If you’re one of the majority of Americans that desperately need a vacation, there’s no shortage of wonderful places to visit. If you’re dreaming about the Sunshine State, you should know that certain times are better for a trip than others. To make the most out of your stay, you’ll need to know the best time to visit Florida.
Warm beaches, blue skies, and a coconut drink in your hand—doesn’t that sound like bliss? This guide is here to help you get one step closer to paradise by breaking down when you should be visiting Florida.
Ready to learn more? Let’s get started.
When Is the Nicest Weather?
There’s a reason why it’s called the Sunshine State. You’re sure to feel the heat and humidity pretty much throughout the year. With that said, there are some days of chilly temperature, especially in northern areas.
Keep in mind that Florida is large; it’s a state that is twice the size of Ireland! This means that the weather across the state, especially comparing the south and north, can vary by a lot. This is especially true during the winter.
The weather also depends on which coast you’re visiting or if you’re staying inland. You have the Gulf of Mexico on the west coast and the Atlantic ocean on the east coast. The coastal areas are less humid and a bit cooler in the summertime than any place inland.
If you are visiting north Florida, remember that it can get chilly, especially at night. For tourists looking to escape the cold, find a destination farther south.
The best times to visit Florida are between November and May. Humidity is low, temperatures are comfortable, and you’re avoiding Summer, which has high chances of storms.
When to Visit Theme Parks
There is no shortage of things to do in Florida. From discovering its iconic cities, like visiting Fort Lauderdale or St. Augustine, to relaxing at the beach all day—there is something for everyone.
You can’t talk about Florida without discussing the theme parks, which are some of the state’s biggest attractions.
Going to a theme park is an enjoyable experience for everyone, but it can quickly be dampened if you go during the wrong times. You’ll need to consider three main things: the crowd levels, your schedule, and the weather.
If your main concern is the weather, don’t worry about going in November. Although hurricane season does run through the entire month, it’s pretty rare for any storms to go through Orlando.
As far as crowd levels go, you’ll want to book during the weeks after Thanksgiving and before the December holidays. This is when there are barely any waits for the rides, and you can easily get reservations at the top restaurants. Disney prices vary dynamically, so you’ll save some money by going during a less crowded time.
If You’re Looking for Wildlife
In addition to its beaches and theme parks, Florida has unbeatable nature and wildlife. It’s the ideal spot for anyone who loves adventure. If you’re planning a vacation that features plenty of wildlife, you’re in for a treat.
Florida has a large footprint, so it’s tricky to say when the best time to see wildlife is.
If you’re interested in birdwatching, go between January and early April. This is when you’re likely to see waterfowl, shorebirds, passerines, and wading birds. Other birding months include October through December, where you’ll see plenty of colonial birds, shorebirds, and migratory birds arriving in huge numbers.
Obviously, it’s quite easy to spot alligators in Florida. They’re all over retaining ponds and lakes. The springtime is full of alligators, including their babies, since it’s mating season.
You can see manatees and dolphins throughout the year. Manatees are easier to find between March and September. Manatees prefer warmer water so, during the winter, they tend to swim up rivers or enter springs.
Dolphins are found both on the west and east coast, mainly active at sunrise and sunset.
As far as amphibians and reptiles go, there’s a fair amount in Florida. With over 50 species of snakes, you’ll need to be familiar with which ones are dangerous and which aren’t.
Budget-Friendly Options
If weather or crowds don’t concern you and you’re simply looking for the most affordable option, you’ll want to fly out in September, May, or early June before schools let out. As mentioned earlier, the time after Thanksgiving and before the holidays is also ideal.
To save even more money, you can visit some of the less expensive areas. This includes places like Jensen Beach, New Smyrna, Panama City Beach, and Clearwater Beach.
When Is Peak Hurricane Season?
If you’re concerned about being stuck during a hurricane, avoid visiting between June to the end of November. Although you should be prepared throughout the year, August and September tend to be high-risk for hurricanes.
Luckily, it’s easier now than ever to track when a hurricane might be coming, so you can try to avoid flying if one seems to be approaching.
Best Time to Visit Florida
Florida is one of the most popular places to vacation, and it’s easy to see why. The weather is beautiful year-round, there is plenty of nature for the outdoorsy, and the theme parks are like no other. Don’t be fooled; however, some months are better to visit than others.
Knowing the best time to visit Florida is the first step to planning a trip. Once you have everything set up, you can spend less time worrying and more time soaking up the sun.
While you’re in Florida, why not take your fun to the next level by hopping on a party boat? Lagerhead Cycleboats offers an experience like no other. Be sure to learn more about the boat and book your spot today!