When to go to Florida?
→ The detailed month-by-month page, with real weather records
Best time: March to May and November
At a glance
Why go to Florida?
Florida is the sunshine destination of the United States par excellence, with its white sand beaches, warm waters and laid-back mood. From the glamour of Miami to the theme parks of Orlando, the state covers every register of leisure. People come to swim, party and enjoy a summery climate for much of the year.
But Florida is about more than palm trees and Art Deco towers. The interior hides the Everglades, a vast wetland home to alligators and rare birds, while the Keys string out their idyllic islands all the way to Key West. Wild nature sits very close to urban bustle here.
It is also a land of Latin culture, where Spanish is heard as much as English and Cuban food reigns supreme. Between NASA's space centre, the murals of Wynwood and sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, Florida serves up a cocktail of sensations that is hard to match.
Map of Florida: what is where?
The map shows the 6 places covered in this guide, to picture the distances and plan your route.
- Miami Beach
- Everglades National Park
- Key West
- Walt Disney World
- Kennedy Space Center
- Wynwood Walls
How much does a trip to Florida cost?
Florida offers good value outside the high season, but Miami and Orlando can push up the bill. The car and the parks weigh on the budget.
| Style | Per day | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | €80-130/day | Motel or hostel, shared car, free beaches and simple meals. |
| Comfort | €170-260/day | Mid-range hotel, hire car, restaurants and a day at a theme park. |
| Premium | €400+/day | Beachfront resort, renowned restaurants, activities and premium theme parks. |
The US dollar (USD) is the currency; cards are accepted everywhere, and allow for a 15 to 20% tip in restaurants.
Is Florida safe?
Florida is a safe destination for travellers, but a few precautions are worth repeating. Leave nothing visible in your car and stay careful on deserted beaches at night. Always follow the swimming advice (flags, currents) and keep your distance from alligators in the Everglades. Finally, keep an eye on the weather during hurricane season, from June to November.
What to see and do in Florida
- Miami and South Beach
- the Orlando theme parks
- the Everglades
- Key West
- Cape Canaveral
Miami Beach
A famous strip of sand lined with pastel Art Deco buildings, South Beach embodies Miami glamour. You swim in turquoise water, stroll along Ocean Drive and people-watch the trendy crowd. The colourful lifeguard towers have become a visual icon. The party atmosphere carries on late into the night.
Everglades National Park
A vast expanse of subtropical marshland, the Everglades shelter alligators, manatees and exceptional birdlife. You explore this UNESCO-listed park by airboat, on foot along boardwalks or by kayak. Observation points let you see the wildlife in complete safety. A striking contrast with the bustle of nearby Miami.
Key West
The southernmost point of the continental United States, Key West charms with its bohemian, colourful atmosphere. You visit Hemingway's house, watch the sunset at Mallory Square and stroll along Duval Street. The scenic road that leads there crosses the Keys on bridges over the sea. An island apart, festive and nonchalant.
Walt Disney World
The largest theme park complex in the world, Walt Disney World covers a huge area near Orlando. Its four parks, including Magic Kingdom and Epcot, promise whole days of enchantment. Rides, shows and parades delight young and old alike. Allow several days and book your tickets in advance.
Kennedy Space Center
NASA's historic launch base at Cape Canaveral, the Kennedy Space Center thrills space enthusiasts. You see a full-size space shuttle, the Saturn V rocket and the story of the Apollo missions. With a bit of luck, you might even catch a live launch. A spectacular and instructive visit.
Wynwood Walls
A former industrial district of Miami turned into an open-air street art museum, Wynwood bursts with colour. Monumental murals by artists from all over the world cover the walls. Galleries, trendy cafés and craft breweries round off the visit. It is the creative, fashionable heart of the city.
How many days, and which itinerary?
Allow 8 to 12 days to combine Miami, the Everglades, the Keys and the Orlando area.
🗺️ Day-by-day itinerary · 📓 Free printable Florida guide (PDF) · 🌍 All of the American West
Tropical south (7 days)
Miami, the Everglades and a round trip through the Keys to Key West. Beaches, wildlife and a Latin vibe on the programme.
Beaches and parks (9 days)
Add Orlando and its theme parks or the Kennedy Space Center. A perfect family trip between relaxation and thrills.
Grand Florida tour (12 days)
From Miami to the Gulf Coast (Naples, Sarasota) via the Everglades, the Keys and Orlando. The complete itinerary for discovering every side of the state.
Getting there and getting around
A hire car is essential for linking the beaches, the Everglades and the Keys freely.
The Overseas Highway to Key West is an experience in itself, to be driven without hurrying.
In Miami, the free Metromover and ride-hailing make it easy to get around downtown and over to South Beach.
Miami and Orlando airports are well served; allow several hours' drive between the two cities.
Where to stay in Florida?
Hostels and motels: around €60 to €110 a night, especially away from South Beach and Orlando.
Mid-range hotels in Miami or near the Orlando parks: €130 to €220 for a double room.
South Beach Art Deco hotels and family resorts: €250 to €400 a night.
Luxury beachfront resorts and addresses in the Keys: €450 and up a night.
Our places to stay, stop by stop, at three budgets →
What to eat in Florida?
Cuban food: the Cuban sandwich, ropa vieja and café con leche, must-haves in Miami.
Seafood and stone crabs, specialities of the Florida coasts.
Key lime pie, the famous lime tart born in the Keys.
The markets and food halls of Wynwood, for a taste of Miami's creative food scene.
Entry requirements
UK, Australian and most EU passports need an ESTA, applied for online before departure, for stays of up to 90 days; a few EU countries sit outside the Visa Waiver Program and need a full visa. Canadians need neither, only a passport. Anyone who has been to Cuba since January 2021 cannot use an ESTA and must apply for a visa.
Rules change: check your own government's travel advice before you go.
Frequently asked questions about Florida
When is the best time to visit Florida?
From November to April the climate is dry and pleasant; this is the high season. Summer is hot, humid and stormy, with a risk of hurricanes from June to November.
How many days should I spend in Florida?
Allow at least 7 days for the south (Miami, the Everglades, the Keys), and 10 to 12 days to add Orlando and the Gulf Coast.
What daily budget should I plan for?
Around €80 to €130 a day travelling on a budget, €170 to €260 for a comfortable stay, and more with resorts and theme parks.
How do I get around Florida?
A hire car is all but compulsory for linking the different sights. In Miami, the free Metromover and ride-hailing help out downtown.
Where should I stay in Florida?
South Beach for the atmosphere in Miami, the theme park area in Orlando for families, and a hotel in the Keys to prolong the island experience.
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