Everglades Weather: Forecasts, Climate, and the Best Time to Visit

By David Sanchez · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Everglades

There are two seasons, not four. That's the basic rule of the Everglades. First comes a clear, mild dry season from December through mid-May, followed by a hot, humid rainy season from mid-May through November. The average annual temperature hovers around 75°F, but that number hides a major difference in comfort depending on the month you visit. Arriving in January or August feels almost like visiting two different parks.

Everglades Climate Month by Month

The averages below apply to the Homestead area and the main Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center entrance on the park's southeastern edge.

June, August, and September each bring more than 200 mm of rain. By contrast, December through March stay below 55 mm. The dry season really does last seven months, which is unusual for a subtropical park.

The Climate Season by Season

Winter (December through February)

This is the heart of the dry season. Daytime temperatures range from 72 to 77°F, while nights cool off to around 57 to 61°F. They can drop lower during Florida cold snaps, when overnight lows fall below 50°F. Humidity fades, and so do the mosquitoes, almost. Wildlife gathers around shrinking water sources as the weeks go by, creating excellent conditions for spotting alligators, manatees, and the hundreds of bird species that spend the winter in the park. The Anhinga Trail becomes a concentrated display of wildlife at every sunrise. This is the busiest time of year, and for good reason.

Spring (March through mid-May)

March remains excellent and is almost as comfortable as winter. April warms up noticeably, with highs above 84°F and the first isolated late-afternoon thunderstorms. Mid-May marks the official shift into the wet season. Rain settles in, mosquitoes and no-see-ums (tiny biting gnats common in Southern marshes) get back to work, and prairie trails begin to flood. If you're visiting in April or early May, stick to elevated trails such as Royal Palm and Pa-hay-okee to stay dry.

Summer (June through August)

The wet season is in full swing. Almost every afternoon brings a heavy thunderstorm, sometimes in less than 30 minutes. Highs hold between 91 and 93°F, but relative humidity often tops 90% for much of the day, making the heat feel stifling. Some marsh areas remain inaccessible until October. On the upside, the park is nearly empty, lodging prices in Miami and Homestead drop, and dawn light across the sawgrass prairies can be striking if you're willing to get up early and get wet later in the day.

Fall (September through November)

September brings the highest hurricane risk. The Atlantic hurricane season peaks between mid-August and mid-October. The park may close without warning if an alert is issued. October marks a gradual shift toward the dry season, with rain becoming less frequent and temperatures dropping below 86°F. November becomes pleasant again. Migratory birds begin arriving, and conditions improve week by week.

Is It Cold or Hot in the Everglades? Records and Extremes

Cold is relative in the Everglades. You won't encounter freezing temperatures. A freeze would make the Florida news. During cold snaps that sometimes cross the peninsula in January, nighttime lows can fall to 39–43°F in open prairie areas. A light jacket is enough. Leave the puffer at home.

Heat, on the other hand, is serious. In July and August, the heat index, which combines temperature and humidity, regularly approaches 108 to 111°F around midday. Visitors who haven't had enough to drink have suffered heat illness on outings that were supposed to be short. This isn't a cosmetic warning.

Looking at historical extremes, Hurricane Andrew in August 1992 devastated a major portion of the park and destroyed vegetation across thousands of acres. In places, the Everglades still show traces of that event in their plant structure.

What to Wear by Season

Dry season (December through March): Wear lightweight, breathable clothes during the day, plus a light midlayer such as a thin sweatshirt or light jacket for evenings. Choose closed-toe trail or walking shoes. Wear SPF 50+ sunscreen even under cloudy skies.

Transition (April–May and October–November): Add an ultralight waterproof windbreaker to your pack. In May, bring out the bug spray. Long sleeves at dusk help limit bites without leaving you overheated.

Wet season (June through September): Wear quick-drying clothes only, and keep a light rain jacket in your pack at all times. Apply DEET-based repellent with a minimum concentration of 30% to all exposed skin. Wear shoes that can handle moisture, such as sport sandals or trail shoes you don't mind getting wet. A wide-brimmed hat helps with the short, repeated showers.

Year-round: Bring at least 1.5 liters of water per person for every half day on exposed trails. Polarized sunglasses are useful because reflections off the water and marshes are intense.

Alerts and Conditions to Watch

Tropical storms (June through October): Thunderheads can form very quickly over the marshes, sometimes within 20 to 30 minutes. Leave open areas, bayou edges, and boat docks at the first rumble of thunder, even if it's far away. Rangers issue audible alerts at trailheads, so don't ignore them.

Hurricanes (June through November): The park may close completely and without warning if a threatening track is forecast. Check the official NPS website or call the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center (the phone number is on the park's home page) the day before any September or October visit.

Water levels and trail closures: During the wet season, several prairie areas and some road access points flood or close. Check trail conditions on the NPS website and on the visitor center signs before setting out, especially if you plan to leave the elevated trails.

Air quality: The park uses prescribed burns to manage vegetation. Smoke can reduce visibility and affect people with respiratory sensitivities. If the sky turns orange or you can see smoke above the prairies, reduce strenuous outdoor activity.

Frequently Asked Questions