Florida is one of the most fascinating states in the U.S.A. Its alluring beaches, impressive theme parks, charming cities and remote natural beauty attract hordes of ravenous tourists every year, eager to discover a state on the edge of the world.
However, if you want to embark on an unforgettable Florida trip, it will be best to plan it in the best season, so as to try to avoid possible mishaps and unpleasant weather. Here is a series of tips on the best to visit Florida based on the state’s climate.
First of all, since it is a very large state, we must point out that there are at least 2 climate zones with different temperatures: the subtropical one, which covers most of the state, and the tropical Savannah, which covers the southernmost areas, starting from the area above Naples.
The different climates mean that the low and high seasons differ depending on the area. While in fact in the North the summer period is the most touristic, if you want to visit the southern areas (usually the most popular) the period to prefer is certainly between November and April. During the summer season you will find in fact very hot, humid, rainy and possible storms.
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Best Time to Visit Florida (and Climate for Each City or Area)
Here’s a breakdown of the climate in the state’s most popular areas.
Miami climate zones
Given the many requests we have received about Miami, we decided to address this topic in a dedicated article. You can find all the information you need about climate, seasonality and when to go to the page Miami Climate and Temperatures: when to visit
Everglades area
- From December to April: this is the so-called dry season, ideal from the point of view of climate, which is certainly the most pleasant of the entire year and it is no coincidence that it is the period that records the greatest influx of tourists.
- June to November: this is the period during which your desire for adventure will be put to the test: high temperatures, many insects and the real possibility of hurricanes in July and August. However, if you prepare well (don’t forget your hat and sunscreen), you’ll be able to visit the Everglades in complete serenity, away from the tourist crowds, and see alligators and other wildlife in full swing.
The months with the highest rainfall are June, July, August and September and are also the months with the highest temperatures. Here are the data reported on the park’s official website:
- Winter: High 77° F, Low 53° F.
- Summer: High 87° F, Low 67° F.
The Florida Keys
- December to March: this is the period with the most pleasant climate, in fact for the Florida Keys it is high season and prices go up.
- April to June: hot weather arrives and accommodation prices go up.
- From July to November: the real possibility of rains (and sometimes hurricanes) increases, however the adverse climate is compensated by the many festivals, activities and events organized during this period.
Between June and September in Key West we have the highest temperatures, between 78 and 89 degrees Fahrenheit.
Orlando
The main reason to go to the city is to visit the parks in Orlando, which are always open and can be visited all year round. However, keep in mind that prices go up from Thanksgiving until mid-December and that in September you have more opportunities to save money. The hottest months of the year are June through August, and there is more chance of rainfall, but for more on that I refer you to our specific Orlando climate report.
Panhandle
As we have already explained in our article on how to organize a Florida trip, the Panhandle is a sort of unknown treasure of the state, a destination that certainly can’t boast the tourism of the Southern regions, yet can give you a fascinating travel experience.
From May to October you’ll find heat and high prices (it’s high season), while from November to February you can count on lower prices. The highest temperatures are between June and August (around 86 degrees Fahrenheit), while the lowest are between December and February (59 to 68 degrees F). The months with most rainfall are July and August.
