July in the Sunshine State: Where to Go and What to See

Heading to Florida in July? You are in for a real treat! Though many dread the high humidity and rainy season days, there are still plenty of ways to have a fun vacation this time of year.

This isn’t just about dodging the summer showers or finding the best swimming spot (though I’ve got the scoop on that too!), It’s about diving headfirst into everything Florida has to offer. This post will share all my top tips for having an enjoyable summer vacation in Florida and things to do, no matter the weather.

1.   Forecasting July in Florida

Floridians are known to rarely check the weather in July because it’s pretty much the same thing every day. Most of the state experiences average high temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s°F (around 31-34°C) with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. There is not a whole lot of variation, but I have included some slight differences per region.

North Florida

By July, there is no relief from the heat in North Florida with daytime highs often reaching into the low to mid-90s°F (around 32-35°C). The humidity can make it feel even hotter! Expect steamy, sunny mornings and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

Central Florida

Central Florida is extremely hot in July. Highs are consistently in the mid-90s°F (around 34-36°C), with the humidity making it feel well over 100°F (38°C) at times. Be sure to stay hydrated and take frequent indoor breaks when visiting theme parks.

South Florida

From Miami to Naples, the weather in South Florida is oppressively hot. Rainfall will occur nearly daily and the temperature rarely drops below the 80s°F (around 29-31°C), even at night.

2. Packing for Florida in July

Heading to Florida in July means preparing for the sun, the sea, and everything in between. In addition to the usual items highlighted in my guide to packing for a Florida vacation, here are some essential items I recommend for this time of year.

• Light clothing: Bring breathable, lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen. It is doubtful you will wear jeans, although you may want to bring a light jacket for overly air-conditioned restaurants.
• Rain gear: A compact umbrella and a lightweight waterproof jacket are must-haves.
• Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are crucial to protect against the strong Florida sun.
• Comfortable shoes: Whether you’re exploring theme parks or cities, comfortable walking shoes are a must. Also, bring shoes that you can wear on the beach because the sand is scorching this time of year!
• Beach gear: if you can, pack a beach chair, umbrella, and inner tube so you don’t have to pay overpriced rental fees for an enjoyable beach experience. Bonus points for packing snorkel gear for beach trips as well!

3. Prime July Vacation Spots

To fully enjoy a July vacation, you will want to visit somewhere where you can stay cool and have fun doing it. Since it’s summer vacation, I recommend avoiding crowded areas that can be stressful when it is hot or rainy. I recommend visiting these underrated destinations for a uniquely Florida getaway.

• Gainesville: Often celebrated for its vibrant college atmosphere, Gainesville hides a natural gem perfect for the July heat—its springs. Ichetucknee Springs and Ginnie Springs are two of the most enchanting spots, where the water is a consistent 72°F (22°C) year-round. Ideal for tubing, snorkeling, and kayaking, these springs offer a refreshing escape from the summer sun, in addition to top-notch restaurants and breweries.

• Amelia Island: This northern beach town offers a cool respite with its sea breezes from Florida’s usual July warmth, blending Southern hospitality, rich history, and serene natural beauty for a peaceful getaway. It’s also conveniently less than an hour from Jacksonville if you want to explore museums, and zoos, or catch live music on a rainy day.

• Vero Beach: Another beach town unlikely to experience Red Tide in July is Vero Beach, where you can swim in the ocean all day away from the major tourism crowds. Not only is this a gorgeous coastal destination, but you can also check out shopping and boating during the day and turtle nestings at night.

• Pensacola: Situated in Florida’s Panhandle, Pensacola enjoys a slightly cooler climate than the state’s southern regions, providing a comfortable getaway in July. Its beautiful beaches, vibrant historic district, and friendly atmosphere make it an ideal family destination.

• Crystal River: For those who love swimming and snorkeling, head to Crystal River for the ultimate treasure hunt. This time of year, scalloping season begins! This is where you can dive for your scallops and then have them cooked for a delicious meal. Between this activity and the charming town, you can experience a relaxing trip like no other here.

4. July’s Best Experiences

July in Florida starts out with a bang-literally! Most towns have fireworks, parades and more going on to celebrate Fourth of July. However, as the month goes on, there are still plenty of entertaining events to break up the dog days of summer.

Here are some of my favorite activities to add to the calendar this time of year:

Fourth of July Events

Florida is full of patriotism the first week of July with a variety of events. All the cities have huge fireworks displays including Orlando, Miami, Tampa, West Palm Beach, and Panama City Beach. My favorite is the Red Hot & Boom Fireworks show in Altamonte Springs which is free to go and has an amazing display.

You can also see Independence Day fireworks at most of the theme parks. However, this tends to be one of the most crowded weeks of the year in Orlando, especially at Magic Kingdom and Epcot, so be prepared if you do brave the crowds.

Other events to look out for across Florida include parades, beach barbecues, boating activities, and even cook-offs. You can find something going on no matter where you are. If you plan to launch your own fireworks, just avoid doing them at the beach, as it scares the nesting turtles and can harm wildlife in general.

See Turtles Nesting on the Beach

Speaking of turtles, seeing sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach is among the most incredible experiences Florida has to offer. This magical event happens regularly in July along the East Coast, and you can observe it most nights!

Many local groups provide guided tours to witness this marvel up close, ensuring the turtles aren’t disturbed. Dive deeper into this topic with my comprehensive guide on sea turtle nesting season.

Float Days

For those looking for a more laid-back way to beat the heat, tubing down one of Florida’s many spring-fed rivers is the perfect solution. The following parks offer tubing rentals that people can enjoy floating down in the summer:

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• Rainbow Springs State Park
• Kelly Park/Rock Springs
• Ginnie Springs
• Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Scalloping on the Gulf Coast

Scalloping is a quintessential Florida summer activity, especially in places like Crystal River, Homosassa, and Steinhatchee. The season starts in July and goes until September and allows people to collect scallops for a delicious meal. You can go out on your own or book a charter to try this amazing snorkeling experience.

Events at the Theme Parks

This month tends to have higher than average crowds at Disney World and Universal so neither offers much to attract guests. However, the other Central Florida theme parks do have some exciting festivities to look out for. Here are a few of note:

• Bands, Brew & BBQ at SeaWorld: Catch live performances from nationally recognized artists on weekend nights throughout July along with specialty food and drinks.
• Summer Nights at Busch Gardens: Experience thrilling rides in the dark, enjoy live entertainment, and end your night with a stunning fireworks display every weekend this month.
• Summer Brick Party at LegoLand Florida: The park hosts a summer-long celebration with themed activities, character meet-and-greets, and a water stunt show on select dates. There also are fireworks on the fourth of July!

Hemingway Days in Key West

If you can make it to Key West this month, be sure to check out Hemingway Days! This annual event takes place July 17^th through 21^st and celebrates the legacy of this Florida Keys resident with look-alike contests, readings, and a street fair!

July Sporting Events

This month offers plenty of action with both soccer matches and baseball games to attend. You can find sporting events in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa Bay this month.

• Soccer: Catch Orlando City SC or Inter Miami CF in action with their exciting weekly matches throughout July.

• Baseball: Experience the thrill of a Miami Marlins or Tampa Bay Rays game and stay cool in their comfortable indoor stadiums.

Florida’s July Crowd Dynamics

Traveling to Florida in July means embracing the full swing of the summer season, along with the crowds that come with it. As one of the most popular times for families, July is one of the busiest months for Florida’s theme parks. If you plan to visit these, take advantage of early mornings or late nights to avoid crowds and extreme heat.

Beach destinations also see an increase in tourism, which leads to traffic and parking challenges. Places like Mami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater are the most crowded this time of year. For those visiting these places, I recommended seeking out lesser-known beaches or going early to get better parking.

Even the Florida springs are not excused from crowds and many will reach capacity before noon on weekends. If visiting the springs is your plan, definitely get there early or avoid weekends. Overall the best bet to avoid congestion is to travel on weekdays and visit less popular destinations.

5. What to Budget for Florida in July

You already know visiting this time of year means you are diving right into the summer crowd frenzy! This also means prices will be above average for most destinations and experiences. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect budget-wise in the Sunshine State this time of year.

• Airfare: Depending on your departure city, airfare prices can vary widely. Expect higher prices due to the summer travel season. Early booking can help lock in better rates. Budget for anywhere from $250 to $600 per person for round-trip flights from major U.S. cities.
• Accommodations: You will want to book these early, as many prime locations fill up fast! Mid-range hotels can cost anywhere from $100 to $250 per night, while beachfront resorts and theme park hotels can easily reach $300 to $500+ per night.
• Theme Park Tickets: Single-day passes to major theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios can range from $109 to $159 per person, per day. Multi-day passes offer better value but expect to spend several hundred dollars per person for access to multiple parks.

6. Staying Safe in July

With summer heat, afternoon thunderstorms and adventurous activities, you will want to play it safe when exploring Florida in July. Here are some precautions to keep in mind for your getaway!

• Expect afternoon storms in July. Exit the beach or pool if you hear thunder and avoid long drives during storms. If caught in rain while driving, slow down and use headlights, not hazards.
• Wear sunscreen and a hat outdoors to prevent burns.
• Drink plenty of water and limit alcohol intake to stay hydrated during long outdoor activities.
• Apply insect repellent in the morning and late afternoon to ward off mosquitoes and no-see-ums.
• Be cautious with food at outdoor events or picnics, as it spoils faster in warm weather.

• Respect wildlife in natural parks, and especially maintain a safe distance from alligators, sharks, and snakes
• Understand the beach flag system: yellow/red for rip currents, blue for jellyfish.
• Shuffle your feet in shallow Gulf waters to deter stingrays.
• Avoid swimming at sunset or later to steer clear of active sharks; also avoid waters with lots of bait fish or diving seabird

7. Know Before You Go

July in Florida brings sizzling weather and the buzz of summer vacations, drawing visitors to its stunning landscapes and lively attractions. If you’re cool with the heat and ready for frequent rainstorms and weekend crowds, you’re set for a fantastic time in the Sunshine State.

Wrapping up, here are some quick tips for your July Florida getaway!

• Weather: Hot and wet with frequent tropical storms.
• Ideal Destinations: Vero Beach, Gainesville, Amelia Island, Pensacola, Crystal River
• Areas to avoid: Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa Bay
• Crowds: High Crowd Levels, especially on weekends
• Affordability: Higher than average:  prices for flights and lodging.

Let me know where you like to visit in Florida in July! For more Florida getaway tips, check out my complete guide of over 200 things to do in Florida!