Tips and advice

The best times to visit Florida

Published Date: May 30, 2024

Bird's eye view of luxury homes in Miami Beach, Florida.
Florida has a lot to offer vacationers: year-round sunshine, gorgeous beaches, fun-filled attractions and more. According to Visit Florida, over 140 million visitors spent some time in the Sunshine State in 2023, making it the most popular state in the country for travelers.

Luxury vacation homes by the beach

Sun-worshiping vacationers flock to Florida during every month of the year, but if you’re hoping to ensure a great travel experience — and avoid crowds, hurricanes and high prices — here are a few things to consider. 

What to expect each season in Florida

Winter

December, January and February are great months to visit Florida. While much of the country is battling cold weather and winter storms, the Sunshine State boasts temperatures in the 60s and low 70s in the northern region, and 70s and low 80s in South Florida. Rainy days are rare this time of year, making it a great time to explore. You’ll enjoy fewer crowds than other times of the year, but keep in mind that Florida has roughly one million seasonal residents (aptly named “snowbirds” who flock to Florida during the colder months) so you’re not likely to have the beach all to yourself. 

Spring

Weather-wise, March, April and May are some of the best months in Florida. Sunny days abound and rain levels are minimal. Unsurprisingly, it’s also a busy time of year for tourists, so be prepared for higher-than-average hotel costs and plenty of people in and around popular tourist attractions. If you plan to visit beach towns like Panama Beach and Daytona Beach but don’t want to relive your college years, avoid March and April. These towns, and a few others on the Florida Panhandle, turn into spring break hotspots for young revelers from around the country.  

Summer

Some like it hot, and if that’s you, visit Florida in June, July and August. Temperatures are regularly in the 80s and 90s, with high humidity and frequent afternoon storms. Temperatures can be even hotter inland, where you won’t have ocean breezes to cool you off. Speaking of storms, it’s important to note that the Atlantic hurricane season traditionally begins in June, so be sure to pay attention to the weather forecast before and during your trip. Despite the soaring temperatures and hurricane risk, summer is still a popular time for visitors, especially families. 

Fall

Autumn brings slightly lower temperatures and smaller crowds, making it a great time to visit. Across the state, you’ll find fall festivals, from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in Orlando to the raucous Fantasy Fest in Key West. Hotel rates start to drop after Labor Day, making the fall a more affordable time to visit. It’s important to remember that the Atlantic hurricane season runs through the end of October, with the most activity occurring between August and October. If you’re traveling to Florida during any part of hurricane season, it’s smart to buy travel insurance.  

The best time to visit Florida theme parks 

The Orlando area, the epicenter of American theme parks, is home to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and LEGOLAND Florida, among others. You’ll also find no fewer than seven water parks to cool off on hot days. Any Disney aficionado will tell you there is no crowd-free day at Disney World or other area parks. However, you will find Florida theme parks to be less crowded right after the holiday season (January and February) and in September, once schools are back in session. Regardless of the season, your best bet is always a weekday trip. 

The best time to visit Miami

Miami is an action-packed South Florida destination every month of the year, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. Winter offers the mildest weather, without the sky-high temperatures or sticky humidity. Yet you’ll have to contend with crowds and high hotel prices. In summer, the temperature is hot but the deals are next level. Miami Spice Restaurant Month, Hotel Month and Spa Month all happen over the summer, making it a more affordable way to plan a luxury vacation.

The best time to visit the Florida Keys

A 125-mile-long archipelago off the coast of South Florida, the Florida Keys are a unique destination. With island vibes and incredible natural beauty, the Keys are a bucket-list destination for many. But when should you visit?The Keys have distinct rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season runs from May to October, during which time the islands get the majority of their yearly rainfall — not to mention hurricane risk. The dry season is the most popular time to visit, as you’ll enjoy average temperatures in the 70s with very little rain. As with much of the state, prices and crowds are lower in the summer, but the weather can be unpredictable. 

Find your year-round Florida getaway with Pacaso 

If Florida is your favorite vacation destination, perhaps it’s time to make it official! As a second home owner in the Sunshine State, you’ll enjoy a place to call home, without the unpredictability of hotel costs. Pacaso has luxury vacation homes available now for co-ownership, whether you want to live in chic Miami Beach, idyllic Marco Island or stately Alys Beach. Have a property in mind? Reach out to Pacaso and we’ll help you turn a listing you love into a luxury co-ownership property in your favorite Florida location. 
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Jen Lyons

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