Florida is a diverse state with four distinct geographical areas: northern Florida (Jacksonville and the panhandle), central Florida (Orlando/Disney), southern Florida (Miami) and the Florida Keys. Where you want to go and what you want to do will affect when you visit.
In south Florida and the Keys, peak tourist season is September through mid-April. In central and northern Florida, tourist season is spread throughout the year, with peaks during the holidays and college Spring Break. Central Florida, because of Disney World and other attractions, gets very crowded during the summer. If you're looking for excitement and crowds, visit during tourist season. If you want peace, quiet and lower prices (especially for accommodations), come out of season.
Northern Florida can be chilly during the winter, even dropping below freezing at times. Southern Florida and the Keys are blistering hot during the summer. Unlike southern California, most of Florida is humid, making it feel hotter than it is. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant temperatures throughout the state, and nights sometimes dip down to jacket weather in northern Florida.
SCUBA divers, snorkelers and swimmers should visit during the summer when the water is warm. During the winter, sunbathers should avoid northern Florida in the winter. If you want to visit amusement parks, go in the off season, when the temperatures and crowds are not so high. The best time to surf is in the fall, and fisherman will find the best catches during the spring. Hurricane season lasts from June 1 through Nov. 30. Tropical storms and hurricanes can bring heavy rains, even if they don't make landfall. Miami Beach, Daytona Beach and Panama City are filled with college revelers during Spring Break, which lasts from March through April.
