The weather in Florida is fabulous. To give you a year-round sense of the climate in the Orlando area, I present a snapshot of four months that represent the peak of their respective seasons.  

JANUARY 

One of the most famous aspects of Florida is its famously mild winter weather. Moderate temperatures draw flocks of “snowbirds” (temporary residents who flee the frozen North) every year. While there is occasionally a chance of frost in North and Central Florida during the deepest part of this season, the climate usually ranges from “shirt sleeve” to “sweater” weather. It is perfect for outdoor activities such as golf here year round. (That is why there are 75 golf courses within a 20-mile radius of downtown Orlando!) 

Average Temperatures:
High 72°-Low 50° 

Average Water Temperatures:
The Gulf of Mexico (West Coast) ranges from the high 50s to high 60s.  

The Atlantic Ocean (East Coast) waters average mid-to-high 50s from Central Florida north.  

The Beaches to the South (Miami, the Keys and West Palm Beach) are always several degrees warmer than those in North Florida.  

APRIL

Spring in Orlando is a wonderfully moderate time of year that draws many visitors. While April can be wildly unpredictable throughout most of the country with newly warming weather being repeatedly beaten back by stubborn winter cold, it is neither too hot nor too cold here. Very pleasant!  

Average Temperatures:
High 83°-Low 60° 

Average Water Temperatures:
The gap between temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico (West Coast) and the Atlantic Ocean (East Coast) narrows in the spring. Waters in both range from the low to mid 70s.  

JULY 

During the winter meteorologists in northern regions talk about the “wind chill factor”—how cold it really feels when you combine temperature and wind. Florida’s equivalent is the “heat index”, but, of course it is used at the opposite time of year.  

Afternoon showers are frequent during the summer in Florida. While such rain keeps the Orlando area lush and green it also creates quite a bit of humidity. High temps and humidity combine to make the heat index soar in July and August. 

It is important to drink plenty of water during the summer, enjoy water parks and otherwise focus outdoor activities in the morning and during those long summer evenings. Rest or work indoors during mid-day if possible.  

Average Temperatures:
High 92°-Low 73° 

Average Water Temperatures:
Water in both the Gulf and the Ocean stabilizes in the mid-80s throughout the summer. It is like bath water and very conducive to water play at the beach.  

OCTOBER 

By October the weather has cooled down almost back to April’s level. While still warm, it is much more moderate than summer’s heat. Autumn in Orlando is very pleasant with warm days and refreshingly cool nights. You don’t even need the ceiling fan after sundown! 

Average Temperatures:
High 85°-Low 65° 

Average Water Temperatures:
Water temps in both the Gulf and Atlantic Ocean are similar from Central Florida north—averages in the high 70s.  

Waters off South Florida are typically a few degrees warmer, thus averaging in the low 80s.  

SPECIAL WEATHER PHENOMENA 

Thundershowers: Brief thundershowers are frequent on summer afternoons. 

Tornadoes: As with anywhere in the South or Midwest where warm air collides with cold air, Florida sometimes has tornadoes. NOAA (the governmental weather agency) says, "Florida is known more for smaller, weaker tornadoes…” They are usually F1s.  

However, in February, 1998 seven tornados (three of which were F3s with winds of 158-206 mph) hit Central Florida, including Winter Gardens, a suburb of Orlando. The tornadoes struck at midnight catching many people while they were sleeping. As a result, 42 people dies and more than 260 were injured.  

Hurricanes: Oh, yes. We have them. Hurricane season lasts half the year and runs from June 1-November 30. Anyone who reads newspapers has probably heard about the especially active season we had in 2005. We had quite a few hurricanes that year, including a visit by Katrina. She didn’t do nearly the damage in Florida she did in New Orleans, but she did pass through the Miami area for a visit. 2006 was considerably quieter. (At least we don’t have earthquakes!)