There is no place in America that I love more than Florida, the sun-kissed beaches, the vibrant nightlife, the mouthwatering seafood – it’s a slice of paradise! But, let me tell you, not all times are created equal when it comes to visiting the Sunshine State.
Just like that one time I found myself in the middle of a wild hurricane season, or those trips where the heat was so intense. It was a vacation nightmare.
That’s why I’ve decided to write this article on when is the absolute worst time to visit Florida. Trust me, knowing this could be the difference between sipping a cool mojito on a serene beach or spending your holiday drenched in sweat (or rain!).
When Is The Worst Time To Visit Florida?
The worst time to visit Florida is during hurricane season, in the summer, or for the super-busy Spring Break period.
Most locals will tell you that hurricane season (from June to early November) is the worst time to visit due to the warm temperatures and humidity and the risk of daily thunderstorms. The unpredictable weather at this time makes it unappealing to many tourists!
The summer is another unappealing time to visit the sunshine state, as yup, during these months (June to August), the temperature is scorching. Think of average daily highs of around 90 Fahrenheit (32 C).
The humidity, too, is unbearable during this season – would you believe it can get as high as 90% humidity in some parts in July?!
Finally, we also advise against traveling to Florida during the Spring Break season (March and April). This is a notoriously busy time of year with throngs of university kids, high accommodation costs, and often sold-out attractions!
Hurricane Season (Worst Weather)
The hurricane season in Florida runs from June through to early November. And the peak of the hurricane season is from the end of August to the start of November.
During Florida’s hurricane season, you can expect hot and humid weather, torrential downpours, strong winds, and the risk of a tropical storm. Seventy percent of Florida’s annual rainfall falls during hurricane season.
Yup, it tends to rain every day in Florida during hurricane season, although the rain likely won’t start until the afternoon.
Hurricane season, aka ‘wet season’ in Florida, is also the hottest time to visit the ‘Sunshine State,’ with daily highs averaging 90 Fahrenheit. But, as we said, the humidity during these months is extreme (often sitting at around 90%), which will be unbearable to most tourists!
But don’t get too scared about traveling to Florida during hurricane season, as almost all hotels are equipped with hurricane kits and shutters and have an evacuation plan in case the worst does happen!
Summer Season (Crowded and Hot Weather)
The peak tourist season in Florida runs from June to the end of August, with the busiest months being June and July.
Because the demand is high, your accommodation and activity costs will likely be higher at this time of year, too.
But, just because it’s the most popular season to travel to Florida doesn’t mean it’s the best – with stifling hot temperatures and very high humidity, visiting Florida during the summer months (May to October) can be an unpleasant experience.
As for the most popular spots in Florida, one can expect average summer temperatures of 88 Fahrenheit in Miami Beach, 91 Fahrenheit in West Palm Beach, and 90 Fahrenheit in Panama City Beach!
July is the hottest month in Florida, with average temperatures ranging from 73 Fahrenheit to 95 Fahrenheit, and August is the most humid month, with humidity levels averaging 79%.
The Florida summer season also overlaps with the aforementioned hurricane season, so be prepared for heavy rainfall and the risk of hurricanes during this period.
Spring Break (Most Crowded and Expensive)
Spring Break is one of the busiest times for tourists to visit Florida, so if you plan to visit in March or April, expect high prices, crowds of college students, and often booked-out activities and hotels.
But, if you look past all of the above – Spring Break is actually the best time to visit Florida weather-wise thanks to the milder temperatures.
Yup, temperatures tend to stay around the upper 70s in April and in the high 60s in March, and there’s also very low rainfall during these months, too! A winning combination for vacationers! However, ocean temperatures in March may still feel too cold for some.
How To Make Your Travel Experience Better During The Worst Time To Visit Florida?
- Book your hotel ahead of time – Booking your hotel ahead of time will save you money and help you avoid disappointment as your preferred hotel will likely sell out during peak times like Spring Break and Summer.
- The early bird catches the worm – Get up and out early to beat the crowds; this is especially important during hurricane season as the rain tends not to start until the afternoon.
- Pack for the season – That means during hurricane season, ensure you have a good rainjacket and suitable footwear, and if you’re traveling here during the summer, pack lots of light, breathable clothing and lots of bug spray (mosquitoes and other biting bugs are out in force at this time of year!)
- Be organized and make a plan – By booking your activities, transport, and accommodation early, you’ll limit stress. During peak season, the high number of tourists means things will book up quickly!
- Flexibility is key – When you’re vacationing during busy periods, you may need to shift your schedule to ensure a more pleasant experience.
- Be prepared for crowds – As one of the top tourist destinations in the U.S., Florida is likely to be busy no matter what time of year you visit (but especially during summer and Spring Break). But with some advance planning, you can avoid the stress of waiting in a long line.
Worst Months To Visit Florida
July
The worst month to travel to Florida is July, as it’s the hottest month (expect highs of 90 Fahrenheit). You will likely be soaked in sweat from the moment you step out of air conditioning due to the intense heat and the humidity levels (which can be as high as 90%!)
July is also part of hurricane season, so you can expect daily downpours or thunderstorms!
January
On the other hand, the coldest month, January, is also a bad time to travel to Florida, as it can get as cold as 49 degrees Fahrenheit in parts.
So, unless you’re very hot-blooded, water sports and swimming will likely be out of the picture in January. That is unless you plan to travel to the toasty Florida Keys (hello, Key West!), one of the warmest places in Florida in December and January. It can get as warm as 74 Fahrenheit in January.
It’s also important to remember that the daylight hours in January are very short at around 10 hours – allowing less time for activities and sightseeing!
March
Spring break (March and April) is one of the worst times to visit Florida because of the many college students who descend on the state thus leading to higher prices. But March is particularly undesirable as it’s the colder of the two (with average daily temperatures sitting in the mid-60s).
In March, sea temperatures may also be too cold for swimming and enjoying watersports. And sadly, it will likely be too cold to sunbathe on the stunning Florida beaches, too!
However, March is a good time to visit Florida’s famed theme parks (Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are both located in Orlando) as the low, but not too low, temperatures make wandering the huge parks a pleasant and enjoyable experience.
September
Another one of the worst months to visit Florida is September, aka the peak of hurricane season. Most hurricanes tend to hit the state between August and October, but September is the most active in regard to tropical storms.
So, if you plan to travel to Florida in the fall season, expect wild weather with daily downpours (typically in the afternoon).
When Is The Best Time To Visit Florida?
The best time to visit Florida depends on what you’re looking for in your vacation. If you’re looking for great weather and fewer crowds, the period from January to May is an ideal time to visit Florida. It is one of the warmest places in December in the US!
However, if you’re interested in sunbathing and spending time on the beach, the summer months when temperatures range between 27°C and 33°C are recommended.
If you are looking for a quieter vacation in Florida, then autumn, specifically September through November, is a great time to visit as the hottest days are gone, and the crowds have thinned out.
Worst Time To Go To Florida FAQs
What Month Has the Worst Weather in Florida?
The worst weather in Florida typically occurs from June to September, with the peak rainy season and hurricane threats being most prominent in August and September. Particularly, September is considered the worst month for hurricanes in the state.
What is the Rainiest Month in Florida?
The rainiest months in Florida are typically June, July, August, and September, with the peak of the rainy season occurring in July and early September.
What is the Coldest Month in Florida?
The coldest month in Florida is typically January, with average temperatures ranging from 49°F (around 10°C) in Orlando to 59.6°F in Miami. In North Florida, including cities like Tallahassee, average low temperatures in January can drop into the 40s.
What’s the Hottest Month in Florida?
The hottest month in Florida is typically July, with an average temperature of 82°F (28°C)
What Part of Florida is Safest from Hurricanes?
The safest parts of Florida from hurricanes are generally in the interior, away from the coast. Specific cities that are often mentioned as safe include Palatka, Lake City, Leesburg, Orlando, Sanford, and Kissimmee. However, it’s important to note that no area is completely safe from hurricanes.
Final Thoughts: Worst Time To Visit Florida
There are generally three periods that are considered the worst time to visit Florida:
- Hurricane Season (June through to early November)
- Summer Season (June to the end of August)
- Spring Break Season (March to April)
If you are visiting Florida during those three times of the year, you’ll encounter challenges such as bad weather, massive crowds, and high temperatures. However, not all is lost if you book your holiday during those months; there are many ways to make your vacation more enjoyable!
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