The Sunshine State is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, and there are always plenty of exciting events occurring, whenever you choose to travel!
The parks are often busy, with popular rides reaching up to 120-minute waits and more at peak times.
Many people are bound by certain dates when booking their holiday, or like to go when it’s hot. Florida ranges from pretty warm winter months, to scorching summers (mostly), so if you are not tied to things like school holidays then when is the best time to go?
Visiting Florida in….. January to March
Mid-January to mid-February can be fairly quiet and cooler, with temperatures reaching the low 60s. It is also often less wet.
If you can, avoid the UK half term dates and be aware that March coincides with the American Spring Break, with the parks often being crowded with college students.
Events at this time of year:
- Early January: Walt Disney World marathon
- February: Mardi Gras events begin at Universal Studios
- Early March: EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival
Visiting Florida in….. April to June
The important dates to miss if you possibly can here are Easter and UK half terms. Many US schools break up the end of May so this makes the parks a lot busier too.
Temperatures range from low 70s to low 80s, with April and May expecting a fairly low rainfall. The wet weather does kick up a gear by June with far more rain coinciding with the start of hurricane season.
Events at this time of year:
Select weekends in May and June: Star Wars events at Hollywood Studios
Visiting Florida in….. July to September
HOT (in the 90s), WET (highest rainfall is in July and August) and BUSY (especially around 4th July) during the UK school holidays!
My 3 top tips for this time of year would be:
1. Plan ahead
2. Invest in a poncho
3. If you have long hair, tie it up, or it will be frizzy!!
Late September is actually one of my favourite times to visit Florida. A lot quieter after both the UK and US schools are back in session, beautifully hot but less humid, and the start of the Halloween magic.
Events at this time of year:
- September – November: EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival
- September – October: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary-Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom
- September – mid-November: Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios.
- October: Spooktacular at Seaworld
Visiting Florida in….. October to December
Late October/early November can be an amazing time to visit, as you will get to see the Halloween and Christmas decorations in the parks.
One of the quietest times to visit is just after Thanksgiving – it’s so quiet that you can often walk straight onto the rides! The temperatures have dropped (but can still reach 70s-80s) and it is not as stormy or humid.
If you can avoid UK half term this can be wonderful. The lead-up to Christmas is obviously a lot busier, and on key dates, the parks can reach full capacity.
Events at this time of year:
Starting various dates in November are:
- Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom
- Candlelight Processional at EPCOT
- Osbourne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Hollywood Studios
- Seaworlds Christmas Celebration
- Holidays at Universal Resort – including Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure
Are you planning a holiday to Florida? Use our Florida holiday checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything essential!
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