Florida Weather and climate

Best time to visit

On average, Florida tends to maintain warm temperatures throughout the entire year with slightly lower temperatures during the winter months. Summers are long, warm and particularly humid, lasting from May to October. And the winters throughout the state are quite short and dry, lasting from December to February. In January, the coldest month, the average temperature is 61°F (16°C). In July, the hottest month, the average temperature is 82°F (28°C).

The climate in Florida is heavily influenced by the fact that the state is a peninsula, surrounded completely by the sea. Since the sea is able to store heat, the coastal areas tend to maintain s slightly warmer temperature in the winter than the central areas of the state. This also explains why the average temperature of the surrounding sea in Florida is the highest in the month of July (84°F or 29°C), making it one of the best times of the year for swimming.

Florida, in particular, also tends to experience a wet and a dry season throughout the year. During the wet season, lasting from May to October, the state tends to experience high levels of humidity followed by heavy, yet brief, thunderstorms on almost a daily basis. In fact, Florida reports more thunderstorms on average than any other US state. The north-western coastal areas are especially prone to instances of heavy rainfall, more than any other area in the state. Thus, those interested in staying in the drier areas should keep to the interior or try the southwestern coastal areas. The wet season also increases the chance of tropical storms and hurricanes, particularly from August to October. During the dry season, in contrast, the state tends to experience low levels of humidity and clear skies, lasting from November to April. However, since the chances of rainfall are significantly less during this period, displays of wildfire do occur, but not on a frequent basis.

Required clothing

During the summer months, sunglasses, hats, lightweight cottons and linens are recommended, though air conditioning in many public places can push indoor temperatures down. It does tend to get a bit cooler during the evenings and nights, so light jackets are also recommended. During the winter months, heavier coats may occasionally come in handy in the northern areas, whereas, light coats may be useful in the central and southern parts of the state.