When to Visit
Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.
January
Cool and dry, January brings some of the most comfortable weather of the year. Morning mist drifts over Lake Dora and the citrus fields, while Ocala’s horse country gleams under clear blue skies. With highs around 20°C, it’s a wonderful time for hiking in the Ocala National Forest or wandering the antique shops of Mount Dora.
February
The region feels crisp and calm, with a touch of warmth in the afternoons. Wildflowers begin to appear along rural trails, and the scent of oranges hangs in the air. Towns like Winter Haven and Clermont are peaceful yet active, with boaters, cyclists, and equestrians taking advantage of the dry season.
March
Spring blossoms bring colour to the lakes and rolling countryside. Temperatures rise to the mid-20s°C, ideal for exploring Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales or paddling through the crystal-clear waters of Silver Springs. Local festivals and outdoor markets return, celebrating art, music, and the first harvests of spring produce.
April
The landscape is lush, with mild mornings and warm, sunny afternoons. It’s an excellent month for nature walks at Lake Louisa State Park or birdwatching near the Chain of Lakes. Evening temperatures remain comfortable for open-air dining in small-town squares or watching the sunset over a quiet lake.
May
The heat starts to build, climbing toward 30°C, though it’s still pleasantly manageable. The countryside is vivid and alive, and freshwater springs offer a cool retreat. Local farm stands brim with early summer fruits, and drives through citrus country fill the air with the fragrance of blossoms.
June
Summer arrives with long, sun-drenched days and the first afternoon showers. The rain brings a fresh vibrancy to the region - the forests around Ocala and the gardens of Lake Wales look especially lush. Mornings are perfect for kayaking or cycling before the heat intensifies.
July
Hot and humid, July is the time to embrace the water. Locals head to the springs - Rainbow, Wekiwa, and Alexander - for refreshing swims in their year-round 22°C waters. Evening storms are frequent but brief, leaving behind vivid sunsets and cooler nights scented with rain.
August
Similar to July in warmth, though quieter as summer visitors thin out. It’s a peaceful time to explore off-the-beaten-path spots like the small towns around Leesburg or the shaded trails near Clermont’s lakes. The countryside glows green, and the air feels heavy but alive with the hum of summer.
September
Late summer blends into early autumn, with lingering heat and the occasional downpour. Yet this is one of the most atmospheric times to experience Central Florida - the wetlands shimmer, the forests drip with life, and the golden light before dusk feels almost cinematic.
October
The humidity breaks, and the days become balmy once more, with highs around 27°C. Pumpkin festivals, harvest markets, and lakefront events appear across the region. It’s a lovely time to cycle scenic roads through citrus country or take a serene boat tour around Mount Dora’s canals.
November
Comfortably warm and calm, November offers some of the year’s best weather. Outdoor dining returns in full swing, and crisp mornings invite exploration of state parks and lakeside trails. The air feels fresh, the skies are clear, and the region settles into a slower, more reflective pace.
December
Cool, bright, and festive, December brings a gentle stillness to Central Florida’s towns. Mount Dora’s Christmas lights sparkle along its waterfront, and markets brim with local crafts. With daytime highs around 22°C, it’s perfect for enjoying nature without the intensity of summer - a tranquil end to the year in the heart of the state.
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