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.
Table of contents hide
1 Best Times to Visit Florida: Brief Summary
2 Florida seasons at a glance
3 Florida month by month
4 final recommendation
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.
FAQs
What months are best to travel to Florida? ›
Based on average weather, crowds, and rates, the best times to visit Florida are March-April or September-October.
What is the cheapest month to vacation in Florida? ›The cheapest times to visit
The cheapest months to fly to Florida are September, May (except for Memorial Day weekend) and early June before schools let out. You can find terrific values on hotels and activities in the fall (Sept.
The cheapest time to go to Florida is during the late spring and early fall. Luckily, you'll experience mild weather and stay mostly dry during these shoulder seasons, extra perks that make your savings even more worthwhile. You may run the risk of a possible hurricane in the fall.
What month is cheapest to fly to Florida? ›What is the cheapest month to fly to Florida? The cheapest month to fly to Tampa International is currently March. The cheapest month to fly to Orlando Sanford is currently February. The cheapest month to fly to Sarasota is currently March.
What month is hurricane month in Florida? ›The Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 to November 30 every year — but the last several years were an exception for the Sunshine State — with storms starting to form around Florida by mid-May. [1] "National Hurricane Center Issues First Tropical Weather Outlook of 2022 Season." Accessed June 02, 2022.
What is the coldest month in Florida? ›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.
What is the #1 vacation spot in Florida? ›Orlando is the destination of choice for many people planning a vacation to Florida, and for good reason: There's Walt Disney World and Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Universal Studios, Universal's Islands of Adventure, Animal Kingdom, Discovery Cove, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Gatorland, and more.
What part of Florida is cheapest to fly into? ›- Orlando International Airport (MCO) – Orlando.
- Tampa International Airport (TPA) – Tampa.
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) – Fort Lauderdale.
- West Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) – West Palm Beach, FL.
Late May through June is the period when severe storms are most likely. Hail, damaging winds, and waterspouts are common, in addition to heavy rainfall and frequent lightning. July through early September is when the rainy season peaks.
What month are hotels cheapest in Florida? ›If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Florida, you should consider visiting during the low season. You'll find cheaper accommodations in Florida in November and October.
What part of Florida is more affordable? ›
Cape Coral. One of the most affordable cities in Florida and the eighth-largest city in the state, Cape Coral is a family-friendly community that's perfect for settling down.
How far in advance should I book a flight to Florida? ›How far in advance should you book domestic flights? We recommend booking domestic flights between 1–3 months in advance of your domestic trip (unless you're traveling during peak season or a popular holiday).
What part of the month are flights cheapest? ›Jan. Most of the month. Once the Christmas through New Year's travel rush subsides, and school starts for many around Jan 7th.
What month is the cheapest month to fly? ›The site is good at tracking down an affordable fare, and it shared its expertise on what time of year you might find flights at their most affordable. It says the cheapest time of year to fly is January and February.
Is 2022 going to be a bad hurricane season in Florida? ›The 2022 hurricane season is the seventh consecutive above-average hurricane season. NOAA says there is a 65% chance of an above-normal season, a 25% chance of a near-normal season and a 10% chance of a below-normal season.
Will a hurricane hit Florida in 2022? ›The 2022 season saw three hurricane landfalls along the coast of the U.S. mainland. Hurricane Ian made landfall first as a Category 4 storm in Cayo Costa, Florida, and again as a Category 1 in Georgetown, South Carolina.
What part of Florida gets hit by hurricanes the most? ›Surprisingly enough — or maybe not surprising at all to some people — Northwest Florida, situated on the Panhandle, is the most hurricane-prone area in Florida. That's partly due to the Gulf of Mexico, which is known for its warm shallow waters, and partly due to its location in the U.S.
What month is Florida wettest? ›September is typically considered to be the rainiest month in the Florida Keys and south Florida, while Orlando has the highest average precipitation levels in June. Depending on which region you are visiting, expect these rainy seasons and plan accordingly.
Which month is hotter in Florida? ›Hottest time in Orlando
The weather in Orlando is at its hottest from mid-June to mid-September. Temperatures average as high as 82°F (28°C) in August, with nighttime lows rarely dropping below 72°F (22°C).
High °F | Low °F | Month |
---|---|---|
93 - 86 | 80 - 67 | June |
94 - 88 | 81 - 69 | July |
94 - 88 | 81 - 69 | August |
93 - 86 | 80 - 65 | September |
What is the safest and cheapest city in Florida? ›
Cape Coral
Cape Coral is a city located in the southwestern part of the state. It's easily one of the most affordable places to live in Florida. It's also one of the safest cities in Florida, with one of the lowest crime rates in the state.
- AirAsia.
- Scoot.
- Southwest Airlines.
- Ryanair.
- IndiGo.
- Vueling Airlines.
- EasyJet.
- Jet2.com.
Rank | Airline | Cost per Mile |
---|---|---|
1. | Spirit Airlines | $0.209 |
2. | Frontier Airlines | $0.225 |
3. | Hawaiian Airlines | $0.257 |
4. (T) | Allegiant Air | $0.322 |
The slow season is inevitably the time when few people, even Florida residents, want to be here: Hurricane Season. Hurricane season lasts June through November, but the worst weather tends to be in July, August and September.
What month is it least likely to rain in Florida? ›January is the driest month with just 1.62 inches of rain each year. Conversely, about 47 inches of rain is recorded, on average, during the wet season from May through October. All of those months except May average more than a half-foot of rain.
What is the slow season in Florida? ›Low season runs October to December or January, and is perfect for outdoor activities. Beach towns are quiet until the winter snowbirds arrive. Hotel prices can drop from peak season by 50%. Beware, though, that rates will spike around public holidays.
How much does it cost to rent a place in Florida for a month? ›Rental properties in Florida start as low as $300 to $500 per week for two bedroom homes and up to $1,700 a month for some of the larger properties. Many of the rental properties overlook beach-side or oceanfronts and are located in quiet areas.
How to go to Florida on a budget? ›The cheapest way to get to Florida is by driving, even with gas prices. What is this? Florida is a place with great road trip routes! It makes for good family bonding and can save you a lot of money if you plan a road trip to Florida instead of flying.
What is tourist season in Florida? ›But beware of peak tourist season, which begins right after Christmas and lasts until about May. In winter, there is very little rain, and high temperatures are typically in the 70s, so the weather isn't unbearably hot.
What months are off season in Florida? ›Low season runs October to December or January, and is perfect for outdoor activities. Beach towns are quiet until the winter snowbirds arrive. Hotel prices can drop from peak season by 50%. Beware, though, that rates will spike around public holidays.
What month is rainy-season in Florida? ›
Phase One: Late May through June is when severe storms are most likely. These storms can produce hail, damaging winds and waterspouts, including tornadoes. Of course, heavy rain and frequent lightning come along with these storms. Phase Two: July through early September is when the rainy season peaks.
What month has the worst weather in Florida? ›Late May through June is the period when severe storms are most likely. Hail, damaging winds, and waterspouts are common, in addition to heavy rainfall and frequent lightning. July through early September is when the rainy season peaks.