Florida in September – Outfits and Weather

September is one of the best months of the year to spend some time in the sunshine state while being able to enjoy lower crowds and lower rates.

💡 However, there are certain things you need to know about the weather conditions and what to pack.

We have put together all the information you need to have a successful and safe vacation during September.

• 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.

In this guide, we cover:

• Weather in September
• Outfit Guide | Packing Tips
• Personal Experiences and Unique Tips
• Essential Packing Lists

💡 Visiting Florida later in October or November? Check out our fall article:

• Florida Fall Guide (September, October, November).

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

Weather

September is the main month of the year that Florida has hurricane watches and warnings. It is still the rainy season and the chances of tropical storms appearing are high.

The month is still going to be pretty hot and humid, and when the rain is gone the sun shines high in the sky. Take precautions and make sure you stay hydrated at all times and use sunscreen.

The average high temperature in September is 86-90°F (30-32°C) in Florida. It is peak hurricane season, likely filled with rain showers, storms, and hot and humid weather. Rainfall tends to decrease throughout September with a monthly average of 4.2-5.6 inches.

💡 Keep in mind that hurricanes and tropical storms can be very dangerous, be sure to take precautions and be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions on a daily basis.

Average highs in September for the most popular cities:

• Miami: 86°F (30°C)
• Tampa: 90°F (32°C)
• Orlando: 89°F (32°C)
• Jacksonville: 88°F (31°C)
• Destin: 87°F (31°C)

Rainfall

September is still the rainy season, as well as the middle of hurricane season. Visitors should expect daily rain showers, with potential thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes. This will most likely happen during the afternoons and early evenings.

Florida is the ‘lightning capital of the world’ and has a high chance of affecting visitors who are spending their time on the water or in boats.

Thunderstorms and Hurricanes: It is important to keep in mind that thunderstorms tend to bring lighting, as hurricanes do not. Hurricanes bring potential flooding and high winds. Visitors should pay attention to watches, take warnings seriously and take precautions when need be.

Hurricanes are never a 100% guarantee, and they don’t happen every single year. We have spent multiple Septembers in Florida, sometimes filled with sunshine, few rain showers, and no hurricanes.

The average rainfall in September is 4.2-5.6 inches and very rarely exceeds 8.3 inches. South and Southeast regions of Florida tend to have the most rainfall; it gradually decreases as the month goes on, so expect less rain towards the end of the month, not including potential hurricanes.

Heat/Humidity

Humidity is always high in Florida and lingers all year long, not just in the summer months. September still has hot and muggy weather

💡 It tends to be more humid in the morning hours. Additionally, hurricanes and tropical storms can potentially affect humidity levels, so be prepared for higher levels after storms.

The average humidity in September is anywhere between 58-91%, being the highest around 4 am. Humidity tends to be higher in the southern and eastern regions of the state in places such as Miami, West Palm Beach, and Key West.

Daily Weather Progression

Weather can change very quickly during the month of September. Potential storms and hurricanes can alter the conditions on a daily basis. Typically the early morning hours tend to be very humid and muggy, with warm temperatures, sunshine, and few clouds.

Leading into the afternoons, this is where rain showers and thunderstorms are most likely to happen and can last into the evening hours. Between the hours of 1-3 pm are when temperatures are at their highest.

Here is a typical daily temperature progression in September in Miami:

• 8 AM: 81°F
• 11 AM: 86°F
• 2 PM: 87°F
• 9 PM: 82°F

Packing Tips | September Outfit Guide

Summer tends to linger around a little longer down in Florida, so it’s still the season for flip flops, shorts, and shades.

Dressing for unpredictable weather in Florida tends to be difficult. From our personal experience with traveling around Florida during this time of year, keep an umbrella on hand at all times.

💡 September in Florida is still very hot and muggy, so try to stay away from tight-fitting clothing and wear loose-fitting items. Pack shorts, t-shirts, tanks, light sweaters for the evenings, and a raincoat. Bring shoes that you are comfortable getting wet in since rain showers happen daily.

During the month of September, the clothing items in your suitcase should consist of:

• Shorts
• Capris & Bermudas
• T-shirts & Tanks
• Sundresses
• Light sweater (evenings)
• Bathing Suits / Cover-up, 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.

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?

Wearing jeans will not feel great during the high daytime temperatures and extreme humidity. While your favorite jeans might make you feel sticky as you experience your day in Florida, we recommend choosing shorts or capris.

If you choose to wear jeans throughout the day, stay away from tight, skinny cuts and pack a looser and more breathable style instead. This will reduce your risk of heat-related illness and keep you comfortable.

Styling tip: Pair your loose boyfriend jeans with a thin tank or crop top and a flowy button-up top. This will give you a cool summer look while also protecting more of your skin from the sun.

Comfortable Shoes

Comfortable shoes are a must, no matter where you go. Don’t underestimate the amount of walking you’ll be doing. Especially in theme parks like Disney or Universal, it’s likely that you will be walking over 10 miles per day.

Without comfortable walking shoes, you will end up with blisters and hurting feet at the end of the day. Please don’t wear 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.

Restaurant / Evening Tip

When visiting Florida, we always keep a sweater or light jacket handy throughout the day for dining out in indoor restaurants. Since the temperature outside is very 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. But even if you are a perpetually warm person and always find yourself sweating, we suggest packing a sweater or cardigan – don’t underestimate the strong indoor air conditioning!

💡 Tip: If you get cold easily, you should absolutely pack a sweater. I personally never need a sweater when I’m indoors, and while many restaurants and stores will blast the air conditioning, 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!

Fast Drying Shorts – Recommended

Headache Meds

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.

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. You should drink it during the day to stay hydrated and prevent a headache in the first place.

Bring A Handy Day Bag

Make sure to pack a fanny pack or small backpack in your luggage for your Florida trip. This is a good idea to keep your hands free and your belongings on your person whether you’re having a beach day or spending some time at the theme parks.

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

Sun Protection Is Important

Remember that apart from Hawai’i, Florida is the southernmost state in the USA. 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.

A strong sun combined with staggering humidity levels can be particularly shocking for people who aren’t used to it, and increases the risk of heat-related illness.

Avoid tight, compressive, and non-breathable 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 wearing clothing that reveals a lot of skin to keep as cool as possible, remember to apply and reapply 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

Check your SPF: Make sure you don’t buy a sunscreen with low SPF and wear it all day during your Disney trip! I bought a 15 SPF sunscreen during a rushed grocery store trip the night before my Disney vacation.

I didn’t notice the SPF on the bottle, thinking any sunscreen would do. My skin was so red and sensitive by nighttime after my first day walking around the parks. I couldn’t understand why I was so burnt until I looked it up and realized the SPF I used was half the recommended amount.

The next day, I had to cover up with a hat and a thin long-sleeved shirt to protect my raw and peeling skin. It was very warm and uncomfortable but I had no choice – I won’t be making that mistake again!

Prepare your hair for humidity: If you have long hair, bring extra headbands or hair ties. The humidity will make it feel like your hair is glued to your neck and forehead, and I couldn’t believe how frizzy my curls got no matter how much product I put in them.

I needed to keep my hair in a bun or in a ponytail most of my trip, and I don’t know what I would have done without extra scrunchies and some gel in my suitcase.

Bring extra shoes: Pack an extra pair of walking shoes!

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 expense and bring a spare!

Essential Clothing Items

T-shirts

T-shirts are a great option to stay cooler while protecting 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 lifesaver when you’re braving the frigid air conditioning.

Trousers or Jeans

While these trousers are a no-go during the bright daylight hours, they can be a great option when dressing for your night out. While the humidity is a constant companion in Florida, temperatures will drop enough 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 keep things cute but casual 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 will also work nicely, but make sure you have a pair that offers good support.

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

Swimwear

Pack more than one bathing suit and cover up, since the warm weather will be great for multiple beach and pool trips.

Beach tip: If you visit the beach and have plans in the area afterwards, most establishments in close proximity to a beach 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

Chic sunglasses can add an extra “wow” element to any outfit. Bring a hat that is stylish but practical in keeping your face protected from the sun. If you want to keep it more casual, a baseball cap can work just fine.

Jewelry

As for jewelry, less is more during the day. Stick to simple chains with a secure clasp, especially if you plan on 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.

At night, feel free to dress up your bling, especially if you’re exploring one of Florida’s big, bright cities! In Miami, for example, no piece of jewelry is too much. Bring out your bold rings, statement necklaces, and fill your ears with bright studs and hoops!

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.

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

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!

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!

Conclusion

September can bring unpredictable weather in Florida, but you can definitely count on strong sunshine and stifling humidity. This means you should pack a poncho or small umbrella and one or two spare changes of clothing in case you get wet unexpectedly. Also make space in your suitcase for sunscreen and summer-appropriate clothing to stay safe and cool.