The best time to visit Orlando is in the spring, from March to May, and in the fall, from September to November. During these two shoulder seasons, the weather in Orlando is pleasant, and you avoid the rain, thunderstorms, and crowds of the summer months.
Florida is one of the warmest states in the US, featuring a humid subtropical climate. Summers in Orlando are long and muggy, while the winters can be a tad cool.
With so many kid-friendly activities, families flock to Orlando during the summer holidays, making it the busiest season to visit the city. To avoid the heaviest crowds, March to May and September to November are good alternatives, with comfortable average temperatures and less rain, perfect for enjoying Orlando’s top attractions.
You can have a magical experience in Orlando at any time of the year. To get the most out of your trip, though, read this handy guide to when to go to Orlando, including weather by season and by month.
Got more travel plans on the horizon? Check out our other weather & when to go guides and our Florida Travel Guide for more recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do!
Weather in Orlando
Spring
Spring in Orlando is an absolute treat. In the springtime, the weather is warm and water temperatures are comfortable. You’ll be spending long days at the beach or walking around the theme parks.
Enjoy pretty spring events like Walt Disney World’s EPCOT® International Flower & Garden Festival. The stunning gardens and topiaries of your favorite Disney characters are sure to get you in the mood for spring. Orlando’s theme parks will be less crowded in spring than in the summer months, but you should still watch out for peak times like spring break and Easter.
Rainfall gradually decreases throughout the spring season. Any showers are brief and gentle, so bring a poncho or umbrella and wait it out.
Spring highs and lows are warm, but it can feel a little chilly at night and on a windier day. Pack a sweater for cooler evenings and to keep the wind away on the rollercoasters.
Summer
Summer in Orlando is an explosion of heat. Days are hot and steamy, but nights are pleasant. Hurricane season brings unpredictable weather, with sudden heavy rain and the possibility of tropical storms. Skip the umbrella and wear a high-quality waterproof jacket that can withstand high winds.
A summer trip to Orlando is best booked last minute when you have a rough idea of the weather coming in the days ahead. Severe hurricanes tend to miss Orlando, preferring to land on the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean coasts. Still, you should make sure you have adequate insurance to cover you if a storm disrupts your trip.
With some of the most popular attractions for kids in the country, the summer break brings hordes of tourists to Orlando, which can be uncomfortable in the sticky summer heat. Many escape to the nearby beautiful natural springs for a cooling oasis.
Rain showers are usually in the late afternoon. Get up early to beat the crowds, then spend the afternoon relaxing back at one of the top Orlando hotels.
Fall
Everything in Orlando dials back down in the fall. Temperatures and humidity reduce to pleasant levels, the threat of the hurricane season subsides, and crowds become more manageable.
Not ready to say goodbye to summer? Stretch it out with a fall Orlando vacation. Flights and hotel prices are lower than in the summer months, but you’ll still be greeted with fantastic weather. A visit to Orlando in the fall will give you blue skies and a low chance of rain. Daytime temperatures sit in the mid-20s, and nighttimes are cool but pleasant.
While you may not get the romance of the changing leaves in Florida, there are lots of fun fall events to get you in the mood. Fill your belly at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival and the SeaWorld Craft Beer Festival, or join in with the spooky Halloween fun.
Fall is also a quiet time to visit the theme parks before they start ramping up for festive events.
Winter
Orlando has mild winters but can experience sudden cold snaps. Its position on the peninsula makes it difficult to predict the weather, so it’s better to book it as a last-minute trip. It may be a little cool for days lazing on Orlando’s beaches, but if you’re after a sunny winter escape, you’ll get pleasant daytime temperatures and very little rainfall.
The festive period is a magical time to visit but be aware it’ll be full of children fulfilling their festive fantasies. The best hotels in Orlando get booked up early, and many increase their prices; be sure to plan your visit in advance.
Be aware that some of the top-rated Orlando tourist attractions don’t operate at full capacity in the winter. Many waterparks close for the season, and some theme parks have shorter opening hours. But crowds are also lower in the winter months, so you’ll find shorter queues and fantastic deals on accommodation. Winter is also a great season to tackle a couple Orlando day trips, including several nearby Florida state parks, with smaller crowds.
By month
January
Looking to escape the January blues plaguing most of the US? January in Orlando will give you sunny blue skies and mild weather. Average daily highs reach 71°F (22°C) but keep in mind that the lows can drop to 52°F (11°C). Pack a warm sweater for cooler evenings.
After the excitement of the new year, mid-January sees fewer crowds and cheaper hotel prices. Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend sees crowds peak again, but this is a lively time to visit. Attend the MLK Holiday Showcase Parade, as well as the colorful Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo.
February
Head to Orlando in February for an early spring. Daily highs increase to 75°F (24°C), but the weather can be unpredictable, bringing spring sunshine one day and a cold snap the next.
Rainfall also begins to increase throughout the month of February. Nights can be particularly cold. Pack for all weathers and wear lots of layers so you can adjust to the changing temperatures.
The comfortable temperatures and sunny days in February are perfect for getting active and exploring the great outdoors. Cruise downstream on the Econlockhatchee Kayak Tour or discover Florida scenery on the Little Big Econ Mountain Biking Adventure.
March
March is a beautiful time to visit Orlando, with temperatures rising to an average of 80°F (27°C). The water temperature is a perfect 73°F (23°C), so make sure to bring your bathing suit.
Early mornings and evenings in March are still a little chilly, so pack light layers that you can put away once the heat of the day sets in. Unfortunately, the warmer temperatures also bring increased rainfall, so have your umbrella ready for spring showers.
April
April sees average daily highs ramp up to 84°F (29°C). Average lows are more comfortable, at around 66°F (19°C). Rainfall is also low, averaging just 2.2 inches by the end of the month.
Easter and spring break will bring more crowds in April, but these are normally concentrated around the theme parks. Avoid the hustle and bustle by spending more time at the lakes and beaches.
Every weekend in April, you can snag top food, drinks, and live music at the Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival.
May
The rainy season starts in May, increasing to an average of 4.4 inches of rainfall by the end of the month. This is mostly concentrated around afternoon showers, so plan your outdoor activities for the morning and spend afternoons in the indoor attractions at Winter Park.
Things also heat up in May, with average highs reaching 88°F (31°C) and humidity rising to 77%. Pack lightweight clothing, a waterproof jacket, and a bathing suit so you can escape into the water.
You’ll be able to get involved in Cinco De Mayo events throughout Orlando, including fiestas at top Mexican restaurants and a huge party at SeaWorld.
June
The heat in Orlando sets in during June, with average daily highs of 89°F (32°C) and the chances of humidity rising to 98%. June also marks the start of hurricane season, so prepare for your plans to be disrupted if a storm rolls in. With schools out, expect parks to be packed and for hotels and restaurants to be full.
Seek refuge from the heat at Bite:30, featuring some of Orlando’s favorite restaurants. Enjoy 30 days of multi-course menus at the set price of $30. Or check out Orlando’s rodeo heritage at the annual Silver Spurs Rodeo. Witness bull riding, tie-down roping, and barrel racing from PRCA professionals.
July
July is sizzling in Orlando, with average highs at 90°F (32°C) and humidity peaking at 92%. The rainfall is starting to decrease but still averages 5.5 inches by the end of the month.
If you struggle with crowds and hot temperatures this will be an unpleasant time to plan an Orlando itinerary. Heat exhaustion is common, so take plenty of breaks from the sun and avoid being too active during the heat of the day.
Head to the beaches and waterparks to cool down but be aware that most of Orlando will have the same idea. July is the peak month for visitors, so queues for the most popular attractions in Orlando will be long.
August
August is the hottest month of the year in Orlando, with daily highs of 90°F (32°C) and humidity peaking at 93%. Since many of Orlando’s attractions are built on concrete, you’ll definitely be feeling the heat.
It’s also the peak of hurricane season. Hurricanes are unlikely to hit Orlando, but you’ll have a high chance of tropical storms in August. Still, the top things to do in Orlando will be packed, and hotel rates will be high, but this tapers off towards the end of the month.
September
With kids back at school, you’ll have a lot more space to visit Orlando in September. Hotels drop their rates, so you’ll find it easier to snap up a fantastic deal.
The weather in Orlando in September is hot and sticky. Daily highs still reach as high as 90°F (32°C), and humidity peaks at 92%. September is the last month of the wet season, but average rainfall rests at 5.6 inches throughout the month.
Like many cities, September is the month for beer in Orlando. Get into the spirit at the Busch Gardens Bier Fest and SeaWorld Craft Beer Festival for a taste of local and national favorites.
October
October in Orlando is warm but without the searing heat of the summer. Average highs are around 80°F (27°C), and peak humidity drops to 88%. Average lows are a pleasant 64°F (18°C), letting you enjoy a warm evening with the slight possibility of a sweater.
Orlando brings the magic to Halloween celebrations. Classic events like the Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party provide entertainment for the whole family.
To really shake up your nerves, take a drive down The Haunted Road and finish at the Human Slaughterhouse.
November
The weather in Orlando in November is warm and dry. Daily highs are 75°F (24°C), but the lows decrease to 58°F (14°C), so you’ll want to wrap up a little warmer in the evenings.
November marks the start of BBQ season in Orlando, running until the following April. Kickstart the smoky flavors with the Big Belly BBQ Battle Davenport.
Beat the Christmas crowds by attending Orlando’s top festive events in November. With the festivities starting early at Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, Disney World, and SeaWorld, you’ll come home full of holiday cheer.
December
Orlando is the perfect place to visit if you want a magical Christmas experience without the biting temperatures. Everywhere will be decked out to become a winter wonderland.
Expect floods of visitors in December, especially with young families creating happy winter memories. Hotel prices are high, and tickets for attractions will be at premium prices.
December temperatures are still pleasant, with highs of 71°F (22°C). But Florida often faces unexpected cold snaps, so pack for all weathers and wrap up warm in the evenings.
