Florida may be nicknamed the Sunshine State, due to its virtually year-round sunny weather, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a best and worst time to visit the state’s gorgeous beaches and attractions...
Florida’s weather can actually be incredibly varied, with extremely hot and humid summers, and hurricane season that generally runs through the middle of the year. Therefore, it’s essential to pick the right time to visit. Although you’ll likely be swayed by set dates like school holidays, it's important to consider the type of experience you’ll have based on the weather, which can have an impact on visiting beaches, theme parks and outdoor activities. 
Understanding Florida's Climate
Florida is fairly large as US states go, meaning the climate differs from north to south. The north of Florida is slightly drier, while the further south you go, the more tropical humidity you’ll find. Florida’s weather can also be broadly divided into the wet and dry seasons: the wet season runs from April or June until October, and has high humidity, storms, extremely high temperatures and the chance of hurricanes, which Floridians are well prepared for. The dry season from November to April is a popular time to visit, as the weather is milder with less humidity and storms, and temperatures around 25°C which is toasty enough to visit the beach but not uncomfortable. This is ideal for Florida’s wealth of outdoor activities, natural wonders, water sports and more.
Best Times to Visit Florida
So, when is the best time to visit Florida? For the best weather, November to April is ideal, with comfortable temperatures. Although tourists start to arrive in spring, and there are spikes during the festive season, in general, you’ll experience slightly fewer crowds and better pricing. As mentioned, the summer holidays are the most popular time to visit, making most places very crowded. You’ll also be in the theme parks at the hottest time of year and plans could go astray due to hurricanes and storms, but with advance planning, you can still enjoy Florida over the summer.
Theme Parks
Florida's theme parks, such as
Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are some of the most visited attractions in the state and for many, are the sole reason for visiting. The best time to visit the parks is during January, February, and early November. These months offer cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Visiting during these off-peak times means shorter lines and the weather is comfortable for spending long days outdoors. The parks often have special events and holiday-themed celebrations over Halloween, Christmas and New Year’s, when ticket prices and accommodation may go up but if you have a week or two to spare, you’ll enjoy the parks most during this time of year.
Beautiful Beaches
You can’t miss visiting one of Florida’s hundreds of amazing beaches but you’ll want to visit when the weather is warm enough for beach activities and safe from any storms. March, May and the autumn months work best for this, as the water has warmed up enough for some water sports, whether you go swimming, surfing, or head down to the Keys for snorkelling and diving. You’ll also find beaches slightly less crowded during these periods, with the exception of March which brings Spring Break in the USA.
Wildlife and the Everglades
One of Florida's most unique experiences is swimming with manatees, particularly in places like Crystal River. The best time to do this is from late November to March, as during the cooler months, manatees seek warmer waters, congregating in springs and rivers. But the famous Everglades offer another place to experience the outdoors and spot wildlife. December and January are a good time of year for this due to lower water levels and less rain, meaning fewer mosquitoes and more chance of spotting wildlife like alligators, turtles and more. 
Events and Celebrations
Florida is famous for its elaborate holiday events, particularly at its theme parks.
Disney World hosts a spectacular Christmas parade, and EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays is a major attraction. The parks are beautifully decorated, and you may find fewer crowds than in the summer while getting to see a unique event at the parks. There are events throughout the year, including during autumn, such as the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which starts in September and features a celebration with global cuisines, cooking demonstrations and live entertainment. Festivals generally offer a good mix of things to do for both kids and adults, with cheaper flights outside of school holidays. 
Off-Season Travel
If you want to stretch your budget further, the best times to visit Florida are from September to January, which typically offers lower prices on accommodations and flights. After the summer holidays end and avoiding the Christmas holiday rush, you can
find excellent deals and enjoy quieter theme parks, beaches, restaurants and other attractions. To maximize savings, consider booking your accommodations and tickets well in advance for the best prices and availability. Additionally, being flexible with your travel dates can help you take advantage of last-minute deals and discounts. 
Year-round Destinations
It might be the theme parks, Miami or the Florida Keys - most people have somewhere specific in mind to visit in Florida (although you could always try a multi-city holiday) when asking about the weather. Miami is best visited between November and April, when the weather is pleasantly warm and humidity is low, making it perfect for beach activities and exploring the vibrant nightlife, beaches and culture. Otherwise, its southern location and close proximity to the Caribbean make it extremely hot and humid, which can be uncomfortable for adults and little ones alike.
The Florida Keys are best from December to May, when there are sunny skies and mild temperatures, perfect for snorkelling, diving and other island activities without the possibility of hurricanes. And most importantly, Orlando and its theme parks are best visited across the winter months, thanks to cooler temperatures, shorter lines and fewer crowds. Depending on the geographical location, these seasons apply to other popular Floridian
destinations like Tampa,
the Gulf Coast and even northern Florida, but make sure to check the forecast before you travel.
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