Storm clouds and rain in the Florida Everglades wet season weather

Best and Worst Times to Visit the Florida Everglades

ByEvergladers

For most people, the best time to visit the Everglades is in the winter dry season, from approximately December until April.

Note: My favorite month to visit is in February because temperatures are at their coolest, and migratory birds at their highest numbers. Crowds are typically high in February, but spring break crowds have not yet arrived because most school spring break schedules occur in March or later.

Winter Dry Season

The winter dry season is the best time to visit the because of several reasons:

  • The weather in the Everglades is most comfortable during this time. Heat and humidity levels are at their lowest point of the year.
  • There is no risk of hurricane activity because it’s outside of Florida’s hurricane season.
  • Biting flies, mosquitoes and insects are at their lowest levels due to lower water levels, increased bird presence and other factors.
  • Bird and wildlife viewing are at their best because wildlife gathers near concentrated watering hole locations.

One downside of visiting during the dry season is that crowds are near their highest point at this time.

Summer Rainy Season

The summer rainy season is genreally considered to be the worst time to visit the Everglades, but many people still visit in the summer, and there are some upsides to visiting during this “off-season”.

may be best for people who prefer fewer crowds and lower prices on accomodations and tours. There are downsides to visiting the Everglades during the rainy season, including:

  • Intense heat and humidity
  • The threat of daily afternoon thunderstorms
  • Hurricane threats
  • Biting insects and mosquitoes
  • Some sections of the park may be closed for the rainy season

Shoulder Seasons

November and April are often good times to visit becuase they are “Shoulder seasons”.

November can be a good month to visit because temperatures often begin to cool down meaningfully, and dry season is beginning. Hurricane season does officially last until November 30, but the peak of hurricane season has passed by November.

April can be a good month to visit because temperatures are still on the cool side, and the rainy season has either not yet started, or is just beginning. Crowds are often on the lower side, especially towards the second half of the month.

Heat and Rainfall Considerations

The hottest and wettest months in the Everglades are from June until September. Daily maximum temperatures are usually around 91 or 92 degrees (32 or 33 celsius). Although the temperature may not sound very high by itself, extreme humidity levels create dangerously hot conditions.

The coldest months in the Everglades are December, January and February. Daily average high temperatures range are around 78-82 degrees F (25-28 celsius). Rainfall is lowest in these months.

Average low temperatures in these cold months are usually in the low 50s and typically range from approximately 54-58 F (12-15 celsius).

Winter cold fronts often push down from the north and may bring temporary windows of very cold temperatures, including freezing temperatures.

Overall, the best time to visit the Everglades depends on one’s own personal preferences, goals, and tolerance for crowds and uncomfortable conditions.

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