Florida in October – Outfits and Weather

October is one of the best times of the year to visit Florida.

The weather is changing, the crowds are lower, and the hurricanes are saying goodbye for the season. With this being the slowest month of the year for tourism, your trip should be pretty easygoing.

However, there are a few key factors that will make your October trip a lot more enjoyable. Our writer, who has lived in Florida for over ten years, provides you with unique tips:

• 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 changing weather conditions?

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

In this guide, we cover:

• Weather Overview for October
• Outfit Guide | Packing Tips
• Personal Experiences and Unique Tips
• Essential Packing Lists

💡 Visiting Florida earlier in October or later in November? Check out our other articles:

• Florida Outfit Guide for September
• Florida Fall Guide (Sept, Oct, Nov).

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

Weather Overview

The weather in October is starting to become cooler and less wet. The rainfall is slowing down, and Summer is shifting to fall, Florida’s version of fall that is. Humidity levels start to decrease, and we found that evenings tend to be chilly and breezy.

We always loved Florida’s slightly cooler temps and the lower humidity in October compared to the weather conditions in the previous months.

The average high temperature in October ranges from 80°F to 85°F (26-29°C) in Florida, depending on the region. It is the last month of the wet season, with warm temperatures and waters. Rainfall decreases towards the end of October but still has a monthly average of about 8 inches.

Average highs in October include:

• Miami: 83°F (28.3°C)
• Tampa: 85°F (29.4°C)
• Orlando: 85°F (29.4°C)
• Jacksonville: 82°F (27.7°C)
• Destin: 80°F (26.6°C)

Tip: If you consider visiting Florida later, you can find many helpful tips about the weather during November in Florida.

Rainfall

October is the last month of the rainy season and the end of hurricanes and tropical storms. While there is still a potential threat, the chances of a hurricane causing major damage are less likely compared to previous months.

💡 Rain showers are still present in Florida during October. However, they are less intense and less common and will eventually change to a weekly instead of daily basis.

Keep in mind, that the southern regions have a higher chance of tropical storms and hurricanes, and tend to see more rainfall in October, compared to Northern regions such as Pensacola or Tallahassee.

Can it rain the whole day? We aren’t going to say it is impossible to rain the whole day. However, from our experience in the state, it is highly unlikely. Rain Showers in October usually happen in the afternoon, and the likelihood of rain at all decreases throughout the month.

Heat/Humidity

Humidity is constantly high in Florida. However, the month of October shows a noticeable difference in humidity levels compared to previous months, starting to become a lot lower than in the summer.

The average humidity in October tends to be higher in the early morning hours, around 4 am, and after any intense rainfall.

Daily Weather Progression

The temperature doesn’t change drastically throughout the day. Afternoons will be the hottest, around 2 pm, and rains, if there are any, will likely happen in the afternoons as well. Temperatures become slightly cooler by 5 degrees Fahrenheit as the month goes on.

Mornings: temperatures are cooler before 10 am, and sunrise is around 7 am.

Evenings: the temperatures in the evenings tend to be cooler with a light breeze. If you are a cold-natured person, a jacket might be wise. More clothing tips later.

Packing Tips | October Outfit Guide

In Florida, during October, you can wear shorts, capris, t-shirts or blouses, and a light sweater in the evening and mornings. Additionally, bring comfortable shoes, bathing suits, and swim trunks. While there is less rain than in the previous months, a raincoat is still recommended.

SHOP NOW |  Florida Outfit Suggestions from Amazon

Good to know: Florida is host to various Halloween events and festivals throughout the entire month all over the state, especially DisneyWorld! Kids and even adults can have the chance to dress up in their favorite costumes and characters.

The clothing item list in your suitcase should consist of:

• Shorts
• Capris
• T-shirts or blouses
• Loose or flowy pants
• A light sweater (for evenings)
• Bathing suits/cover-ups, swim trunks
• Raincoat or poncho

Essential: Poncho/Rain Protection

We also tend to pack a poncho for days spent outside at parks or attractions. Ponchos are very thin and portable and can keep yourself as well as your belongings dry during the rainy afternoons.

SHOP NOW | Amazon: The Best Light Rain Ponchos

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

Will It Be Too Warm For Jeans?

While October’s weather will be a little cooler than previous months, especially in the mornings and evenings, wearing jeans will not feel great during the high afternoon temperatures and extreme humidity.

We recommend choosing shorts or capris instead of your favorite jeans to limit feelings of stickiness.

SHOP NOW | Amazon: Recommended Light Jeans

If you choose to wear jeans throughout the day, stay away from tight, skinny cuts and opt for a looser style. The risk of heat-related illness is still present in Florida’s climate, even during the fall season, and this will reduce your risk of heat-related illness and keep you comfortable.

Comfortable Shoes

Comfortable shoes are a must, no matter where you go in October. Don’t underestimate the amount of walking you’ll be doing (more than 10 miles in Disney World alone).

Without comfortable walking shoes, you’ll end up with blisters and hurting feet at the end of the day. Avoid wearing flip-flops in 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.

Indoor/Evening Tip

When staying in Florida, we always keep a sweater or light jacket handy throughout the day for dining out in indoor restaurants. Since it’s mostly hot outside, the air conditioners are set to the coolest temperature.

Even if you are a very warm person, we suggest packing a sweater or cardigan. It’s not a good idea to underestimate how strong southern air conditioning can be!

SHOP NOW |  Recommended Light Sweater on Amazon

Tip: If you get cold easily, you should definitely bring a sweater. I’m always hot and never need a sweater, even in cold indoor establishments, because sometimes places will be so busy or the doors will open so frequently that it won’t always be freezing inside.

But my mother, for example, is someone who is constantly cold and needs a sweater everywhere she goes, even in the height of summer!

Additional item list to pack:

• Sunglasses
• Small backpack for day trips
• Comfy walking shoes (alternative: sandals with support)
• Beach bag
• Hat
• Water shoes (for water sports or boating)
• Water bottle for hydration
• Sunscreen
• Small portable fan
• Cooler
• Mickey Mouse ears for Disney

Fast Drying Shorts – Recommended

Headache Meds

We’ve learned from experience that you should never go without headache medicine during a trip to Florida. Especially the further south you are, the heat is very intense. If you aren’t used to a warm climate, being unprepared could really bring a damper to your visit.

A great way to prevent a heat-induced headache or resolve it faster is to drink electrolytes, whether it’s in the form of a Gatorade or Liquid IV powder mixed with water. You will probably do a lot of sweating in the humidity, and replacing the salt and minerals your body is losing in your sweat is very important to stay healthy.

Bring A Handy Day Bag

A fanny pack or small backpack will be an essential item during your time in Florida, whether you’re having a beach day, traversing the theme parks, or exploring downtown Miami.

Before starting each day on your trip, make sure you stock your bag with a refillable water bottle, poncho, sunscreen, a phone charger, hand sanitizer, and your Mickey Mouse ears for Disney!

Tip: Pack your bag with an extra swimsuit and a spare change of clothes to be ready for whatever your day excursions bring.

Sun Protection Is Important

Florida is the southernmost state in the United States, apart from Hawai’i. This means that the sun’s rays strike the state at a higher angle, which increases its ability to heat in the summer and winter.

This strong sunshine and high humidity can be extreme, especially for those coming from different climates. Prioritize hydration and stay away from tight, dark clothing, especially during the daytime. Fall clothes like layers and jackets should stay out of your suitcase.

UV ray protection is just as important as heat protection. If you plan on showing some skin to keep cool, don’t forget to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent burning. Also, keep a hat and sunglasses handy!

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

Pack a spare outfit: Packing an extra pair of shoes and clothes saved my feet and my sanity when we went to the beach in Hollywood. My group was planning on having breakfast downtown and then spending some time at the beach.

I had packed sneakers and an extra outfit in my bag just in case. This turned out to be a lifesaver when everyone decided to spend the rest of the afternoon walking around the city before our dinner plans.

SHOP NOW |  Florida Outfit Suggestions from Amazon

Thankfully, I didn’t have to walk around in raw feet and flip flops and clothes soaked with saltwater! Being dry and comfortable kept me in a much better mood than I would have been otherwise.

While my spare clothes took up some extra space, it was worth it not to be damp or blistered while I was trying to enjoy the sights.

Level up with an umbrella: Packing an umbrella on my Disney trip changed up my sun protection game! Invest in a UV-ray blocking umbrella before you go. This will help protect your skin and keep you in permanent shade from the sun.

Many of these umbrellas come in small sizes, so you can fit them in your suitcase and in your day bag. This helped when I forgot my sunscreen back at my hotel but spent the last day of my trip exploring Orlando for the entire day. I didn’t have to worry about getting sunburnt, and I was much less sweaty at the end of the day compared to my friends thanks to my constant shade!

Protect your thighs in shorts: I wore some athletic shorts to walk around the Universal and Islands of Adventure theme 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.

Essential Items

T-shirts

T-shirts are a great way to stay cool while protecting sensitive areas like your shoulders and back from the sun. They can also be layered with a light sweater for your time in chilly indoor establishments.

Thin Sweater

Keeping a light sweater in your luggage won’t take up much space, but it will be a great help when you’re braving the frigid air conditioning.

Trousers or Jeans

While you will be very sweaty in long pants during the day, trousers or jeans can be a great option when dressing for your night out. While the humidity is a constant companion in Florida, temperatures will drop enough in the evenings that you won’t be uncomfortable.

Shorts or Capris

Shorts or capris should be a staple in your outfits during your trip to Florida. These should be loose enough that you will be comfortable doing whatever your day excursions bring without feeling unbearably hot or sticky.

Skirts or a Casual Dress

Loose skirts and sundresses are a great option to look your best while staying comfortable in the heat.

These clothing items are versatile, which means you can dress your outfit down with strappy sandals and minimal jewelry during the day, and dress it up with bigger statement pieces and heels at night.

Sneakers or Sandals

Your footwear should be something you know you will be comfortable in all day, especially when you will likely do a lot of walking. Sandals can work instead of sneakers as long as they offer good support.

SHOP NOW |  Stylish Sneakers on Amazon

Styling Tips: White sneakers are versatile; they go well with jeans, skirts, and even some dresses.

Swimwear

The weather will still be great for several beach and hotel pool trips. Pack more than one bathing suit so you always have a dry one ready to go!

Beach tip: If you visit the beach and have plans in the area afterwards, most nearby restaurants are swim-attire-friendly. Always double-check, 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.

Essential Packing List for Women

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

Sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun’s intensity but can also help elevate your outfit. The same goes for hats to keep your face shaded, but if you want to keep it more casual, a baseball cap can work just fine.

Jewelry

Less jewelry is more, especially if you have a busy day of fun planned. Stick to simple chains with a secure clasp, especially when going in the ocean or on theme park rides. Avoid rings, earrings, or other pieces of jewelry that can get lost or caught on something.

Feel free to wear all the pieces you like when exploring the nightlife, especially in Florida’s bustling, bright cities like Miami or Orlando.

Prepare Well for Your Night Out

Bring a pair of thick socks in your bag if you’re wearing heels for a long night out. Since you likely won’t be able to carry around a spare pair of shoes if your feet get tired, socks will give you the option to retire your heels 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.

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

Safety Tip

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!

Conclusion

October means that fall is in full swing in many other parts of the country, but Florida clings to summer-like conditions as much as possible. The weather won’t be as unpredictable as previous months, but it’s still a great idea to pack an umbrella, poncho, and sunscreen. Make sure to bring one or two spare changes of clothing in case you get caught on a water ride or take an unexpected beach day.