Spring is a time when nature wakes up and days get longer. The weather can range from sunny and warm to a little cooler.

Florida in May is a great time to plan a vacation. The crisp spring weather gives way to warmer temperatures, the wet and rainy season is still in the distance, and the summer crowds have yet to roll in.

Weather can be unpredictable, but your vacation doesn’t have to be. From Jacksonville down to Miami, let’s look at what you can expect from Florida’s weather in May!

Table of Contents:

Upcoming Temperature

The average daily temperature in the state of Florida in May is 84°F-88°F. That average varies by city, with the lower temps up north around Jacksonville, and increasing as you go south toward Miami.

Heading into the summer season, the heat increases as May goes on. In Orlando, for example, the average temperature on the first of the month is 84°F compared to 88°F on the last day.

These numbers are ideal, but it’s good to remember that it is cooler in the mornings and evenings. In Miami, the average temperature at 8 a.m. is 74°F and climbs to 83°F by 2 p.m. By 7 p.m., it is down to 76°F. Because of these conditions, evenings could be the ideal time to walk along the beach or have dinner on an outdoor patio.

Cloud Coverage

If you’re looking for another reason to visit Florida at the beginning of May, look to the skies. May 1st is the clearest day of the year in terms of cloud coverage. The cloudiest day of the year, July 7th, is a short distance away, so every day is getting cloudier.

The Florida weather is on a steady track to a stormy summer, and May is the perfect time to take advantage of the mild weather.

On May 1st, there is a 65% chance of clear or partly cloudy skies. That is a great number when considering sun-related activities, like a day on the beach. In mid-May, that percentage drops to about 60%, and the last day of the month has a 52% chance of clear skies.

Precipitation

Another form of moisture that could make or break your vacation is rain. Florida has a very wet and rainy summer, and the threat of tropical storms later in the season is genuine. In May, those dangers are still in the distance, and the clouds aren’t likely to put a real damper on your daily activities.

The average rainfall for May is between 2-4.5 inches. Just like the rising heat index, the daily rainfall will increase during the second half of the month. The chances of a rain-free day are about 58% – not bad!

When it rains, it tends to be over quickly, allowing you to get on with your plans. If you are visiting a park, like Disney World or Epcot, make sure to pack rain ponchos and umbrellas.

Another thing to remember is that morning rain showers will typically mean a humid afternoon.

Humidity in May

The average humidity in Florida in May is around 72%. In the south, near Tampa and Fort Meyers, that average climbs up to 88%. So, just what is humidity? It is the amount of water vapor in the air, and with Florida being a peninsula, surrounded by water on most sides, humidity is always high.

Humidity holds in more heat than less humid air, making it more difficult to cool off, especially if you’re outside taking in the sights. The northern region of Florida is considered subtropical, with the southern cities considered a tropical savannah.

Both regions warrant keeping an eye on the humidity and factoring it in along with the daily temperature. When both numbers are high, consider taking extra water on your outings, and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables with high water content, like watermelon, cucumber, and apples.

If you’re thinking about those prize-winning selfies by the beach, but you are prone to “humidity hair,” make sure you are stocked up on frizz-free shampoo and a leave-in conditioner.

What To Pack

Most of the items going into your suitcase are dependent upon the weather. Now that we know what Florida has in store during May, here’s a look at the essentials in your bag.

Sunscreen is essential for protection from harmful UV rays. Plan to pack sunscreen lotion that has between 30-50 SPF. An SPF of 30 will block out 97% of the sun’s rays when applied regularly, and an SPF of 50 will block 98%.

Even on days with cloud coverage, UV radiation is beating down on the beaches, parks, and your skin. Sunrise in Orlando happens between 6:28 a.m.and 6:44 a.m. and sunset between 8:00 p.m. and 8:18 p.m.

That translates to a lot of sun exposure, which means many hours of needed protection! Again, the later it is in the month, the greater amount of sunshine you are going to get.

Comfortable walking shoes are a natural choice. On any vacation, there is likely to be a lot of walking around and sightseeing. This is especially true in Florida if your plans include theme parks!

An exception to this rule is if you are planning a beach outing, where sandals may be a more natural choice, and you won’t be walking in them excessively.

When you think of summer, you think of shorts, tank tops, and material that breathes and flows. This is true for Florida in May! Pack with the idea of letting your skin breathe, knowing you’ll be covering up any exposed parts with sunblock.

However, those warm digits still warrant a warm hoodie or lightweight jacket for the cooler mornings and evenings or the air-conditioned hotel.

Any other sunny day accessories you can fit in your bag are wise. Things like a sunhat, good sunglasses, a portable fan, or a reusable water bottle are great ideas. Remember that what you want is to block the sun, cool and protect your skin, and hydrate your body.

Activities Fit for Florida Climate

Paddleboarding, surfing, and swimming in the ocean may be some of the items on your Florida to-do list in May, so the temperature of the ocean can be an important consideration.

The water gets progressively warmer the farther south you travel. The panhandle region to the west is slightly warmer than the Atlantic coast to the east. Depending on your destination, here is a general idea of what to expect for water temperatures:

Miami and the Florida Keys: 80°F
Jacksonville: 74°F
Pensacola: 76°F

May is a great time to hit up the beaches! The sky is clear and the weather is warm. The summer crowds are not yet in full swing, and the water is heating up. If warmer waters are a must for your vacation, plan for a time later in the month.

If you plan to push out your sailboat or otherwise give yourself over the Floridian elements, that’s another great outdoor option. Almost all the warm weather elements grow aggressive throughout the summer – rain, heat, humidity. The wind might be the only one that lessens as May goes on.

The average wind speed on the first of May is 8.2 mph, while the average wind speed on the last of the month is 7.6 mph. If your plans are mainly inland, the timing might be inconsequential; water-related activities could make you base your plans around the decrease in wind speed later in the month.

Of course, you should also take some time to visit the theme parks and Universal Studios, alongside the other indoor venues and attractions, especially if you visit later in the month when rain is more likely.

Final Thoughts: Florida in May

Going to Florida in May is a great idea because the weather agrees with your plans! The stormy season has yet to arrive, and so too have the suntanned crowds of summer.

The temperatures are warm, the water is fine, and the wind is dying down. Whether you’ll be exploring inland or soaking up your days at the beach, Florida in May is waiting for you!

If you’re looking for another month to visit, find out when is the best time of the year to visit Florida with help from our blog!

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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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