Month-By-Month Guide To Florida Weather With UK Packing Essentials
Florida weather is often a bit of a surprise for UK visitors, as it can be quite erratic and changeable within the course of a day, let alone a two week holiday. And although we often think of Florida as being the kind of place that is hot all year round, it isn’t. Seasonal variations can really impact the packing choices you make, and there is nothing quite like packing for Florida weather.
This guide is here to give you a quick overview of Florida weather and is ideal if you’re at that when should I go planning stage. When you have a clearer idea of a month, there a deep dives to help you really get to grips with the weather and what you need to pack.
Use this guide if you want:
Month-to-month and seasonal weather guides.
A year-round packing baseline with the Disney World essentials that don’t change.
UK specific packing tips
Month-By-Month Guide To Florida Weather
Month | Typical "feel" for UK visitors | Heat & humidity | Rain risk |
|---|---|---|---|
January | Mild spring day, then cool at night. Freezing cold days possible. | Low-Med | Low |
February | Similar to a warm UK spring spell, can get cold snaps. | Low-Med | Low |
March | Changeable: warm days, cooler mornings | Med | Low-Med |
April | Often "ideal", but showers happen | Med | Med |
May | You'll feel humidity arriving | Med-High | Med-High |
June | Hot, humid, storms becoming more regular | High | High |
July | Peak heat and feels hotter than temperatures shown | High | High |
August | The most sticky feeling month for many | High | High |
September | Very warm and wet, expect daily downpours and a continuation of that sticky feeling | High | High |
October | Often the best balance overall for weather | Med - High | Med |
November | Cooler evenings return, but day often feel like warm Spring UK days | Med | Low-Med |
December | Warm days possible, cooler nights | Low-Med | Low |
How Disney World Weather Affects Packing With UK Comparison
A warm day in Florida can feel much hotter than the same temperature at home, especially from late spring through to early autumn. The main reason for this is the humidity; it changes how the temperature feels. This is why when you pop the television on in Florida you’ll hear the weather reporters talk about the feels like temperature, which is different to the reported temperature.
Apart from the humidity, there are a few other weather realities in Florida that we don’t experience here in the UK. These are the Florida weather related differences that you’ll need to pack for all-year round:
Torrential afternoon storms lasting no time at all are normal in Florida’s summer months, but they happen all year round. Florida doesn’t really experience drizzle and grey days like here in the UK, rain is usually intense storm like a power shower. When showers happen, there is often no sign of rain later in the day, as the water evaporates in the sub-tropical climate. Pack a waterproof, spare socks, and spare shoes, as trainers can take a few days to dry out!
Air-conditioning is intense to combat the high summer temperatures, but you’ll feel it all year round. Air-conditioning in the UK is not the same, in Florida you can go in some restaurants to eat and it’ll feel like sitting in a fridge after a while. Restaurants, shops, buses, and many attractions can feel freezing compared to outdoors. That's why a light layer earns its place in your suitcase even for a summer trip.
The parks are physically demanding no matter the weather and the wet and hot weather can affect your footwear all year round. Don’t buy new footwear to take, that you haven’t thoroughly broken in, and always take at least two pairs of comfy shoes. Comfortable shoes, sandals or Crocs, with support are your best options, and pack some blister plasters just in case.
Seasonal Weather Changes Impact Packing
Seasonal changes in Florida are different to UK seasonal changes and figuring out what to pack to meet these subtle weather changes can be daunting. Read below for your seasonal lists, and links to more detailed month specific weather and packing lists.
Winter: December-February
Evenings feel cool, and cold snaps can take UK visitors by surprise, as taking your gloves to Florida isn’t something you really consider. I was so glad I forgot to leave my gloves in the car at the airport during one wintery trip, when I ended up buying jeans cause I didn’t pack for the cool evenings!
At this time of year, it’s best to pack a range of layers and be prepared to need some UK winter essentials:
Jeans, long trousers or leggings
Warm layer - hoody
light-weight body-warmer if you feel the cold in the UK
lightweight coat
light beanie hat and gloves
You can explore a more detailed weather and packing guide for each of the winter months:
Spring: March-April
Florida temperatures are picking up, but there can still be a chill in the air. The chances of a real cold snap are low by this point, but the trick when packing is to bring light layers and plenty of sun cream. There is still a difference in temperature when your doing early park mornings and late park nights that might have you reaching for a zip-up. At this time of year pack:
light layers, think light cotton jumper or denim blouse/shirt
Sun protection in your clothing, as UV is high
For more detailed packing lists and weather guides head to:
Early Summer: May-June
This is the time when Florida weather gets substantially different to UK weather. Rainy season begins around mid-May and runs until mid-October, so packing for this becomes more important. Humidity levels are reaching high levels and June 1st is the start of hurricane season, which lasts until 30th November.
This impacts what you need to put in your case, and you need to be aware of how to deal with Florida heat. Packing involves beat the heat items and comfortable wicking clothing:
Choose clothes that are made from quick drying fabrics - athleisure is often a good choice
Pick clothes that have UV protection, particularly swimwear
A poncho or lightweight rain mack
Cooling items
For more detailed packing guides and weather information take a look at:
Peak summer + storm season: July-October
These are the months when humidity is highest and knowing the feels like temperature is most important. Sudden downpours are common and being prepared for this sudden weather changes combined with the heat is crucial for a comfortable park day.
Add the following to your packing list:
Cooling kit in your park bag: fan/towel, electrolytes, hat, sunglasses, high SPF sun cream
Waterproofing for phone / portable chargers in your park bags.
Spare socks in your park bag (it’s a small luxury that saves your mood)
For more detailed weather guides for each specific month, follow the links below:
Late autumn: November
The weather is cooling down, and feels like late autumn early spring weather here in the UK, but with less of a cold bite. Air conditioning is still going strong and this can catch you out. Rain gear is still wise to pack, but you most likely won’t be needing to use it daily during late autumn.
Make sure you include the following in your packing:
Bring back a couple of light jumpers and some long trousers
Keep rain gear, but you may use it less than summer
For a more detailed look at November weather head to Weather and packing for Walt Disney World in November.
What to pack year-round
After tripping out to Florida for years, there is a baseline packing list that we use and then tweak based on the month we are visiting. There are certain items of clothing that work in Florida no matter the season. Here’s our packing list of essentials:
Clothing no matter the season
Breathable tops you can rotate, quick-dry helps year-round especially if your focus is on spending the majority of your days in theme parks
Shorts and one lightweight long option such as trousers or leggings
A light layer (thin jumper/hoodie) for A/C and evenings
Underwear/socks - plan that assumes you'll sweat more than at home
Footwear
Two pairs of broken-in trainers, rotated to reduce blisters
Blister kit: blister pads, plasters, tape. We like Compeed blister patches
Optional sandals or crocs, but only if you can genuinely do all-day walking in them.
Rain essentials, no matter the month
Lightweight poncho or packable rain jacket
Zip bags for electronics / dry bits
Sun and heat essentials
High SPF sun cream and lip protection with SPF. We always bring from the UK rather than buy there.
After sun / aloe vera gel
Bucket hat/cap and sunglasses
Refillable water bottle
Rechargeable cooling fan
Health Essentials
Pain relief and any personal meds
Antihistamines for bites
Insect repellent spray
Rehydration salts/electrolytes (use in the hot summer months but also on the flight)
Chafing balm
Toiletries
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Hair care products - hair brush, clips and hair bobbles,
Skin care products -creams, lotions
Feminine hygiene products - whichever you use.
Grooming items - nail clippers,
Tech
Portable charger / battery pack
Charging cables for devices
US plug adaptor (1 per person)
Waterproof phone pouch for water parks and summer storms
Documents and essentials
Passport
Travel insurance details
Print-out of ESTA
Ticket confirmations and print outs
Payment cards + a backup option
Copy of the address of the place you’re staying
Driving License
Printed out car hire details
Any medication you take during the flight
UK-specific Packing Essentials
Many UK visitors visit Disney World for around 14 days, so packing spare outfits can be difficult, even with the usual 23KG weight limit with carriers like Virgin Atlantic. Our top packing hack to save space in the suitcase is to do a load or two of laundry while you’re there. It’s very easy to do, and you can even take pods and drier sheets in your luggage to save spending on this when you get there.
Add a couple of washing pods in a firm plastic box and some drier sheets. If you put a couple of drier sheets in with your clothes too clothes smell lovely when you arrive too.
Here are some more of our quirky, budget-friendly, packing essentials:
Take some plastic bowls and cutlery so you can save money on breakfasts and you can always use the cutlery in the parks too.
Teabags are a must if you love a cup of tea. American tea bags are not great and the UK versions are expensive.
A small amount of washing up liquid and washing pad when staying on Disney property to wash out resort mugs. You need them to give the mug a good clean.
A box of Zip-loc bags from a supermarket before you go for wet clothes, snacks, and a cheap way to keep electronics dry in park bags if it rains.
A small concentrated squash to flavour water, the free water in Disney parks can taste terrible and this helps when you need to stay hydrated.
What To Add When Travelling With Kids From the UK
If you’re travelling with kids your packing needs are different, especially if you have little ones who are fussy eaters. Pack the following items for kids:
Child specific toiletries
Calpol
Any nappies
Some UK snacks, like cereal bars
ID tags in case you get separated
Autograph books
A wet bag for changes of clothes
Mini park bag checklist
A park bag is an essential item when heading to Walt Disney World as you are on your feet all-day out in the parks. Here is a mini list of the essentials you need in your park bag.
Battery pack and charging cables
Poncho
Sunscreen
Refillable water bottle
Blister plasters
Sunglasses/hat
Zip bag / waterproof pouch for phone