Florida weather in August is notoriously hot, but that doesn’t mean you should skip the Sunshine State on your next family vacation. There’s plenty of great stuff to do in Florida in August, between exploring the state’s gorgeous beaches and seeing all of the indoor attractions.

Before venturing to Florida in August, you must keep a few things in mind. Primarily, you’ll want to understand how intense the sun is. Florida is temperate to hot all year round, and the summers are scorching, so pack your sunscreen and stay hydrated, especially when you’re outside.

Additionally, Florida tends to get lots of very intense thunderstorms during August, so it’s a good idea to pack an umbrella and have a backup plan, just in case you find your outdoor plans ruined by a freak storm.

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What To Expect From the Weather

Knowing what to expect from the weather can help you make the most out of your vacation to Florida and thoroughly enjoy your whole trip.

Cloud Cover

Although the mercury will be high during your Florida stay, there will also be plenty of cloud cover. The clouds can give you a nice break from the sun, but don’t make the mistake of thinking that you don’t need to use sunscreen also.

The cloud cover generally tapers off near the end of the month, so if you want to vacation under brilliantly blue skies, aim for the final two weeks of August.

Humidity and Temperature

As you might expect, Florida is hot during the summer. This deeply southern state gets very high temperatures pretty much around the clock, and it’s very humid to boot. So it’s a good idea to look for accommodations with air-conditioning to try to beat the heat.

As a general rule, if the day is hot, you can undoubtedly expect the evening to be muggy too. Humidity can make temperatures feel higher than they are, so be prepared and don’t expect a “dry heat” like you would get in places like Las Vegas.

Additionally, the lower you go in the state, the hotter it will be. So if you’re craving a cooler vacation, aim for cities like Jacksonville, and give Miami or anywhere south of Fort Lauderdale a miss.

Rain

Florida weather in August is typically rainy, with average rain levels peaking at the beginning of the month and slowing down near the close of August. Unless you’re terribly unlucky, you’re bound to get some bright, sunny weather on your vacation, but you should prepare for a day or two of rain.

Also, Floridian rain doesn’t usually manifest itself in sprinkles. Instead, many storms are violent and can even cause damage. So unless it’s completely unavoidable, don’t drive in Florida thunderstorms. Your car could hydroplane, and your visibility will almost certainly be compromised.

Ideal Packing List

The first thing on the top of your list should be remaining cool in scorching temperatures, so remember to pack enough sunscreen. It’s a good idea to have spray-on sunscreen for your body and a higher SPF for your face. Also, apply sunscreen to the tips of your ears and neck unless you want to get those unappealing red bands.

Also, consider packing ChapStick. It’s easy to get dehydrated in the hot Florida sun, and lip balm will prevent discomfort and even sunburns on your lips.

Light, cool layers are the name of the game for your August Florida adventure. Avoid heavy materials and dark colors if you don’t want anything that will weigh you down or attract the sun. On the other hand, a very light, flowy, long-sleeved blouse will keep your skin protected from the sun’s rays and still be cool.

Tight clothing can be very uncomfortable in hot weather, so shy away from that kind of stuff as well. Open-toed sandals are your best friends in Florida, and light sneakers are great for visiting outdoor attractions where you’ll have to do a lot of walking, like Universal Studios or Disney World.

Pack a few swimsuits, beach shoes, a cover-up, and a sunhat if you plan to head to the beach. Since Florida is relatively casual, you won’t need to pack fancy clothes unless you plan to go to a nice dinner with your family.

Of course, you should pack any medicine you and your family might need, as well as aloe vera gel for sunburn treatment.

Best Activities in Florida During August

If you want to enjoy your vacation to the fullest, having a fun mix of indoor and outdoor activities is a good idea. That way, you always have a backup plan in case you get some surprise rain or don’t feel like being in the sun anymore.

Fortunately, Florida is full of great things to see and do that are designed to appeal to every taste and budget.

Check Out Disney World

Unlike the boom months of April and early summer, fewer tourists flock to Florida during August because of the heat. That means it’s a great time to visit Disney World. Although you can usually expect fewer crowds, there will still be plenty of people at the so-called “Mouse House,” so get there early to avoid most lines.

You’ll also get a chance to explore the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, sampling fantastic food from all across the globe. Although every event is different, you can usually expect amazing cooking demonstrations, plenty of food and wine pairings, and a chance to eat cuisine from every corner of the planet.

You will want to keep a few things in mind to ensure your Disney vacation is a resounding success.

Book your tickets early
Arrive when the park opens to avoid lines
Avoid weekends when the park tends to be busier
Remember to stay hydrated and rest if you need to
Section out the park to see everything
Plan to spend several days at Disney
Remember to apply sunscreen regularly

Visit Florida’s Small Towns

Towns like St. Augustine are amazing places to visit during August because there tend to be fewer crowds, and there are always plenty of things going on. Also, you can usually see the entire town in one day.

If possible, stick around after sunset. The temperatures will generally be much cooler, and you’ll have an opportunity to see live music or check out a different side of the town after dark.

Partake in Watersports

No matter where you are in the state, there’s a good chance that you’ll be craving a chance to cool off in the ocean. Fortunately, August is the best month to get your feet wet. From waterskiing to snorkeling, there are tons of watersports for you and the whole family.

Explore the Parks

Florida has tons of awe-inspiring nature, including the Everglades. This natural wonder has plenty of animal life and hiking trails. Explore with a guide or on your own, but be aware that many parts of the Everglades are protected. Leave nature just the way you found it and avoid any areas where you shouldn’t trespass.

So, How Is Florida’s Weather in August?

Visiting Florida in August can be a fantastic experience as long as you take proper precautions to beat the heat and stay safe. Plus, there will likely be far fewer crowds on the beaches and the typically crowded tourist attractions.

Remember to book your tickets and accommodation early to get the best deals and get ready for the trip of a lifetime for you and your family!

Or if you’re still looking for the best time of year to visit Florida, be sure to check out our handy guide!

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Caitlin Lloyd

Travel Editor at The Family Vacation Guide

Caitlin is one of The Family Vacation Guide's long standing contributors. She enjoys taking vacation to busy, vibrant cities and has stretched her traveling legs out towards Europe in recent months, enjoying new experiences in Barcelona in Spain, and Nice in France.

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