Orlando Climate and Seasons

You'll find the Orlando climate and seasons to be very comfortable in the spring and fall and warm in the winter as compared to northern regions. The summer is very, very hot and rainy, and there's a hurricane risk that starts in June and runs until fall, but overall the climate is agreeable.

Spring

Spring is perhaps one of the most pleasant seasons in Orlando. The Orlando climate and seasons vary from chilly to comfortable to extremely hot and humid. Spring falls in between the potential chill of winter and the onset of summer, when temperatures commonly climb in the 90s.

The Orlando climate usually has spring time temperatures in the 80s, which make it warm enough to go on the water rides in the Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Islands of Adventure, and SeaWorld Orlando, as well as to visit water parks and to use the elaborate pools at Orlando resort hotels. Even Orlando budget hotels typically have some sort of swimming pool, since guests like to take a dip in warm weather, and especially in the oppressive heat that eventually comes with summer.

Winter tends to be dry in Orlando, but the rain starts up again in the springtime, so it's smart to bring an umbrella or rain poncho when you visit the outdoor Orlando tourist sights. Wear shoes that won't get ruined by they get wet.

You may encounter Florida's annual scourge of love bugs in May. These black flying insects are harmless, but they're annoying to locals and tourists alike because of the sheer volume of bugs that descends for a few days.

Summer

June is historically the most rainy month, with July taking top honors as the hottest month. Expect temperatures in the 90s and high humidity that makes the air heavy and uncomfortable.

Summer is also the time of year for Orlando's famous soaking thunderstorms, which typically crop up in the afternoon. The sky can literally go from blue and beautiful to cloudy and stormy in what seems like a few minutes. The torrential downpour usually stops within an hour or less, although some storms go on longer. If you're on the road, this complicates driving in Orlando traffic because it impairs visibility.

Orlando is also infamous for lightning. While the theme parks usually run outdoor rides in the rain, they shut down the rides for safety when there's lightning in the vicinity. The water parks also force guests to get out of the water because of lightning.

June marks the start of Orlando's hurricane season, which runs through late fall. Orlando is inland, but it still feels the effects of major storms, like the three hurricanes that struck the area in 2004.

Fall

The temperatures start to moderate in the fall, dropping into the 80s, and eventually the 70s. However, hurricane season peaks in September, so you always run the risk of facing wind and bands of rain from a tropical storm. This risk is offset by moderate lines at the theme parks and a comfortable climate.

September is also the second part of love bug season in Orlando. These harmless but irritating black, flying bugs take over the air for a few days each year.

Fall is an excellent time to visit the Disney World water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, because fall tends to be a quiet time at the Disney parks in general, and the onset of cooler temperatures drives Florida natives away from the water. This also holds true at Wet N' Wild on International Drive and Discovery Cove and Aquatica, SeaWorld Orlando's two water-based parks.

Winter

January is usually the coldest month in Orlando, with temperatures sometimes dipping down to freezing or below overnight. However, this is not common. You're more likely to encounter temperatures in the 60s or 70s. It's an Orlando custom among natives to don winter coats when the temperatures dip into the 60s and to add a hat and gloves when they reach the 50s. It's easy to tell Florida residents and tourists apart because visitors from the north think the 60s feel balmy, while natives shiver and complain about the chill.

Sometimes temperatures climb into the 70s or 80s, making it warm enough for visitors from northern climates to swim. Many Florida water parks are open all year 'round and have heated water. Disney closes its water parks down for refurbishment in the winter, but typically it keeps one park open while the other is going through its annual rehab.

Winter is typically a very dry time of year in Florida. You don't have to worry too much about getting rained out during visits to Disney, the Universal Studios parks, and the other theme parks. It's also a great time of year to explore Orlando's outdoor attractions, like Forever Florida, which has activities like zip lining and horseback riding, and Lake Eola Park, which its boat rides and scenic fountain.

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