August is the last month to soak up the final rays of summer. The sun is in full force in Florida, making this a gem of a destination for die-hard tanners, beachgoers, and outdoor lovers.
Expect hot and humid weather, with a high percentage of thunderstorms, and a chance of hurricanes. With many factors to consider, nonetheless, Florida is a great vacation spot for August.
Considering June or July? Check out our complete Florida summer guide.
This guide was written by a Florida local and contains many unique must-know tips. Make sure to check our visiting tips for August at the end of the article.
Weather
The weather in Florida during this time of year can be unpredictable sometimes. Nevertheless, it is still summer, and that means hot and muggy temperatures.
In August the average high temperatures in Florida range from 88°F (31°C) to 91°F (33°C). About 6 inches of rain falls over 15 days. August is in the middle of the rainy season and the first month of hurricane season. Humidity levels are high, reaching over 75% humidity during the month.
💡 It can get hot: Once on a previous trip, we had temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit with a heat index even higher. However, mostly daily temperatures remain below 100 degrees Fahrenheit in August.
The weather during this month is perfect for visitors from northern states or Canada, where summer weather fades a lot sooner.
Average highs for cities in Florida:
- Miami: 88°F (31°C)
- Tampa: 91°F (33°C)
- Orlando: 91°F (33°C)
- Jacksonville: 91°F (33°C)
- Destin: 90°F (32°C)
Rainfall
Expect to use your umbrella in August. During this time of year, the rainy season is in effect. Rainfall and thunderstorms tend to happen daily, but usually only a couple of hours in the afternoon. However, sometimes these storms will linger into the late evenings.
💡 Tropical storms and hurricanes are likely and can cause high winds, heavy rainfall, dangerous weather conditions, and a lot of humidity in the following hours. This is more likely to happen in the southern and Atlantic sides of the state, where hurricanes are more likely to strike.
So depending on where you are traveling to in Florida, try and plan for indoor activities during rainy days, if possible.
Heat/Humidity
Hot and Muggy weather conditions consume the month of August. The best word we can use to describe Florida during this time of year is ‘sticky.’ Humidity levels are always high due to the southern location and the subtropical climate, but it’s extremely high during the months of July and August.
Humidity levels can reach up to 75% or even higher in the southern part of the state due to the random storms and high levels of rainfall. Try to avoid Miami beaches from 12 PM until 3 PM, as the sun is at its hottest. Don’t forget to drink lots of water!
Water Temperatures
The ocean is like a big bathtub in August, offering visitors some of the warmest water temperatures in the country. Beaches in the north are usually favored among tourists due to their high temperatures.
Water on the North Atlantic coast has temperatures of up to 84 degrees Fahrenheit, followed by the Panhandle coast of 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Down a little bit towards the Tampa Bay area, the water can get up to 87 degrees Fahrenheit, and even hotter in the southern regions of Miami and Key West with 88 degrees Fahrenheit.
Daily Weather Progression
The weather in August stays pretty consistent throughout the day with regards to temperatures. The afternoons tend to have higher humidity levels and higher chances of rainfall.
Typical temperature progression on a day in August in Miami:
- 8 AM:81°F (Morning)
- 11 AM: 86°F
- 2 PM: 88°F
- 9 PM: 82°F (Evening)
For the locals, the evenings are a breath of fresh air from the draining hot temperatures of the afternoon.
What to Pack/What to Wear
Don’t forget the sunscreen! It’s summer in Florida and even with an overcast from potential storms, the sun’s rays are just as strong.
August can get muggy in Florida, but it’s the last chance for travelers to get the use out of their summer wardrobes and hot weather clothing. In August you wear fast-drying shorts, t-shirts, loose-fit-long sleeves, and light and loose-fit clothing in general.
Our clothing list for August:
- Sundresses
- Shorts (fast drying shorts, not cargo shorts)
- T-shirts
- Loose fit long sleeves for sunburn protection
- Sandals (walkable)
- Light and loose fit clothing, nothing tight.
Remember to pack your beach bag with the potential items:
- Bathing suits/swim trunks
- Towel
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Sunscreen!
- Cover up
Comfortable shoes: Comfortable shoes are a must, no matter where you go in August. Don’t underestimate the amount of walking you will be doing. In particular, when going to Orlando and visiting the theme parks. Without comfortable walking shoes, you might end up with blisters and hurting feet at the end of the day. Please don’t wear flip-flops when visiting theme parks.
Sandals: In addition to comfortable shoes, sandals with support are a good idea. They are a must when adding water rides in the theme parks to your activity list.
Other items that should be in your suitcase include an umbrella/rain jacket, a small backpack for day trips, Mickey Mouse ears for Disney, and a water bottle. Always remember to stay hydrated.
💡 When we visit Florida in the summer, we always keep a light jacket or long-sleeved shirts for the nighttime by the coast. Winds from the sea and the sun going down cause chilly evenings. Especially, if you are someone who gets cold easily.
A travel tip from local: Always bring some medicine for a headache. The Florida heat is no joke and if you aren’t used to a warm climate, this could really bring a damper to your trip
Rates
Rates in August are moderate, not too expensive, but not the cheapest time of the year either. For favored accommodation, most travelers will spend anywhere from $200-$400 a night, depending on which city or region you are traveling to.
Rental cars tend to be slightly cheaper during the month of August as well, as the demand is lower in the second half of the month.
- 10 Best Hotels in Orlando (via booking.com)
- 10 Best Hotels in Sarasota (don’t miss this city! Read more below)
- 10 Best Tampa Hotels (via booking.com)
- 10 Best Hotels in Miami
The hotel links above are really useful to save time and money. We recommend bookmarking a few.
Another thing to consider is if you are a traveler flying into Florida from anywhere in Europe, expect flights to be more expensive this time of year. A lot of airlines will raise their prices due to summer break in the EU and potential cancellations due to bad weather.
Crowds
Tourist crowds in August tend to be a little lower in general and continue to get lower as the month goes on. Florida is busier at the beginning of the month hosting travelers on their last few vacation weeks of the season.
However, it is a big state lined with beaches, so it’s easy for tourists to spread out. In the second half of the month, residents tend to start settling in for the upcoming months and most children are starting back to school. This leaves two weeks of August a little more peaceful and calming, minus the chance of a hurricane that is.
Things to Do / Places to visit
Most people think about the theme parks in Orlando (Disney, Universal, Sea World) and the beaches across Florida. However, beaches and theme parks aren’t the only way to enjoy this gorgeous state in August. There are countless options to immerse yourself in nature and the outdoors.
August is considered to be the second hottest month of the year in Florida, coming in close behind July. There couldn’t be a more perfect time of year to discover the numerous waterparks in the area such as Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Discovery Cove, and Aquatica.
Theme Parks
Disney World and Universal Studios are 2 of the most popular tourist attractions in Florida. During the first part of August, families, and kids are still enjoying the last few weeks before school starts again, and they tend to gather in amusement parks. However, during the second part of August, you can find fewer crowds and some of the cheapest prices of the season.
Find more tips and details about the theme parks in Orlando further below.
Florida Beaches
Due to high temperatures, warm waters, and potential tropical storms in the south, beaches located in the Northern part of the state tend to be the better option. Additionally, August is an unpredictable month for weather, so it’s best to stick to beaches on the Gulf side to avoid storms and hurricanes.
Destin, Panama City, and Pensacola are in the panhandle region on the Gulf side and have a low chance for potential storms. Jacksonville and Anastasia Island are great choices located on the Atlantic side.
However, don’t let anything stop you from going south. The sunsets are beautiful in the Keys and the best shell hunting is best the further down you go!
The Emerald Coast, such as Destin and Pensacola, is one of the best regions this time of year. Tropical storms are less likely, humidity is lower, and the ocean feels like bathwater.
The Florida Keys is one of the best places to go shelling in August. Hurricane season brings powerful storms and waves. There are some amazing things in the ocean and the storms have a way of bringing them to shore.
Miami Beach/South Beach are ideal places in August if you are looking to visit when crowds are lower. Hurricanes threaten the south, so visitors tend to stay north.
Jacksonville and Amelia Island will have the coolest waters in the state of 84 degrees Fahrenheit and are some of the most favored on the Atlantic side of the state.
Shell Hunting
Hurricane season brings powerful storms, and along with that come powerful waves. There are some amazing things in the ocean, and the storms have a great way of showing it.
The shores in Florida, especially in the mid the southern regions, are lined with beautiful seashells just waiting to be discovered. Make sure you come early in the morning for the best choices!
Water Parks
August is considered to be the second hottest month of the year in Florida, coming in close behind July. There couldn’t be a more perfect time of year to discover the numerous water parks this state has to offer. Cool off and enjoy places like Typhoon Lagoon, Discovery Cove, Blizzard Beach, and Aquatica.
Festivals
If you find yourself in the Southern part of the state, there are various festivals going on in August that the locals love and are a big hit for foodies, including:
- Miami Spice, Miami
- Key West LobsterFest, Key West
Orlando
The average high temperatures in Orlando hover around 91°F (32.7°C). Especially in the second half of the month, rain showers tend to be heavier and stronger due to hurricanes.
Crowds: Crowds in Orlando in August are as bad as in the previous summer months (June and July). However, the beginning of August is a lot busier due to last-minute vacations before school starts again and possible hurricanes.
Universal Studios | Orlando
Universal Studios is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Florida. Kids will be going back to school soon, so expect higher rates and crowds at the start of August.
Tip: Universal is also a great alternative if you are looking to avoid beach areas due to storms.
- Tip: Hotels in Universal Studio Resort (staying there to saves you time and any inconvenience, since you stay right in the resort)
Is the park-to-park ticket worth it? The park-to-park ticket allows you to roam between the three parks (see below) on the same day. You definitely should get it if you are a Harry Potter fan, as you can only ride the Hogwarts Express with this ticket.
Additionally, some visitors get the park-to-park ticket every time they visit as they love to move around, particularly if it’s too busy in one park. It just gives you more flexibility. We get it every time and love the flexibility.
Skip-the-line-ticket: The crowds in late August can be low enough to do Universal Studios without the express/skip-the-line ticket. However, with more visitors avoiding beaches, sometimes it’s something to consider.
Three parks: Universal Studios is not just one park. There are a total of three Universal parks, each with its own theme and unique attractions:
- Universal Studios Florida
- Islands of Adventure
- Volcano Bay Water Park
Walt Disney World | Orlando (Nearby)
Disney World is Florida’s most prominent attraction. Tip: Visiting Disney during late August is the best choice, as most schools are starting the new year, and the majority of family vacations are over.
While Disney World features multiple attractions, including water parks and golf courses, its main attractions are the four theme parks:
- Magic Kingdom
- Animal Kingdom
- Hollywood Studios
- Epcot
Tickets: For a hassle-free experience, get the base tickets in advance: Walt Disney World Orlando – Admission Base Tickets 2-7 days (mobile voucher or printed voucher)
How many days? 5-7 days are recommended for the best Disney World experience. If you only have two or three days, visit Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom or Epcot. Magic Kingdom is the best park as its rides and attractions have more magic than anything else.
In general, plan 1-2 days for each of the four parks in Disney World Orlando. Park experts recommend two days for each park, except Animal Kingdom, which can be easily done within a day.
SeaWorld | Orlando
When visiting SeaWorld in Orlando, you get the fantastic chance to see penguins, otters, dolphins, and other amazing sea creatures up close. The park sees fewer visitors as the month of August goes on due to school and weather.
5 tips for a perfect SeaWorld visit in August:
- Make reservations in advance: It’s no fun waiting in a long line. Save time and money by purchasing (mobile or printed voucher) tickets in advance: Park Admission Ticket Reservation
- Pack a water bottle: August brings high levels of humidity, and it is important to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Arrive early at the shows: As the number of daily shows is limited, they often fill up quickly. In particular, the dolphin show, Dolphin Adventures, and Shamu’s close-up, Orca Encounter. Try to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before showtime, especially at the beginning of the month.
- Check the weather forecast: Check the forecast in the morning and prepare for your visit. Light rain showers are fine, as you can do many things indoors. However, many outdoor shows close due to bad weather (rainstorms or lightning). Heavy rainy days in August are highly likely, so you might plan to visit the Kennedy Space Center instead, for example.
- Bring rain gear: You can get wet easily during one of the water rides or in the splash zone of the shows. We recommend bringing some rain gear or wearing clothes that dry quickly.
Kennedy Space Center | Orlando (Nearby)
The Kennedy Space Center is worth visiting and is only a 50-minute-drive from Orlando. You can either buy the admission ticket (mobile or printed voucher) solo or one where you don’t have to worry about driving as it includes transport from and to Orlando (via GetYourGuide – safe booking)
The crowds here in August are decent because of high humidity and high chances of rain. Visitors can visit here when the weather outside is not ideal.
Good to know: Going towards the end of the month the Space Center will have fewer visitors and shorter lines.
Must-see attractions:
- Watch a rocket launch
- See a real space shuttle
- Go behind the gates (NASA restricted areas)
- Take the bus tour to the Apollo/Saturn V Center
Guided tour: You can explore everything on your own, but a guided tour is highly recommended since the area is overwhelming in its size and scope.
Tampa
In August, the average high temperature in Tampa is 91°F (32.7°C). It’s the start of hurricane season, so rain showers are likely, especially in the afternoons.
Tampa Bay’s Sun Coast offers some of Florida’s best beaches, including Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach. They are not terribly crowded in August, however, there are always people trying to squeeze in one last trip of the summer.
Besides hitting the beaches, Tampa has some great activities to offer for the whole family. Our tips:
Busch Gardens: Tampa’s huge theme park features intriguing wildlife with more than 2000 animals from around the world, huge roller coasters, live shows, restaurants, and games. Spend a full day at Busch Gardens. Ticket reservations (mobile voucher or printed): Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Ticket & Multi-Park Options
Florida Aquarium: The Florida Aquarium is located on the southeastern edge of downtown Tampa. It’s truly fascinating and has a huge collection of marine life, with 14,000 animals, including stingrays, moray eels, and turtles. Consider 2-3 hours for your visit. If you plan to visit in August, we suggest you get a skip-the-line ticket: The Florida Aquarium Skip-the-Line Entrance
Sarasota
Sarasota is a city on Florida’s Gulf Coast south of Tampa that was originally the winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus.
Sarasota is located on the gulf coast and is less likely to see hurricanes and tropical storms compared to beaches more south such as Miami or Key West.
Early Morning: It’s more humid in the morning hours, however, temperatures aren’t as high.
Sarasota is a vibrant place with plenty of great things to do in August. From the white sandy beaches to sightseeing and shopping or nightlife activities.
The Mote Marine Laboratory, which is ideal for small children, and the historical Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are two of Sarasota’s main attractions.
Tours by bike or bus are a fantastic way to experience the city, but you can also do it on your own.
Must-see/recommended:
- Ringling Museum: Perfect for a rainy afternoon in August.
Tip: To discover the main attractions as well as the hidden neighborhoods, book a Sarasota sightseeing tour. It covers the historic downtown neighborhoods of Gillespie Park, Burns Court, Laurel Park, St. Armands Circle, and the Rosemary Design District.
Another spot you shouldn’t miss: The Unconditional Surrender Statue, which recreates the famous World War II photograph of a sailor kissing a nurse after returning home.
Everglades
In August, the Everglades is generally hot, with an average high of 90°F (32.2°C) and an average low of 75°F (23.4°C). With the rainy season in full swing, expect showers especially in the afternoons.
Please read our complete Everglades guide and find out why August is not as bad as others tell you.
As wildlife starts to disperse with the rising water levels, the mornings and evenings are the best times to spot animals in August. With water levels being higher all day due to the rainy season, some animals may not be visible at all; unless you know where to look.
Miami
Miami in August offers an average high temp of 88°F (31.1°C). The beaches are some of the most popular in the state, so expect decent crowds. On the other hand, August humidity and unpredictable weather tend to turn some visitors away.
Crowds: It’s not super busy, especially compared to other months. The southern location of Miami gives vacationers a higher risk of having their trip disrupted due to weather. However, it can still have average crowds due to popularity and the Miami Spice fest going on.
Activities: Keep in mind that there is more to experience than Miami Beach and South Beach. Our tips:
- Everglades National Park: Airboat Tour and Wildlife Show (starts in Gator Park)
- Miami: 45-Minute Sightseeing Speedboat Tour (mobile tickets): A thrilling ride through Miami with the best sights
- Miami: South Beach 30-Minute Plane Tour: Experience amazing views of South Miami with a terrific pilot
- Miami: City Cruise to Millionaire’s Homes & Venetian Islands (our tip!)
Florida Keys
The Florida Keys is hands down one of the best places to visit when exploring Florida. The Key West lobsterfest happens every August lasting for 4 days, featuring entertainment and loads of fresh-caught lobster.
In August the average temperature for the Keys is 91°F (32.7°C), and enjoys the most sunshine in the whole state, perfect for sunsets on the beac.
August tends to be less busy in the Keys than other summer months, due to the higher chance of hurricanes and tropical storms, due to the southern location of the islands.
The Florida Keys cater to various types of travelers and there is something for everyone. This area is great for sportsmen, beach lovers, foodies, and history buffs of all ages.
Activities around the Keys
- Key West: One of our favorites in all of Florida. It’s warm and ideal for living the island life at its best! Watch for the lowest crowds in August due to weather.
- Key Largo: Famous for being the Dive Capital of the world and being the site for the biggest artificial reef. Make sure to visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park during your visit.
- Dry Tortugas National Park: The most southern National Park in the country, is the perfect place to learn about history. Take a tour to the island and learn about legends of sunken treasures, pirates, and ghostly civil war stories. Divers will also love this place because it has some of the least disturbed reefs in the whole country.
- Snorkeling: There are countless world-class snorkeling spots all over the Florida Keys. You can take boat tours to various locations, or just walk right in the water and explore at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.
- Seven Mile Bridge: This is amongst the longest bridges in the world, connecting the Florida Keys islands. It was also featured in various television dramas such as Burn Notice. Drive down over the water for some of the most spectacular views of a lifetime!
- Bahia Honda State Park: Bahia Honda State Park offers visitors an award-winning beach, a historic bridge, snorkeling tours, kayak adventures, and the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary. Keep in mind, this park will close if it gets too crowded, to protect the environment and assure visitors enjoy their time. The park is open daily from 8:00 am until sunset.
Conclusion
Spending time in Florida in August reminds people to appreciate the beauty the world has to offer. Beautiful lights, colors, architecture, and breathtaking skies are just a few things Florida has for visitors this time of year. As long as you aren’t on a strict schedule, a trip in August will be delightful, and maybe a bit surprising.