Updated August 2026 · 6 min read

The climate basics

Orlando has a humid subtropical climate: warm-to-hot for most of the year, with a clearly defined wet season and dry season rather than four distinct seasons in the way northern climates experience them. Understanding this pattern is more useful for planning than trying to memorise exact average temperatures for each month, since day-to-day variation within a season is common.

Pattern by season

  • December–February: The coolest and driest stretch of the year. Warm, comfortable days are typical, with cooler mornings and evenings — light layers are usually enough, and rain is far less frequent than in summer.
  • March–May: Warming quickly through spring, still relatively dry early on, with humidity and the chance of afternoon showers building toward summer.
  • June–September: Hot and humid, with the year's heaviest rainfall arriving as short, intense afternoon thunderstorms — mornings are typically clear, with storms building through the afternoon and clearing by evening.
  • October–November: Rainfall tapers off and humidity drops as the season progresses, gradually returning to the milder, drier pattern of winter.

What to pack, by season

A lightweight rain poncho earns its space in every season

Even outside the core wet season, Florida weather can turn quickly. A packable poncho or light rain jacket is more useful in the parks than an umbrella, which is awkward on rides and in crowds.

For winter, pack layers — warm midday sun with cooler mornings and evenings catches some visitors off guard. For summer, prioritise breathable fabrics, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle; heat and humidity are a bigger day-to-day factor than any single weather event.

Does Orlando get cold in winter?
Rarely cold by northern standards — mild, comfortable days are typical, though occasional cool snaps do happen, so packing a light layer for winter evenings is sensible.
What time of day do summer storms usually hit?
Afternoon is most common, with mornings typically clear. Many visitors plan outdoor plans for the morning and build in an indoor activity, meal or ride queue for early afternoon.