When Is the Best Time To Visit Florida

As a frequent traveler to Florida for both work and pleasure (hey, someone’s got to do it!), I can certainly vouch for the fact this southern state that offers year-round appeal. Whether, like me, you're looking to escape those long, cold winter months up north, or are perhaps planning a summer beach vacation for the family, maybe even looking for a weekend of theme park fun in the spring or fall, the “Sunshine State” provides plenty of neat experiences throughout the year.

To help you figure out what the weather’s going to be like, as well as what to do when you get there when you get there, take a read of this seasonal tourism guide for a better understanding of what to expect when you visit Florida.

Winter Tourism in Florida (December - February)

Winter is one of Florida’s peak tourism seasons, attracting visitors from colder northern states, Canada, and even Europe who are on the lookout for a sunny escape. With mild daytime temperatures averaging in the 70s (°F), it’s the perfect time to explore Florida’s best beaches, its countless golf courses, and numerous fun outdoor activities, all without that sometimes oppressive summer heat.

During the winter months, Florida attracts millions of "snowbirds," retirees who either rent or own leisure property and who stay for extended periods of time away from the cold. It’s also a great time of year for families, too, with theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios being especially fun during Christmas and New Year. Highlights include family-centric fun like Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Grinchmas, as well as those ever-popular holiday parades.

Looking for something less crowded and with fewer kids? Destinations like Key West and Naples are great to visit at this time of year, while Miami offers up its Art Deco Weekend in January. Another popular event is the Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Tampa in late January, a Mardi Gras-like event that attracts crowds of revelers to celebrate the city’s pirating past… and party.

Winter Tips and Tactics: Just because you’re hitting the beach, don’t forget to pack a few warm sweaters. I’ve been to Key West, the USA’s most southerly tip, in January and had to wear a coat as the temperature had dipped into the low 50s by nightfall. So, if planning an evening meal on a patio, take something warm with you, just in case.

Spring in Florida (March - May)

Spring is another high season in Florida as the weather remains comfortably warm, usually between the 70s and 80s (°F). This popular season is known for clear skies and blooming flowers, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, visiting lush gardens like Naples Botanical Garden, or even swimming with the manatees in Crystal River, a bucket list experience for sure. Spring is also notable for those lovely jacaranda trees, which add vibrant purple hues to cities like Tampa and St. Petersburg.

While families from the UK and Europe will often visit Florida (and Orlando in particular) over Easter, spring break is the time for America’s schools and colleges to really let their hair down and party. While this means longer lines at theme parks and noisier beach fronts during events like Miami Spring Break in March, the flip side is nearly always perfect weather with plenty of blue skies and sunshine. Spring festivals like the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City and the Miami Open tennis tournament also draw large crowds.

Spring is also a good time for nature lovers to head to the Florida Keys for snorkeling and diving adventures off the spectacular Dry Tortugas National Park, or even to explore the Everglades National Park for some crocodile spotting and birdwatching.

Spring Tips and Tactics: If planning a spring vacation or weekend visit to Florida, March and May are optimal months with lower humidity and very little rainfall. I’ve visited with the kids later in May and there were days when the humidity was so oppressive that the theme parks became hard to bear, except in the morning and early evening.

Summer in Florida (June - August)

Remember the classic Power Station tune, Some Like it Hot? Well, you better like it hot if you plan on a summer visit to Florida. Summer temperatures can reach the high 90s (°F), making water-based activities the best option for staying cool. And Orlando has you covered there thanks to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks. Both are excellent options for keeping cool (go for the deluxe and shady cabana rentals if you can), as are SeaWorld’s excellent Aquatica and Universal’s Volcano Bay. All of these have fun lazy river experiences, as do several resorts including Four Seasons Resort Orlando and the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort in Bonita Springs, both of which I’ve tried.

While Florida’s theme parks, particularly Disney World, Universal Studios, and Busch Gardens, are at their busiest this time of year, extended park hours and summer-specific events like night-time parades and firework shows make the crowds a little more bearable. Beach destinations like Clearwater, Fort Lauderdale, and Destin are also popular in summer and are packed with vacationers, with warm ocean waters perfect for swimming, boating, and water sports.

For those looking for unique experiences, summer is Florida’s scalloping season on the Gulf Coast. This family-friendly adventure runs from July through early September. If fashion’s your thing, Miami Swim Week in July is a great time to visit with ample after-parties to check out along with the latest in Florida swimwear.

Summer Tips and Tactics: If you’re planning a summer theme park visit, the Disney Resorts are a great accommodation option as they offer early park openings as well as after-hour fun for resort guests only. Not only that, but Disney also provides transport to and from the parks, meaning you can break your day up with a visit to the pools. And spare some room in your Orlando itinerary to check out the many fun things to do outside of the theme parks, too, with summer evenings being a great time to visit communities like Winter Park and Winter Garden. Summer can also bring with it the occasional rain shower or thunderstorm, so pack a lightweight rain jacket and umbrella just in case.

Fall in Florida (September - November)

While fall in Florida is often considered a "shoulder season," a visit during the autumn months is not without benefits, not least of which are fewer tourists and slightly cooler temperatures. Fall is an excellent time for budget-conscious travelers to visit Florida as hotel rates drop and popular attractions become less crowded as families focus on the return to school.

As for temperatures, you can generally expect daytime highs in the mid-70s (°F), making outdoor activities more comfortable. Fall also marks the start of Florida’s harvest season with numerous food festivals, including the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in Orlando (a personal favorite) which draws food enthusiasts from around the world.

The state also celebrates Halloween with flair. Major theme parks like Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights and Disney’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are standout events providing plenty of fun. Florida’s natural beauty during fall remains a big draw, with the cooler weather making outdoor adventures in places like Ocala National Forest and the Everglades even more enjoyable.

Fall Tips and Tactics: While the fall weather is generally pleasant, you will want to pack a few sweaters and at least a jacket for evenings on the patio. Oh, and take an umbrella with you as November can get some rain (but not nearly as much as in the northern states).

Florida’s Year-Round Appeal

Florida's year-round warm climate and countless attractions make it a desirable travel destination, no matter the season. While the winter and spring seasons are considered peak times for tourism, the Sunshine State (so named for its average 237 days of clear blue skies) offers something for visitors at any time of year. Whether it’s swimming with manatees in winter, diving and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters in summer, savoring fresh citrus in the fall, or enjoying the state’s lush gardens in spring, Florida's diverse offerings ensure that everyone who visits will find something to enjoy.