Florida in August – Outfits and Weather

August is the last month of summer in Florida.

• Are you not 100% sure what to pack for this month?
• Wondering about the best outfits to stay cool and stylish?
• Or maybe you’re curious about the weather you’ll encounter?

Don’t worry; we have all the answers you need to make your Florida trip comfortable and fashionable.

💡 Visiting Florida earlier in the summer? Check out our guides for

• Florida in July
• Florida in June: Outfits & Weather

In this guide, we cover:

• Weather in August
• Outfit Guide | Packing Tips
• Essential Packing Lists

This guide was written by our Florida local and contains many unique must-know tips.

Weather Overview

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, most 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!

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.

Packing Tips | Complete Outfit Guide

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 will want to wear fast-drying shorts, t-shirts, loose-fitting-long sleeves, and light and loose-fitting clothing in general.

Our clothing list for August:

• Sundresses
• Shorts (fast drying shorts, not cargo shorts)
• T-shirts and tanks
• Loose-fitting long sleeves for sunburn protection
• Sandals (walkable)
• Light and loose fit clothing, nothing tight.

Remember to pack your beach bag with the essential items:

• Bathing suits/swim trunks
• Towel
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Sunscreen!
• Cover-up

💡 Avoid items such as jeans (ladies: no leggings), and instead, opt for shorts (or sundresses for the ladies).

Fast Drying Shorts – Recommended

Beach Outfits

If you visit the beach and have plans in the area afterwards, most establishments are swim-attire-friendly. Always make sure, but you shouldn’t have any problems if you want to grab a bite to eat after the beach in a swimsuit and cover-up or T-shirt and swim trunks.

Sundress – Essential

For the late afternoons and evenings, a flowy dress with sandals or a sleeveless blouse and skirt will help keep you cool.

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.

💡 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.

Rain Protection

When visiting the parks, it may be helpful to bring a poncho in your bag. It will take up less space than an umbrella and keep you and your belongings completely dry.

Bring, don’t buy: While you can buy a poncho at the park, it will most likely be cheaper to bring in your own!

Stay Warm

When we visit Florida in the summer, we always keep a light jacket or long-sleeved shirts for the nighttime by the coast. Depending on the region, winds from the sea and the sun going down cause chilly evenings. Especially if you are someone who gets cold easily.

💡 A light sweater is also super helpful for indoors during daytime, as the air conditions in restaurants and other places are usually on full blast!

Prepare for the Climate

Travel tip from a 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.

Another great solution for a heat-induced headache is to drink electrolytes like Liquid IV powder, which is portable and works fast to hydrate your body. It’s a good idea to drink it during the day to keep from getting a headache in the first place.

Sun Safety

Bringing hats and long-sleeves will do a great job at protecting you from the sun, but sunscreen will also help keep your skin safe from UV rays. It is important to wear sunscreen with adequate SPF.

Check your SPF: The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for any extended outdoor activity.

Tip: Applying sunscreen in the morning before your Florida excursions won’t be enough if you plan on being out all day. Reapply at least every two hours, especially if you are sweating or getting your skin wet.

Personal Experiences and Tips

Bring extra shoes: ‘Pack an extra pair of walking shoes in your suitcase!

It was a very rainy weekend when I visited central Florida and there were puddles everywhere. I had to splash through some that came up to my ankles when I was running to get out of the rain.

My sneakers were soaked by the afternoon and I didn’t have another pair to walk around in the next day when they were still damp. I had to buy a new pair of shoes – save yourself the headache!’

Protect your thighs if you wear shorts: ‘I wore some athletic shorts to walk around the Universal and Islands of Adventure parks all day. They were cooler than leggings, but my thighs were chafing really badly because of sweat and humidity.

If you plan on wearing shorts, either wear long biker shorts or bring baby powder and lotion to absorb the moisture on your legs and reduce chafing! It would have saved me a lot of pain.’

Party time: ‘If you can pack a portable speaker, bring it with you to the beach! People like to blast some Daddy Yankee or Bad Bunny while they’re relaxing in the sand.

It adds some extra fun to the beach day and got us talking with another group of people near us who brought their own music!’

Prepare your hair for humidity: ‘If you have long hair, bring extra headbands or hair ties. The stickiness of the air in August can drive anyone crazy, and I could not stand my curls getting so frizzy and feeling like they were glued to my neck and forehead.

I kept my hair in a bun or in a ponytail and a hat most of my trip, and I don’t know what I would have done without extra scrunchies in my suitcase, my bag, and in my hotel room.

Essential Packing List for Women

• Tank tops
• Loose shirts
• Sundresses
• Loose or sweat-wicking shorts/fast-drying shorts
• A light jacket or sweater
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Flip flops for the beach
• Strappy sandals or heels for a night out
• Sunglasses

Tank Tops / T-Shirts

T-shirts and tank tops are essential for staying cool and comfortable in Florida’s hot and humid summer weather. Bring enough pairs for a change, ideally one for each day of your trip, to ensure you always have a fresh, dry top to wear.

Clothing Tips From Morning to Evening

Start the morning with loose clothes like quick-drying shorts and a tank top. Wear plenty of sunscreen, and don’t forget your sunglasses!

A baseball cap or other hat would go well with any attire and protect your face from the sun.

Tip: Keep your jewelry simple during the day. Stick to simple chains with a secure clasp, especially if going in the ocean or theme park so your accessories don’t get lost or caught on something.

If you don’t plan on returning to your hotel for most of the day, bring a bag with a swimsuit, a similarly styled change of clothes, and spare flip-flops to be ready for whatever the afternoon brings.

For the evenings, a flowy dress with sandals or a sleeveless blouse and skirt will help keep you cool.

Bring a thin sweater with you, as the air conditioning in many establishments will be freezing.

Prepare Well for Your Night Out

If you plan to wear heels on a night out, bring a thick pair of socks in your bag. Since it won’t make sense to bring a pair of sandals in your clutch for your dinner outfit, this will give your feet a break and keep you from walking around barefoot.

This is especially true if you’re doing a lot of walking in the evening, like bar hopping or going to a concert.

Safety Tip

Like with any area that is popular for tourists, keep your wits about you and be aware of your surroundings, especially if your bag, jewelry, or other belongings are easy to snatch.

Pay attention to where you are, who is around you, and keep track of your belongings at all times. You don’t want to put a kink in your vacation by having your things lost or stolen!

Essential Packing List for Men

• T-Shirts
• Button-up shirts
• Trousers
• Khakis or cargo shorts
• A light jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Flip flops for the beach
• Dress shoes for a night out
• Sunglasses
• A hat or baseball cap

Clothing Tips From Morning to Evening

For the mornings, a tank top and loose shorts will keep you from getting too hot and sticky. Wear supportive sandals or sneakers.

A baseball cap or other hat would go well with such a casual outfit and protect your face from the sun. And don’t forget your sunglasses!

Tip: If you plan to be out all day, consider bringing a bag with swimming shorts, a similarly styled change of clothes, and spare shoes to be ready for whatever the afternoon brings.

For the evenings, wear a loose, short-sleeved button-up with breathable pants and dress shoes. Bring a light jacket with you, as the air conditioning in many establishments will be very cold.

Conclusion

While the August weather can bring difficult storms and unrelenting humidity, packing properly makes a huge difference in your trip. Make sure you are prepared to stay dry, hydrated, and as cool as possible while visiting the state’s warm beaches and thrilling theme parks.