Are you wondering when is the best time to visit Florida? You are in the right place. In this article, we will walk you through the best time of year to go to Florida depending on your needs.
By the end of this article, you will be able to decide which is the best month to go to Florida and how to plan accordingly. We will talk you through the best weather months in Florida, when the state is least crowded and when it can be cheapest to visit.
Florida is an incredible state with so much to offer from the beautiful Emerald Coast beaches to the swampland of the Everglades to the wonderful vibrant Key West it has something to please every traveler.
Whether you are looking for a romantic Floridian getaway or family-friendly beaches you will want to know when to go to Florida. We have you covered.
So pull up a chair grab and drink and let us walk you through the best time to vacation in Florida.
When is The Best Time To Visit Florida
Deciding when to go to Florida is never easy. As Floridians, we prefer the winter months when it gets a little cooler but traveling in winter is a luxury most don’t have.
I would say the best time to visit Florida depends on a lot of factors such as budget, your tolerance to heat if you have an aversion to crowds, and of course if your vacation time is dictated by school holidays. All these factors come into play when you are choosing the best time of year to go to Florida.
It is also dependent on where you want to go in Florida as the average temperatures and conditions can change considerably from the Panhandle beaches in the north to the Key West beaches in the south. The temperature difference can be as much as 5 -10 degrees Fahnenhieght.
Most agree the best time to go to Florida is between March and April or September and October. This is when the weather is great and not too hot, it tends to be less crowded and is often cheaper. However, this is also when children are in school so most can’t travel then.
As a guide, April and November tend to have the lowest rainfall, and May and October have the combination of warmth and low rainfall. May tends to be the best month for beach holidays and October/November tends to be less crowded times in Orlando.
When you are thinking of when to go to Florida also keep in mind where you are going. Central Florida tends to be less crowded and has more tolerable weather from January to April. South Florida tends to be the best in the winter months, and Northern Florida is a great place to visit in the summer as the heat is less intense.
If you are thinking of Visiting The Florida Keys our article on the best time to visit the Key West might be helpful.
Worst Time To Go To Florida
Personally, we don’t think there is a bad time to go to Florida. As long as you plan, know what to expect, and aren’t going at a time where the conditions are hard for you to tolerate you will have a great time.
However not all months are equal, so here are our thoughts on the worst time to go to Florida.
If you find heat and humidity intolerable then July and August are the months for you to avoid. As a Floridian resident, I find these months just far too hot and tend to favor staying indoors.
June tends to be the highest rainfall month followed by July and September, so if you are after a beach holiday these months may not be great.
Hurricane season runs from June until November and while hurricanes hitting the coast are rare recent events have shown the real danger. Chances of hurricanes tend to be more prevalent in late summer to early fall.
As for crowds, it is very dependent on where you are going, however, any time the children are on vacation, there is 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 running at a lower capacity with areas closed so check before you go to avoid disappointment.
When it comes to the worst time to go to Florida it really is what is worse for you in your situation.
What Is The Cheapest Month To Travel To Florida?
The cheapest month to go to Florida can vary based on where you are going in Florida and where you are traveling from. It’s often cheaper for us as Floridians to travel in the summer months however if you are traveling from the U.K. for example summer is the most expensive.
The high season in Florida is considered May to June and consequently, this is when prices can be higher. As for flights the cheaper months tend to be January, September, and May but any time outside of school and national holidays will see cheaper fares. Cheap flights for those in the USA can also be found in late August after the children have gone back to school.
Early September to Thanksgiving can see cheaper theme park tickets (minus Halloween festivities). And early February to May (minus Easter) can see prices lower.
For great hotel deals, September to Thanksgiving and mid-March to mid-June tend to be great. Obviously minus the school holiday periods.
To save money also think about the destination. For example, staying at New Smyrna Beach rather than Daytona will save you money, and staying at Marathon rather than Key West making your money go further. Panama City Beach will be less expensive than the Destin beaches and deals can be found at some of the lesser-known beach destinations like Jenson.
The cheapest time to visit Florida depends on so many things but there is always a deal to find and if you can travel during the off-season in Florida you will always bag a bargain.
What Is Rainy Season In Florida?
Florida gets the majority of its rainfall during certain months which are known as the rainy season. The rainy season tends to run from the middle of May to the middle of October although this can change slightly depending on where you are in Florida.
During these months brief intense showers fall almost every day normally mid to late afternoon. Florida rain tends to be different from the rain most are used to. The showers are heavy and very brief but you can get soaked. The rest of the time it is hot with bright sunshine and often these showers are a welcome relief.
The Hurricane season runs from June to November with the biggest risk between September and October.
What Month Is The Best Weather In Florida?
The best time to visit Florida based on the weather is a hard question to answer as we each have our preferred weather. Florida has a humid subtropical climate which means the summers are very hot and sticky and the winters are drier and sunny.
For us personally, we prefer the weather from October through April, this is when the heat tends to calm down and there is less rainfall.
The hottest month tends to be July where the average temperature is a high of 34 C 93 F and a low of 24 C 75 F. The coldest month is in January with an average high of 22 C 71 F and a low of 11 C 51 F. However, these temperatures can differ a lot from the northern Panhandle to the southern Keys.
In terms of rainfall, June is the highest and December the lowest.
Most tend to agree the best weather months in Florida tend to be between October and May.
High And Low Season For Florida
As a rule of thumb high season in Florida tends to be when the schools are on holiday and there are national US holidays. November through April is also considered peak season as this is when tourist flock to the south to experience the best weather in the USA.
Low season in Florida tends to run from May to October missing out on school holidays where it can be busy. Outside of the school holidays during the off-season at Florida, you will be able to find hotel deals.
However, this all comes with a caveat as it depends on where you are going in Florida. South Florida beaches are packed during spring breaks, the northern beaches are packed during summer. Theme parks tend to be the busiest during the summer school holidays and Key West is popular in December.
February and September tend to be great months to visit and accommodation prices can drop up to 50%.
Visit Florida In Summer If You:
Visit Florida in Summer if it’s the only time you have available. If you have children and this is one of the only times to visit then this is the best time to travel to Florida for you.
The water is warmer and the temperatures are hot, hot, hot and it can get very humid. Just be prepared for rain and heat and make sure you protect yourself.
It can get very busy in the summer and hotel rates in some -places will increase. On the good side, all tourist attractions and activities will be open and you will enjoy around eight hours of sunshine a day.
Visit FloridaIn Winter If You:
If you are after less rain and more tolerable temperatures then winter is perfect for you. However, winter does not necessarily mean fewer crowds and lower prices. Florida’s population can increase by up to a million people as seasonal sun seekers head to the state, particularly during December and February.
The visitors tend to be of the older generation so tourist attractions can be less packed and certain areas will see a fall in prices.
Water temperatures are a bit cooler and the hours of sunshine tend to be about 6. You are also out of hurricane season in winter.
Winter can be the best time to vacation in Florida.
Visit Florida In Fall If You:
Most feel fall is perhaps the best time to go to Florida. You will find fewer crowds, warm but more tolerable weather and some deals to be had. Again this depends on where you are going because Disney during the Halloween period can be packed.
There is the biggest chance of hurricanes in early fall though so keep that in mind. September can still see a lot of rainfall but this eases in October and November.
While the leaf colors are not dramatic in Florida there are still places to see fall foliage in Florida. And Florida goes all out for Halloween with Universal Halloween Horror Nights, Howl O Scream at Seaworld, and Fantasy Fest in Key West.
We feel fall is the best season to visit Florida particularly 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, the crowds are fewer and the prices tend to be lower than in other seasons.
March and April see little rainfall but this can increase in May. The average hours of sunshine a day is 9 and humidity levels are at their lowest.
If you are wondering when to go to Florida and you can pick and choose your dates pick Spring, it really is lovely around this time.
Spring can be the cheapest time to visit Florida.
When To Go To Florida By Month:
Florida In January
January in Florida is surprisingly quite a popular time to visit. While there may not be lots of tourists the people that make Florida their home in winter are still here.
It is a very dry season and the average temperature is 60 F 15 C. Prices tend to be mid-range but the further north you go the more likely you are to find a bargain.
It is the coolest month of the year. However, temperatures vary a lot depending on where you visit. Higher temperatures are naturally found in the south and lower in the north.
Key events around this time include The Art Deco Weekend in Miami, the Gasparilla Pirate Fest in Tampa, and the Kumquat Festival in Dade City.
January also sees the Crystal River Manatee Festival and the Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival both located near sites where hundreds of manatees gather in the winter.
Read our article on the best place to see wild manatees in Florida.
Florida In February
February in Florida sees temperatures begin to edge upwards but it tends to still be too chilly for tourists. This is also the time when the winter sunseekers begin to leave consequently the state can be less crowded and prices are lower.
Florida in February also seems to be the festival month with the Florida State Fair, the Edison Festival Of Light, and the South Beach Food and Wine Festival taking place.
The end of February sees the Daytona 500 and Mardi Gras celebrations get underway in Universal. The Mount Dora Art Festival and the Naples National Art Festival are also worth a mention.
Most feel February is the best month to go to Florida and we would be inclined to agree. It’s definitely the least crowded time to visit Florida and can be the cheapest month to go to Florida.
The average temperature in February is 62 F 17 C
For a look at some of The Florida Festivals take a look at our article 20 Best Festivals in Florida You Can’t-Miss.
Florida In March
March in Florida sees the onslaught of spring breakers consequently taking us into the high season in Florida. The temperatures are warm and it’s dry making it perfect beach weather some beaches such as Daytona are a Spring Break Mecca. If you are after a relaxed holiday this is not the month to come although early March sees fewer people.
March is probably the last month you can see manatees before the water gets too warm. Hiking in Florida and camping are also perfect in March.
The International Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot in Orlando is in March along with Marathon Seafood Festival and the St. Augustine Lions Spring Festival.
If you are young and after a party vibe then this is the best month to go to Florida. It is also one of the best weather months in Florida.
Average temperatures tend to be 66 C, 19 F.
Florida In April
April in Florida sees the spring breaks leave and prices drop making April the least crowded time to visit Florida.
The days start to feel longer, the weather warms up 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 a mention but there are lots more.
April can also be the cheapest month to go to Florida. Most agree Spring is the best season to visit Florida. Florida in April is just perfect in so many ways. Many believe it is the best month to visit Florida.
Average temperatures tend to be 71 C, 21 F.
Florida in May
May in Florida sees the start of summer’s wet season and the humidity starts to rise. As temperatures start to rise so do mosquitoes so keep that in mind.
The north Florida beaches in the state tend to start getting busy and the southern ones can get a little quieter. It is also the start of sea turtle-nesting season so some beaches or part of the beaches may be closed off.
The crowds while busy are manageable for the most part.
Pensacola becomes a hive of activity with the Memorial Day Weekend Gay Party and generally from Memorial Day things start to get busier.
In terms of festivals, Sunfest on West Pam Beach, Florida Folk Festival in White Springs, and the Key West Singers and Songwriters Festival are all worth a mention.
May is the best month to visit Florida if you want the heat but not the crowds. Florida in May is perfect beach weather for those who love the heat. Since it’s the low season in Florida you may be able to find some great deals.
Average temperatures for Florida in May tend to be 76 C, 24 F.
Florida in June
June in Florida is when the heat really starts to kick in, it is also the start of hurricane season although that tends to peak in September and October.
As schools in the USA break for the holidays, crowds begin to build up, especially in theme parks. June is also the wettest month so expect rain.
Gay Days and St Pete PrideFest can pull in upwards of 40,000 members of the LGBTQIA+ community which also pushes prices up. Miami Fashion Week also happens in June.
Florida in June is all systems go with all attractions open and operating at full capacity.
Average temperatures tend to be 81 C, 27 F.
Florida in July
In some ways, July in Florida is very similar to June it can get unbearably humid and the bugs are out in full force.
The Florida Springs can be a welcome relief from all the heat although they will be busy. The 4th of July sees celebrations everywhere with Miami really putting on a show.
July is also the beginning of scallop season. The Pensacola Beach Air Show and Hemingway Days in Key West are also events worth considering a trip to.
Average temperatures for Florida in July tend to be 82 C, 28 F.
Florida in August
August in Florida is still hot humid and thundery however towards the middle of August the crowds tend to lessen.
If you can stand the heat and don’t mind the rain there are deals to find in late August. Miami Spice starts in August and it is also the International Ballet Festival.
Average temperatures tend to be 82 C, 28 F. Florida in August is hot but there are some great deals.
Florida in September
September in Florida sees the heat let up a little and the crowds start to subside. It is also the month that is most active for hurricanes, so take any alerts or evacuation alerts seriously.
Most of the main attractions are still operating at full capacity even though the crowds have calmed down so it can be a great time to visit Florida.
You will encounter rain so be prepared, and of course, Labor Day will bring in the crowds again. You will also see the start of some of the autumn festivities beginning.
If you are wondering when to visit Florida September can be a perfect month.
Average temperatures tend to be 80 C, 27 F.
Florida in October
Prices tend to lower during Florida in October but the theme parks can get crowded around Halloween events. The temperature begins to drop, the rain eases and we are toward 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.
Key West Fantasy Fest draws in a massive crowd too.
October in Florida sees good weather and relatively crowd-free beaches and outside of theme parks and Halloween events things tend to be quieter.
Average temperatures tend to be 74 C, 23 F.
Florida in November
November in Florida sees the start of the dry season and the start of the winter sun seekers often referred to as Snowbirds.
Thanksgiving sees a spike in visitors but a lot of the usual tourist traps will be much quieter. Temperatures are lower but the sea is still pleasant to swim in and the downpours cease.
Florida in November key events include 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 in the Florida off-season and you can find deals.
Average temperatures tend to be 67 C, 19 F.
Florida in December
December in Florida sees the state go all out for Christmas. It might not have the snow but the festive spirit is in full swing.
Winter sun seekers tend to flock to the south Florida beaches and the Art Basel Miami Beach pulls people into Miami.
Christmas Parades take place all over the state although the theme parks seem to have the biggest and best. The Winterfest Boat Parade is a must-see and the Victorian Christmas in Tampa will get you in a festive mood.
While it can be busy we feel there is something special about this state in December. While it might not be the perfect Christmas postcard location it certainly puts a different spin on Christmas.
If you are going to be in Florida in December take a look at our 16 Festive Ways To Celebrate Christmas In Florida. December can be the best time to visit Florida if you are looking for a different kind of festive season.
Average temperatures tend to be 62 C, 17 F.
As you can see the question of when is the best time to visit Florida is not easy to answer. When to go to Florida is so personal and really depends on what you like.
Florida off-season is a perfect time to visit if you don’t have children but the best month to go to Florida for you might be in high season. The best time to go to Florida is when you can go.
We hope this article has helped you decide the best month to visit Florida for you and whenever you go we hope you have an incredible time. Enjoy your vacation and come back and let us know all about it.
