A Traveler’s Guide to August in Florida
Visiting Florida in August can be a rewarding experience, with its unique blend of natural beauty, and lower-than-usual crowds. However, it’s also a time when the weather can be exceptionally hot and humid, with the possibility of rain and hurricanes.
Because of the weather, I’ve put together this essential guide for helping you navigate a Florida vacation in August. The includes my favorite places to go, exciting things to do, and ways to beat the heat. With a little planning, your summer will end on a high note with a Florida getaway!
1. Weather Insights for August in Florida
I’m not going to sugarcoat, August is my least favorite month in Florida weatherwise. The weather is similar to July with hot temperatures, but also more rain. There is little variation throughout the state, but I will note any differences below.
North Florida
North Florida temperatures are consistently in the mid-90s°F (around 32-35°C) all August. Rainfall is also common and there is a chance of hurricanes.
Central Florida
The middle of the state is also extremely hot and stormy all month long. I find the noncoastal parts, like Orlando, to feel especially hot due to the lack of coastal breeze. This is a great time of year to consider trying some indoor activities!
South Florida
South Florida is very warm in August with little relief. In addition to high temperatures, there is also a ton of rain. I would avoid planning a trip to South Florida in August if possible, due to weather and risk of hurricanes.
2. Suitcase Essentials for August
Packing for a Florida vacation in August requires thoughtful preparation. The state’s hot and humid weather, combined with the likelihood of afternoon showers, makes it hard to ensure you will have enough clothes to make it through the trip.
If you plan to be outdoors a lot, I highly recommend only bringing lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton to help you stay cool. Anything else and you will be drenched in sweat immediately!
Another essential is a rain jacket, ideally one that covers all your clothes. With the frequent storms, your clothes will be drenched daily without one. And when these tropical storms roll in, no umbrella can withstand them! I find the raincoats to be a much better choice here.
In addition to the essential items I suggest in my packing guide, I advise you to bring comfortable footwear that you don’t mind getting wet and a hat to keep the sun off of you. These can be a lifesaver for August at the theme parks!
If you are short on packing room, consider staying somewhere with laundry so you don’t have to pack as much. I find myself going through two outfits per day in August, as everything ends up sweaty or soaked by the rain halfway through the day!
3. Where to Travel in Florida in August
There’s no avoiding hot weather in August, so as long as you are okay with that, the whole state is up for grabs! Because of this, you can usually expect fewer crowds and more festivities at tourist spots across the states. I recommend checking out this treasure trove of destinations for your August getaway.
The Florida Keys: This month is considered the low season in the Keys, which makes it the perfect time to visit on a budget! Though there is a chance of a hurricane ruining your trip, it’s often worth it for last-minute hotel deals. With the water temperature just right for snorkeling and the start of lobster season, it’s a fantastic time to indulge in The Conch Republic.
Orlando: With Florida schools back in session, you can enjoy shorter lines at the top theme park rides and cool off at the water parks all month long. And with foodie events going on at most of the parks, you can have a delicious experience as well. Be sure to look for discounts when booking hotels, as many Orlando ones offer them this time of year.
St. Petersburg: One destination that’s perfect for a visit rain or shine is St. Petersburg. You can relax on the beach, floating in the ocean in the morning and then head inside to check out the art museums and breweries during afternoon showers. With a nice breeze during the evening, end the day checking out the downtown’s culinary delights.
Inside Tip: If you do plan to visit the Gulf Coast this time of year, check in advance for signs of RED TIDE! This is a phenomenon where algae blooms in the ocean and produce toxins that kill sea life and hurt the lungs of humans.
Flagler Beach: A serene alternative to Florida’s more bustling beach destinations, Flagler Beach is ideal for those seeking peace and nature. Most will appreciate the ocean breeze here while exploring the beaches or local state parks that the whole family will love. You can even bring your dog and let them cool off at the Good Times Dog Bar, which has a pool for pups! Surfers will especially appreciate this destination, as the waves are plentiful in the summer.
4. Your August Agenda in Florida
In addition to those destinations, I also wanted to provide an overview of the key events taking place across Florida this August. This way, you can plan your visit or local adventure with all the necessary details at hand. From major theme park festivities to local festivals celebrating everything from seafood to music, Florida is a hub of activity this time of year!
Restaurant Month
Though September is often known as the best month for dining deals in Florida, some cities start early with restaurant deals in August. Miami and Fort Lauderdale both offer three-course dining deals starting on August 1st and many of the top foodie spots participate. If you have been craving a meal out, head to South Florida for flavors that excite your tastebuds and your wallet!
Tampa Bay Comic Convention
Comic enthusiasts will want to prioritize this convention going on the weekend of August 23rd because it is the best Comic Con in Florida! Attendees can expect celebrity guests, comic book creators, and a vibrant cosplayer community. Panels, workshops, and vendor stalls make these events a pop culture paradise and even if you aren’t attending, pop-up events and costumes throughout this weekend, make for a fun city experience.
Theme Park Happenings
August is a great time to visit the theme parks because you can expect lower than average crowds and a full calendar of events! Whether you want to start celebrating Halloween early, or would rather indulge in a vintage wine flight, Orlando has got you covered. Here are the events occurring at Florida’s major theme parks this month.
- Disney World: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
- Halloween fans can purchase a special ticket for an after-hours Disney World event! This annual party event features special Halloween parades, spectacular fireworks, and character greeting opportunities with everyone dressed in their Halloween best.
- Disney World: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
- Alternatively, you can enjoy the finest theme park cuisine over at Epcot all day and night starting in August. This festival takes you on a taste tour around the world and offers live concerts included with admission.
- SeaWorld: Band, Brews and BBQ
- Held on weekends from throughout August, this event offers delicious BBQ, craft brews, and live music performances, making for a perfect summer day out.
- Busch Gardens: Bourbon and BBQ
- If you rather enjoy some whiskey with your smoked meats, Busch Gardens offers tasty samplers every weekend in August.
Scalloping Season
As previously mentioned in my guide to Florida’s July experiences, Crystal River and much of the Gulf Coast are a great spot to catch scallops. This family-friendly activity not only allows you to collect scallops for a delicious seafood dinner but also to enjoy the beautiful underwater world.
Key West Lobster Fest
If you get the opportunity to visit Key West in August, you need to indulge in lobster season! This is when Florida lobsters are harvested for a delicious seafood meal. You can celebrate the start of lobster season with street fairs, a lobster boil, live music, and more, during Key West Lobsterfest which starts on August 8th.
Florida’s Sports Scene
August means football is back, at least at the college level. The first game usually occurs at the end of the month and there may be training games leading up to it, for both college and NFL football.
In addition, baseball and soccer seasons continue in Orlando, Tampa, and Miami. Be sure to check out night games or teams with indoor stadiums for a cool experience!
5. Managing the August Crowds
The end of summer vacation for the south means that Florida travel crowds finally start to decrease in August. Though the first weekend might be busy at theme parks and beaches with locals and tourists alike savoring the end of summer, the rest of the month is much more manageable.
Orlando and its tourism hubs see lower wait times during weekdays in August and moderate waits during the weekends. It is also easier to get hotel and dining reservations this time of year.
I find cities to be even emptier with most locals staying indoors to beat the heat. You can expect many of Florida’s dining hotspots to become more accessible and beaches to see a drop in crowds.
State Parks, especially freshwater springs have low crowds on weekdays, although weekends can still be busy. As always, I recommend starting your day early to make the most of pre-storm weather and beat the crowds no matter where you are going.
6. Typical August Travel Costs
By the time August rolls around, you can actually find some pretty good deals throughout Florida! This tends to be one of the cheapest months for hotels, airfare, dining (see deal months above), and theme park tickets.
This is due to two factors. One is low crowds, which is a great thing! But the other is due to the fact that the weather is likely to be stormy and there is the potential for a hurricane. If you plan to stay anywhere coastal, be sure to have a backup plan in case a hurricane develops. And no matter, where you stay, be sure you are okay with the rain and humidity that comes with these low prices.
7. Safety Strategies for August
They say Florida is the Australia of America and that definitely rings true in August. The hot summer brings out bugs, sea creatures, and severe weather!
If you’re planning a trip to the Sunshine State during this period, it’s important to prioritize safety alongside your itinerary planning. Here are essential safety tips to ensure your Florida vacation is enjoyable and incident-free.
General Safety Tips:
- Wear sunscreen and reapply regularly to avoid sunburns, even when it’s cloudy. Also, wear a hat to protect your face when outdoors.
- Be sure to drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Wearing lightweight clothes will also help with the heat.
- Thunderstorms are a common occurrence this time of year and lightning is a serious threat. Seek shelter as soon as you hear thunder and be aware of the chance of it before heading to the beach or a remote area.
- If you get caught in a storm while driving, slow down and use headlights, not hazards.
- Apply insect repellent at dawn and dusk to ward off mosquitoes and no-see-ums.
- Have a plan for if a hurricane occurs during your vacation. Airports often close for at least a day when the hurricane strikes, so decide in advance if you want to leave early or take shelter where you are staying.
- Respect wildlife in natural parks, maintaining a safe distance from alligators, snakes, and other Florida critters.
Beach Safety Tips:
- Check for red tide warnings, especially on the Gulf Coast in August. If the beach you plan to go to is experiencing red tide, do not visit, as it can be harmful to your lungs and generally unpleasant.
- Shuffle your feet in shallow Gulf waters to deter stingrays from stinging you.
- Avoid swimming at sunset or later to steer clear of active sharks; also avoid waters with lots of bait fish or diving seabirds.
- Observe the beach warning flags for any dangers. Red means high risk of rip currents, yellow means medium risk, and purple means there is a risk of stinging marine life, like jellyfish.
- Be cautious about swimming in the ocean after a storm, even if it is off the coast. There can be dangerous debris in the ocean that can hurt people when it’s wavy.
Know Before You Go
For those who like both pina coladas and getting caught in the rain, Florida in August is just the place to visit! However, even the most aquaphobic among us can dodge the raindrops enough to enjoy a Florida vacation this time of year.
Be sure to take a screenshot of these quick tips for reference during your visit!
- Weather: Hot and steamy with frequent thunderstorms
- Ideal Destinations: The Florida Keys, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Flagler Beach
- Areas to avoid: None, the weather and crowds are similar throughout the state
- Crowds: Low Crowd Levels, especially on weekdays
- Affordability: Lower than average costs for flights and lodging, as well as frequent deals
Where is your favorite place to go in August? If you want some ideas for where to go for your Florida vacation, be sure to check out my guide to my favorite Florida Hyatt hotels!
