Summertime is in full swing during the month of July. It is the hottest month of the year and has some of the warmest water temperatures in all of the country. People who are obsessed with summer and can’t get enough of the heat will have heaven on earth.
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In this guide, we cover:
- Weather in July
- Water Temperature | Swimming
- Packing Tips | Outfits
- Crowds and Rates
- Best Things to Do in July (Attractions, Beach Tips)
Vacations in Florida during the month of July can be unpredictable due to the weather, but it is still one of the best times of year to experience the gorgeous beaches and theme parks. We have put together all the information you should need to plan an amazing family trip, weekend getaway, or a trip to the coast.
Visiting in June or August? Check out our complete Florida summer guide.
This guide was written by a Florida local and contains many unique insights and must-know tips. Make sure to check our unique visiting tips for July at the end of the article.
Weather
July is the hottest and muggiest month of the year for Florida. It is smack in the middle of the rainy season and comes with a lot of thunderstorms and extremely high humidity levels. Despite the showers, it also comes in second after April for having the most sunshine and the longest amount of hours of sunlight during the day.
In Florida the average high temperature in July is 87-92°F (31-33°C), rarely falling below 76°F (24°C). July is the middle of the rainy season, bringing daily rains, thunderstorms, and hot and humid weather. Rain more frequently at the end of the month with an average of 6 inches.
Average highs in July in the most visited places:
- Miami: 87°F (31°C)
- Tampa: 91°F (33°C)
- Orlando: 92°F (33°C)
- Jacksonville: 92°F (33°C)
- Destin: 89°F (32°C)
The weather in Florida is always unpredictable, especially during the rainy season. As you travel south the higher the sun and the warmer the temperatures become. However, you are also more likely to have cloudy days with showers.
Rainfall

July is the middle of the wet season. Rain showers can occur almost every day, so you should be prepared with either an umbrella or poncho on hand. The rains tend to increase throughout the month from a 64% chance at the start to a 73% chance by the end of the month.
With July being the hottest month of the year, sometimes rain can be a blessing in disguise. Nothing feels better after walking around a theme park all morning in 90-degree weather, than cooling down and feeling the raindrops hit your face. After spending many summers in Florida, we learned to appreciate the showers when they come.
The average rainfall in July is 6 inches, rarely exceeding 9 inches. It usually rains at least 15 days of the month, with harder and longer rains towards the end of the month. Thunderstorms are expected on 87% of rainy days, usually occurring in late mornings and afternoons.
Heat/Humidity
Florida is basically a Caribbean island. It’s the only state that has a subtropical climate all year long, but the summers in Florida are outrageously hot. Get ready for a lot of sweaty and sticky days!
The humidity in Florida can become very dangerous if you are not used to it or not prepared for it. After spending many summers in Florida, we can say the humidity is unlike anywhere else in the state. Dehydration and heat exhaustion can easily occur with too much sunlight and not enough water.
The average humidity in July is anywhere between 63-92%, depending on the time of day. Early mornings tend to have the highest humidity levels, but cooler temperatures. Afternoons bring the highest temperature levels, but lower humidity. With it being a wet and rainy season, this can cause humidity levels to vary.
Daily Weather Progression
July is one of the hottest months of summer. Typically in all regions of the state, it is going to be constantly hot and humid all day long. Late mornings and early afternoons tend to be the hottest time of the day from 11 am-3 pm, with rain showers in the afternoons. Evenings are still warm but tend to bring a light breeze, cooling off at the end of the day.
Here is a Daily Progression of a southern location, Miami:
- 8 AM: 80°F
- 11 AM: 86°F
- 2 PM: 87°F
- 9 PM: 81°F
Water Temperatures
July brings warm temperatures in every aspect, including the water. The warm waters surrounding the coastline of Florida are just one of the many reasons people come here on beach vacations.
Keep in mind that the further south you go, the warmer the waters and the higher the chance of a storm.
Waters on the Northern Atlantic side by beaches such as St. Augustine, Cocoa Beach, or Amelia Island will have the coolest temperatures with an average of 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The waters on the panhandle and Tampa bay area have temperatures of 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and the southern Atlantic will average around 83 degrees Fahrenheit.
Good to know: The warmest waters in all of Florida can always be found in and around Miami and the Keys, where the water is about 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to Pack / What to Wear

If you are wondering what your packing list should consist of, mind the weather.
The humidity gets outrageously high during July in Florida, so it is best to avoid wearing anything that is tight-fitting. Instead, wear clothes that are lightweight and loose-fitting. Bring fast drying short, t-shirts and tank tops, flowy sundresses (ladies), and a raincoat.
Good to know: It is also the middle of the wet season. Make sure to bring an umbrella, rain jacket, or poncho. Ponchos are always a big hit at the parks because of their convenience and can keep your whole dry.
During the month of July, the clothing items in your suitcase should consist of:
- Shorts (fast-drying, not cargo)
- T-shirts & Tanks
- Ladies: Sundresses/skirts (flowy)
- Long-sleeved cover-up (evenings)
- Bathing suits / Cover-up, Swim Trunks
- Raincoat or Poncho
Since July is in the middle of summer, more than likely your trip involves a trip to the beach.
Ladies: Grab your bikini, and thin cover-up, and head to the coastline. Men: Swim trunks are essential of course. Make sure your beach bag is prepared with all of the essentials: A towel or sarong, sunscreen, water bottle, sunglasses, beach hat, and flip flops.
Comfortable shoes: Comfortable shoes are a must, no matter where you go in July. Don’t underestimate the amount of walking you will be doing, especially, 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 a theme park.
Other suggestions would be a small backpack for day trips, sandals with ankle support, visor or hat, water shoes (if doing water sports or boating), a small portable fan or spray bottle, a cooler, and of course your Mickey Mouse ears for Disney.
Tip: When visiting Florida, we always keep long sleeves or a light jacket handy throughout the day for dining out in indoor restaurants. Since the temperature outside is particularly hot, the air conditioners are on full blast. If you are someone who tends to get cold easily, this is a great tip to keep in mind.
A travel tip that we have learned from traveling in Florida is to 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 visit.
Rates

July will have a moderate average price range for most accommodation, activities, and events. The humid and rainy weather does lower the number of travelers and lowers the demand. For the best accommodation in Florida prices will vary depending on where you are traveling to.
Keep in mind, Independence Day is on the 4th of July. This is where you will see an increase in rates and crowds all over the state due to the holiday seasons. Places like Miami, Orlando, and Tallahassee tend to have the highest rates due to big events in these locations.
Depending on your preference and budget, you can find hostels starting at around $47 a night. Staying in an Airbnb averages around $166 a night, hotels start at $70 a night and go up from there, and full home vacation rentals can be up to $450 per night.
- 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. Bookmark them if you like.
Crowds
Most vacationers try to plan their trips at the beginning of summer before the heat becomes unbearable and the rainfalls increase.
Florida’s crowds start to die down a little during July in some places, especially beaches, as tourists fill up more inland locations instead. However, keep in mind that it is Florida, the beaches will always be somewhat busy, but nothing like they were in previous months. Be prepared for higher crowds at theme parks and water parks.
There won’t be any specific city that will be too crowded, however, the small coastal towns tend to be less busy this time of year, such as Panama City. Cities such as Orlando and Miami are always crowded. These places are popular for reasons outside or weather and crowds (South Beach, Disney/Universal, etc.).
Read more tips about how to avoid crowds in the popular places below:
Things to Do / Places to Visit in July
Most visitors think of the major attractions (Disney, Universal, Sea World) and the beaches. Beaches and theme parks, however, aren’t the only ways to enjoy Florida in July. During this month, there are numerous opportunities to immerse yourself in nature and the outdoors.
Florida has something for everyone, whether you enjoy camping, hiking, swimming, or simply admiring the scenery.
July is a hot month filled with unpredictable weather. Visiting attractions and regions in the central part of Florida can be just as fun as a beach vacation!
Events / Celebrate the 4th of July
The first few days of July will be filled with events scattered throughout the entire state! Independence day is one of the largest holiday celebrations of the year! Whether you want to spend your day at the beach, bar hopping around the city, or live entertainment, there will be something for everyone, finished off with a grand finale fireworks show!
Some of the best events are:
- Star Spangled Spectacular (Celebration)
- Americas Birthday Bash (Miami)
- Celebrate America (Tallahassee)
Visit Inland Florida (Our Tip)
July is a hot month filled with unpredictable weather. Visiting attractions and regions in the central part of Florida can be just as fun as a beach vacation. Explore the abundance of state parks, as well as Everglades National Park, tube down the Ichetucknee River, expand your knowledge at the Kennedy Space Center, or ride all the roller coasters at Bush Gardens. Central Florida has a variety of activities for everyone.
Beaches

There are dozens of different beaches in Florida and they are a must-see if visiting in July. The ocean is a great way to cool off from the heat and humidity. Morning and evenings will usually be the most pleasant time to go, before and after the sun is at its hottest.
Cultural Coast: The Cultural Coast is our personal favorite region in July. Located on the gulf shores, the water temperature is around 85 degrees Fahrenheit and a lot calmer, compared to the opposite side of the state. Beaches such as Siesta Key, Anna Maria Island, and Sarasota are great places for families, water sport enthusiasts, and travelers who want a more beach town vibe.
Atlantic Coast: The Atlantic coast beaches consisting of St. Augustine, Cocoa Beach, comes with the coolest waters of the state, historical sites, and tends to be on the quieter side of things.
Visiting Key West in July is another great option if you are looking for a beach that isn’t too crowded. In fact, Key West has some of the warmest waters and prettiest shores, but it also has a higher chance of rain and thunderstorms.
Panama City Beach is a great beach in July because the water becomes clearer with less crowds due to humidity. We love visiting this area this time of year!
Naples and Fort Myers are favorites among the older generation, but it’s not winter and the snowbirds are gone! Now is the time to take advantage of the slightly lower crowds and enjoy the warm water temperatures of 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
St. Augustine and Cocoa Beach will be the quietest part of the state, this is mainly because of their northern location and cooler waters of 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Orlando
The average high temperatures in Orlando hover around 91°F (32.7°C). Particularly in the second half of July, rainfall increases.
Crowds: Crowds start to spread out due to high temperatures and high humidity. However, Orlando sees higher crowds due to the abundance of theme parks, as well as Independence Day celebrations on July 4th.
Universal Studios | Orlando

Universal Studios is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Florida. July is the hottest and wettest month of the year, so many family vacations have already happened. Inland Florida tends to be more popular than the beach in July, including theme parks.
- Tip: Hotels in Universal Studio Resort (stay there to save time)
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 love to get the park-to-park ticket as they like to move around, particularly if it’s too busy in one park (for example, if you visit on the 4th of July weekend or on any other weekend). It just gives you more flexibility.
Skip-the-line-ticket: The crowds in July can be low enough to do Universal Studios without the express/skip-the-line ticket. However, with kids being out of school, 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, especially for families. Visiting Disney in July tends to have decent crowds since kids are out of school. However, the humidity can be too hot for some visitors. Disney isn’t as busy in the late afternoons or evenings after the rains.
Additionally, the later in the month you travel, the higher the temps and humidity and the greater chance of daily rain showers in the parks.
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 is busy, but it won’t be extremely crowded in July, the rainy season causes many disruptions to outdoor events.
4 tips for a perfect SeaWorld visit in July:
- Make reservations in advance: It is the rainy season, but it is also still summertime and kids are out of school; it’s still not fun waiting in a long line. Save time and money by purchasing (mobile or printed voucher) tickets in advance: Park Admission Ticket Reservation
- 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, but be mindful outdoor events can be postponed due to rain showers.
- Check the weather forecast: Check the forecast in the morning and prepare for your visit. Light rain showers are fine, as you can still do many things indoors. July brings likely heavy rainy days, 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)
July is a good time to visit the Space Center as it gives visitors a chance to cool off from the humidity. On the downside, crowds tend to increase this time of year, especially on weekends and early July (4th of July Weekend). Also, keep in mind that you will often spend some time waiting to enter or get onto things.
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 July, the average high temperature in Tampa is 90°F (32.2°C). Higher humidity levels are now very noticeable.
Tampa Bay’s Sun Coast offers some of Florida’s best beaches, including Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach. They have average crowds for summer, but the snowbirds are absent!
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 July, it is a good idea to 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.
Daily Progression: It tends to stay consistently hot and humid most of the day, with humidity in nighttime and afternoons hours, and rain showers likely in afternoons and evenings.
Sarasota is a vibrant place with plenty of great things to do in July. 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 July
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. This is a popular attraction for the 4th of July weekend.
Everglades
In July, the Everglades is generally hot, with an average high of 91°F (32.7°C) and an average low of 74°F (23°C). This is the middle of the wet season, when rain becomes likely most days, especially in afternoons.
Please read our complete Everglades guide and find out why July is not a bad month to visit.
As wildlife starts to disperse with the rising water levels, the mornings and evenings are the best times to spot animals. However, July has higher waters due to the rainy season so some animals will not be visible at all. It also becomes more humid in July, attracting a lot more bugs and mosquitoes.
Miami
In July, the average temperature in Miami is 88°F (31.1°C). The beaches are some of the most popular in the state, so expect decent crowds. On the other hand, July humidity tends to turn some visitors away.
Tip: Visit our full guide to Miami in July if you’d like to know more detailed tips about this month in Miami.
Crowds: Try to avoid visiting South Beach on the 4th of July weekend. Celebrations for the holidays pull in thousands of visitors every year, even with it being the rainy season.
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; in July and during any other month, of course.
In July the average temperature for the Keys is 90°F (32.2°C), and enjoys the most sunshine in the whole state, perfect for sunsets on the beach.
July brings a lot more heavy rains, and the southern location attracts rougher waves while preparing for hurricane season.
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!
- 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 for a certain amount of time 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

Vacations in Florida are best when filled with a mixture of everything the state has to offer. Go and spend your time at a theme park, sightseeing around the cities, and relaxing on the beach. July vacations are for summer fanatics and heat lovers, come prepared with water sunblock and enjoy the sunshine rays of Florida.