cloudy and rainy, the sun still shines brightly and often in June. The sun will shine for most of the day this month, so be prepared with plenty of protection and sunscreen, as sunburn and heat rash can occur quickly with limited Florida sun exposure. It's also extremely important to stay hydrated. Most of the state will average 70°F (21.1°C) to 90°F (32.2°C) with high humidity.

The June crowds in Florida are busy. Many tourists like to travel to Florida in the early summer, when the weather is not unbearable and the kids are out of school. There are many beautiful white-sand beaches throughout the state, so most visitors will spread out, but popular public beaches like Miami, Cocoa, and Clearwater will remain heavily populated.

Best beaches in June:Emerald Coast, First Coast, Treasure Coast

The best things to do in June:Tallahassee, Central Florida, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Tube the Itchetucknee, Boating, Big Game Fishing

Events in June:Enjoy Sarasota, Sarasota Music Festival, Summer Sizzle Restaurant Week Naples, Bands on the Beach Pensacola, Rock the Docks Destin

Florida in July

Click here for our complete Florida July travel guide

The weather in July in Florida is very hot and muggy and is even considered the hottest month of the year. This is the official start of summer, and summers in Florida are always fairly warm, sunny, and rainy. Daily showers and thunderstorms are typical for July with a higher chance of hurricanes. Average temperatures are around 32.2°C (90°F) with high humidity.

July crowds in Florida are beginning to taper off. As it's the hottest and mostly wettest month of the year, most families don't crowd the beaches but still fill the tourist attractions and theme parks inland. Again, the sun is strong even when it's cloudy, so sun protection is always a must.

Best beaches in July:First Coast, Treasure Coast, Culture Coast

The best things to do in July:Panama City, Anna Maria Island, Central Florida, Fishing, Boating, Water Parks

Events in July:Independence Day, Orlando Fountain Fireworks, Star Spangled Spectacular Celebration, America’s Birthday Bash Miami, Celebrate America Tallahassee, Key Lime Festival Key West

Florida im August

Click here for our complete travel guide to Florida in August

August weather in Florida is very hot and muggy, usually the second hottest month of the year. We're already in the middle of hurricane season at this point, so tropical storms and hurricanes are always likely this month. Aside from the big storms, expect random showers and thunderstorms on a daily basis. It is extremely important to have adequate sun protection and hydration, whatever the weather. Average temperatures are still around 90°F (32.2°C) with high humidity.

August crowds in Florida are pretty light. Even though August is excruciatingly hot and rainy and most families are back to school, theme parks can still see decent attendance this month. Most beachgoers will prefer the northern part of Florida up to the Panhandle. The southern beaches, particularly those on the Atlantic side, can be dangerously hot and more prone to severe storms.

If you're looking for fewer crowds when visiting Florida, this is definitely not to be missedour list of the 12 quietest beaches in Florida.

Best beaches in August:Emerald Coast, First Coast, Sun Coast

The best things to do in August:Panama City Beach, Anna Maria Island, Tallahassee, Gainesville, Fishing, Boating, Water Parks

Events in August:Miami Spice, Hummerfest in Key West

Florida im September

Click here for our complete travel guide to Florida in September

September weather in Florida is still hot and muggy and it is the peak month heavily impacted by hurricane clocks and warnings. Also, Florida is often referred to as the lightning capital of the world, and while most visitors are safe, boaters should exercise caution. When it's not cloudy and rainy, the sun shines brightly, so it's important to prepare with sunscreen and hydration.

September attendance in Florida is low as most children are back in school. Plus, hurricane season keeps tourists at bay. This makes it a nice month to visit the beaches and theme parks, but the weather can turn you haywire in an instant. Most of the state has an average September temperature of 29.4°C (85°F) and humidity above 75%.

Best beaches in September:Emerald Coast, First Coast, Sun Coast

The best things to do in September:Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, Sarasota, Venice, Florida National Scenic Trail, fishing, boating, amusement parks, water parks

Events in September:Key West Sunset Celebration, Miami Spice, Orlando’s Magical Dining Month, Flavour Palm Beach

Florida in October

Click here for our complete travel guide to Florida in October

October weather in Florida is cooling and becoming drier. Hurricane season is almost over and October usually doesn't have too many hurricane watches or warnings. Daily showers and thunderstorms are beginning to slow down this month. October is one of the first months that you will also see cooler temperatures, although there will still be hot days. The average temperature at night is around 80°F (26.7°C) and a low of 67.5°F (19.7°C).

Visitor numbers in Florida in October are low. Most people don't travel much this month anyway, but the unpredictability of hurricane season tends to keep visitors away. This is one of the last best times to have a good day at the beach or go to a theme park with fewer crowds.

Best beaches in October:Sun Coast, Culture Coast, Emerald Coast

The best things to do in October:Palm Beach, Amelia Island, Gainesville, Weeki Wachee, Florida National Scenic Trail, Vergnügungsparks

Events in October:Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Howl-O-Scream, Halloween Horror Nights, Sea World Spooktacular, Brick or Treat Legoland, Halloween Zoo Bashes, Fantasy Fest Key West, Pensacola Interstate Fair, Ghost Tours, Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes

Florida im November

Click here for our complete travel guide to Florida in November

November weather in Florida is typically cool and dry. Hurricane season is over by the end of the month, but that doesn't mean the odds are completely eradicated. November temperatures, while not cold, are usually comfortable with lower humidity levels making it easier to be outdoors for long periods of time. The average high temperature is 25 °C (77 °F) and the average low is 16.6 °C (62 °F).

November visitor numbers in Florida are beginning to grow again as more snowbirds return to the state for the winter. This is one of the last times you can access the beach without it becoming overly crowded with winter visitors. The southern beaches, particularly those on the Atlantic side, can still be very warm and more prone to severe storms, but these are rare.

Best beaches in November:Gold Coast, die Florida Keys, Treasure Coast

The best things to do in November:Melbourne, Venice, Weeki Wachee, Big Cypress National Park, swimming in the Crystal River, hiking in national and state parks, golfing

Events in November:Eis! im Gaylord Orlando, Nights of Lights St. Augustine, Merry and Bright Orlando, Thanksgiving Day

Florida in December

Click here for our complete travel guide to Florida in December

December weather in Florida is cooler but usually never really cold. Humidity usually decreases at this point, with very little chance of showers and almost never snow. The wind will pick up occasionally but for the most part expect cool and dry days and nights.

It's best to pack multiple layers as the morning starts out cold at around 6.1 °C (43 °F) and warms up to around 17.7 °C (63 °F) as the day progresses, only to return in the evening to get cold. Except for South Florida, which stays at a steady 24.4 °C (76 °F) on average.

December visitor numbers in Florida vary depending on which region you visit that month. However, December tends to be a bit busier as the holidays are underway. Most parts of Florida will experience the hustle and bustle of the season, especially in medium to large cities. It should also come as no surprise that Florida travel prices are a bit more expensive this time of year, although you can still find cheaper options.

Best beaches in December:Gold Coast, die Florida Keys, Treasure Coast

The best things to do in December:St. Augustine, Tampa Bay, Celebrations, Ocala, Hiking in National and State Parks, Golfing, Holiday Events, New Years Eve Celebrations

Events in December:Santa’s Enchanted Forest Miami, Pensacola Winterfest, Ice! beim Gaylord Orlando, Key West Holiday Fest, Sandi Land West Palm, Nights of Lights St. Augustine, Merry and Bright Orlando, Silvester

Final recommendation

There are many great things to do in Florida, all year round, no matter the season. It is one of the best states to visit all year round due to its warm climate and variety of things to do with your time throughout the state. So it's very difficult to be objectively one season ahead of the others.

If you plan to just go to the beach or even explore the national and state parks, come in spring or fall to enjoy the great weather and water temperatures. If you're planning to visit Walt Disney World, it's best to arrive in early fall or late winter for the best prices. If your goal is to save money, you can't beat the great prices for a cold January or hot September vacation in Florida.

Our personal favorite things to do in our home state of Florida are going to the beach and going to the theme parks. With this in mind, we recommend that you come for a beach trip in May, when the weather is warm and less rainy and less people crowd the beach at this time. For a week-long trip to Walt Disney World, we recommend coming in late September for fewer crowds and better experiences at the parks.

Ultimately, as a visitor, you determine what is the best time of year to travel to Florida. The Sunshine State offers so many different options year-round that you have a huge variety of options for your own vacation.

Whether you come to experience the hot, lively beaches of Miami, visit the amusement parks of central Florida, take a historical journey through St. Augustine, or explore the Everglades, each trip has something special to offer.