A Comprehensive Guide to September in Florida
The least popular month to visit Florida is September, so if you want to avoid the crowds this is a great time to visit! It’s also a more affordable time for enjoying world-renowned theme parks and stunning beaches, especially if you don’t mind the heat.
However, traveling in September means being mindful of hurricane season, which lasts from June to November. With this chance of unexpected weather disruptions, you will want to have a thorough plan for taking your early Fall trip to Florida. This blog post will help you do just that with planning tips for making the most of your Sunshine State vacation!
1. Florida’s September Forecast
Though September is considered fall for most of the country, it is still summer in Florida. I find this month to be a tease, as it continues to be oppressively hot and humid or very stormy. This is the most common month for hurricanes to occur in Florida, so be wary of that risk if traveling here.
North Florida
From the Panhandle to St. Augustine, North Florida temperatures are typically in the low to mid-90s°F (about 32-35°C) throughout September. It is also very rainy with chances of floods in low-lying areas.
Central Florida
September in Central Florida is a time of high heat and rain. Expect daytime highs in the low to mid-90s°F (about 32-35°C), and little relief from the humidity, especially in noncoastal areas like Orlando.
South Florida
The region of South Florida will feel very tropical with heat, humidity, and rain during September. Heavy rains and floods are also common here, with a risk of hurricanes likely.
2. Florida in September Packing Advice
September in Florida requires light and breathable clothing to stay cool in the heat and humidity. You will also want quick-drying clothes in the event of a pop-up shower, or at the very least a good raincoat.
For trips this time of year, I prioritize shorts, tanks, sundresses, sandals, swimsuits, and a raincoat. If you burn easily, you may also want to pack a rash guard for the beach.
Other than that I also recommend bringing personal care items like bug spray, sunscreen, and aloe vera so you are ready for the elements. If you have room, bring your favorite reusable water, so you can stay hydrated without having to buy a lot of water bottles!
For a full PDF list, check out my complete Florida packing list.
3. Unmissable September Destinations in Florida
I have had some of my best Florida vacations in September, thanks to the affordability of many destinations in the off-season. Here are my top destinations that offer unique experiences and plenty of activities to enjoy this time of year.
Naples: Typically a pricey destination, September is an amazing time to visit Naples for anyone on a budget. You can make the most of the pristine beaches and golf courses here while participating in restaurant deal options at gourmet places to eat.
Fort Lauderdale: Known for its boating canals and stunning coastline, Fort Lauderdale is a top-notch destination for water bugs. In September, the city enjoys warm weather and fewer tourists, which makes for a relaxing vacation. From botanical gardens to paddleboarding adventures, you will not be bored with a fall Fort Lauderdale vacation.
DeLand: Known for its preserved historic downtown and vibrant arts community, DeLand offers a quaint and charming atmosphere perfect for a relaxing getaway. Many would not expect this landlocked destination to be on here, but September is perfect for experiencing the refreshing springs just a short drive away. You can also participate in the Cool Craft Beverage Trail which offers drink and frozen treat indulgences that will cool off any scorching day!
Jupiter: Another typically expensive place, Jupiter is a hidden gem for September. Here you can swim, sunbathe and snorkel on deserted beaches Many of the top restaurants are also more accessible with tons of reservation availability. Between these uncrowded experiences and end-of-summer sales, you will feel like royalty in Jupiter in September.
4. Essential Experience Guide for September
September is a month filled with exciting events and festivals that showcase Florida’s rich culture and culinary delights. With schools back in session and family vacations dwindling, cities and theme parks offer all sorts of unique experiences to entice visitors. Here are some events to add to your itinerary when you visit.
Theme Park Events
The theme parks fully embrace spooky season in September and each has its own event! the following annual events occur each September:
- Disney World: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
- Celebrate a spooktacular evening at Magic Kingdom with trick-or-treating, special parades, and fireworks in a family-friendly Halloween setting. This requires an after-hours ticket.
- Disney World: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
- For a Disney World celebration included in admission, the Epcot Food and Wine Festival features global cuisines and culinary demonstrations at this delectable fall event.
- Universal Orlando: Halloween Horror Nights
- Experience terrifying haunted houses, spine-chilling scare zones, and thrilling shows at this premier Halloween event.
- SeaWorld: Howl-O-Scream and Halloween Spooktacular
- On select nights SeaWorld offers Halloween events for both the scare lovers and the squeamish. Howl-O-Scream allows guests to brave haunted houses, scare zones, and live shows as SeaWorld transforms into a nightmarish landscape for Halloween. This is intended only for adults, whereas the spooktacular daytime events offer trick-or-treating for families
- Busch Gardens: Howl-O-Scream
- Similar to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens also offers Howl-O-Scream on select nights for teens and adults looking for a seasonal scare!
Miami International Auto Show
Mark your calendars for Labor Day Weekend if you love cars! The end of the month and beginning of September feature Florida’s top auto show at the Miami Beach Convention Center. This is your chance to see all sorts of exotic cars and even test-drive some new EVs!
National Public Lands Day
The 28th of September is National Public Lands Day and you can celebrate with free tickets to national parks all across the Sunshine State. Check out my blog post detailing each of the Florida National Park sites if you want to find out where to visit that day.
Port St. Joe Scallop Festival
Enjoy fresh scallops, live music, and family-friendly activities in this celebration of the local seafood industry. On August 31st and September 1st, George Core Park will host this annual festival. Even though the theme is scalloping, there are still plenty of other cuisine options and live music to kick off Labor Day Weekend!
Restaurant Months
Indulge in three-course, prix-fixe menus at top restaurants throughout the state this month. Orlando, Palm Beach, Miami, Naples, Delray Beach, and Fort Lauderdale all offer deals for dining out in September. This is a great way to try some new places to eat without breaking the bank!
Professional Sport
Catch the excitement of NFL, MLB, and MLS games with teams like the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Rays, and Orlando City SC in action during September.
5. What to Expect from September Crowds
September is often considered part of Florida’s “shoulder season,” which means the number of visitors is significantly lower than during the peak summer months or winter holidays. This translates to shorter lines, more availability in accommodations, and generally a more relaxed atmosphere.
This month is typically the best to visit theme parks, beaches, and cities if you want to avoid the crowds. With school back in session, it’s the perfect time for adults to take a romantic trip!
6. September Vacation Budgeting
September is a more affordable time to visit Florida with hotels and flights being at very low rates, especially on weekdays. Once Labor Day passes, you can typically find accommodations for less than $300 per night with average chain hotels around $150 per night, depending on the location.
Flights vary of course, but most domestic round-trip flights to Florida will be less than $500 round trip and rental cars are at the cheapest rates of the year. You can even save eating out with prix-fixe meal deals like Orlando Magical Dining Month.
The one thing you will want to budget for is travel insurance. In the event of a hurricane, you may need to leave the state early or hunker down in the hotel for extra nights. Prices also shoot up during this time as locals flee their beach homes for hotels with generators.
Though you can save a lot, just make sure you are aware of the tradeoffs of visiting during hurricane season.
7. Hurricane Season Safety
Visiting during the peak of hurricane season can come with some unique vacation challenges. Luckily, the chances of a hurricane actually hitting your destination are rare, but I wanted to share some tips for handling an emergency in the unlikely event it does happen.
- Keep an eye on the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and local weather forecasts and monitor weather reports leading up to your trip and during your trip.
- If a hurricane is approaching there are two different alerts you may see:
- A Hurricane Warning means conditions are expected within 36 hours.
- A Hurricane Watch means conditions are possible within 48 hours.
- Local airports may close in the event of a hurricane. If that happens and you are unable to leave the state, hotels will allow you to shelter there and provide instructions.
- Post-hurricane it may take a few days for things to go back to normal. Be sure to:
- Do not walk or drive through floodwaters, as they can be contaminated and hide hazards.
- Be cautious of downed power lines and report them to the authorities.
- Drink bottled water until local authorities confirm the tap water is safe.
- Avoid swimming in the ocean, as there may be debris.
Of course, all other travel safety tips apply during September as well! Here are a few handy things to know when visiting.
- Apply sunscreen regularly, even on cloudy days, and wear a hat to protect your skin while outdoors.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and wearing lightweight clothing to manage the heat.
- Seek shelter immediately upon hearing thunder and be aware of weather conditions before heading to the beach or remote areas.
- If caught in a storm while driving, reduce speed and use headlights instead of hazard lights.
- Apply insect repellent at dawn and dusk to ward off mosquitoes and no-see-ums.
- Maintain a safe distance from wildlife, including alligators and snakes.
- Check for red tide warnings, especially on the Gulf Coast in September, and avoid affected beaches as red tide can harm your lungs and be unpleasant.
- Shuffle your feet in shallow Gulf waters to avoid stingray stings.
- Avoid swimming at sunset or later to stay clear of active sharks and avoid waters with bait fish or diving seabirds.
- Follow beach warning flags: red indicates high rip current risk, yellow means medium risk, and purple signals the presence of stinging marine life like jellyfish.
8. Know Before You Go
By staying informed and prepared, you can have an amazing and affordable Florida vacation in September! With so much to see and do, a vacation this month promises endless adventures and unforgettable moments.
For reference, take a screenshot of this summary to keep in mind during your visit.
- Weather: Extremely hot and humid and frequently rainy
- Ideal Destinations: Naples, Fort Lauderdale, DeLand, Jupiter
- Areas to avoid: None, the weather and crowds are similar throughout the state
- Crowds: Low Crowd Levels, especially on weekdays
- Affordability: Cheaper than average costs for flights and lodging, as well as frequent deals
Do you think it’s worth it to go to Florida in September? Make sure to take a bioluminescence kayaking tour if you do!