Orlando Weather and When to Visit

Central Florida's weather varies through the year. Rather than quoting averages, this guide points to the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Melbourne, which publishes forecasts and climate reports for Orlando International Airport.

Crowds, prices, holidays and park schedules also shape the best time to visit, and those change from year to year. Use the official calendars of the places you plan to visit.

The federal emergency preparedness site describes extreme heat as a period of high heat and humidity, and notes that humidity increases the feeling of heat. The NWS heat index measures how hot it really feels once humidity is added to air temperature, and full sun can make it feel hotter still.

Plan outdoor time around the cooler parts of the day, take breaks in air-conditioned spaces, and watch children and older adults closely, since both are at greater risk. Never leave a child, person with a disability or pet in a parked car.

Visit Orlando, the destination marketing organization, notes that afternoon rain is common in summer. Ready.gov says thunderstorms can occur year-round and at any hour in most places, so do not assume other seasons are storm-free.

The standard advice from emergency agencies is that when thunder roars you should go indoors, to a building or a car with a roof. Orange County parks with lightning detection sound a long horn blast when lightning is detected; stop activities and seek shelter. Do not drive through flooded roads.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, and the National Hurricane Center says the peak is around September 10, with most activity from mid-August to mid-October. Storms can still form outside those dates. See our hurricane season guide for how to follow official information.

If you are traveling during hurricane season, consider flexible bookings and ask airlines and lodging about their change policies.

If you plan a coastal day trip, the NWS advises checking the local beach forecast, swimming only where lifeguards are on duty, and remembering that rip currents often form on calm, sunny days.

The NWS lists high surf and rip currents among the hazards of tropical systems, so check the local beach forecast before any coastal trip during hurricane season.