What do you picture when you think of autumn in Florida? The Sunshine State may not be known for colorful foliage, sweater weather, or apple orchards, but fall in Florida has its own magic. People often think of Florida as a summer destination or a winter escape, but autumn in Florida means fewer crowds, unique events, and fantastic weather and is actually one of the best seasons to visit!
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1.) FALL IN FLORIDA MEANS FANTASTIC WEATHER
By October, the rainy season has subsided and temperatures have begun to drop, leading to less humidity and more comfortable weather, especially for enjoying outdoor activities. Day time highs in the 80’s will still be possible until November, so our autumn is definitely not traditional sweater weather, but the climate is much milder than summertime.
Warmer temperatures also mean an extended beach season. Last year we traveled to New Jersey at the end of August and attempted a beach day. It was nice but already on the chilly side (for us!) and businesses in the beach town were getting ready to close for the season. Here in Florida the temperatures remain pleasantly warm enough for you to enjoy the Sunshine State’s over 800 miles of sandy beaches well into autumn.
It is important to note that July-November is hurricane season in Florida. This does not mean you need to reconsider your travel plans, but you should plan ahead and keep an eye on the forecasts. Feel free to check out our article about visiting Florida during hurricane season to help you better prepare!
2.) FALL IN FLORIDA MEANS FEWER CROWDS AND BETTER DEALS
Autumn is one of Florida’s shoulder seasons, which means fewer crowds and better perks! This can be a great time of the year to snag lower hotel rates and better flight deals as well as discounts on attractions. September in particular is one of the cheapest months of the year to travel to Florida.
Although fall is shoulder season and crowds are lower, that doesn’t mean no tourists. To improve your chances of avoiding crowds, consider venturing beyond Florida’s more touristy spots. Instead of (or in addition to) a theme park, consider enjoying natural Florida at a state park or one of our picturesque springs.
3.) FALL IN FLORIDA MEANS FALL FESTIVALS AND CULTURAL EVENTS
Florida has plenty of fall festivals during the months of September and October, so if you love pumpkin patches, hay rides, and apple cider, you are in luck! Fall festivals are not unique to the Sunshine State, however, but we do have plenty of autumn events that will give you a glimpse into Florida’s particular history and culture.
In September, you can savor delectable seafood dishes and watch chef’s prepare regional specialties at the Annual Pensacola Seafood Festival in Pensacola, or enjoy live music, shopping, and all things key lime at Punta Gorda’s Key Lime and Tropical Fest. The American Indian Day Celebration in Miami celebrates the Miccosukee Tribe’s history and heritage with authentic food, airboat rides, and dance performances. In Waldo, Florida, the Waldo Sweet Potato Festival celebrates the little known history of Florida’s thriving sweet potato industry with family friendly activities such as recipe contests, craft booths, and a classic car display.
In October and November, you can browse unique crafts and fine art at the charming Mount Dora Craft Fair or indulge in delicious seafood and live entertainment at the Stone Crab Festival in Naples. Learn about conservation efforts and participate in eco adventures at Key Largo’s Reef Fest or experience the excitement of bull riding and barrel racing at the Annual Arcadia Fall Rodeo in Arcadia. We recommend stepping back in time at Pioneer Day in Kissimmee, where you can learn how Seminoles and pioneers lived in Florida in the 19th century.
If you are looking for a more traditional fall festival, there are plenty of options! Here are a few of our favorites:
- Great Scott Farms Fall Festival (Mount Dora)
- Southern Hill Farms Fall Festival (Clermont)
- Santa’s Farm Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival (Eustis)
- Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival (Bradenton)
- Partin Ranch Corn Maze (Kenansville)
4.) FALL IN FLORIDA MEANS SPOTTING WILDLIFE
Fall is one of the best times of the year to get outdoors in the Sunshine State due to the drier and cooler weather, but it’s also the ideal time to view Florida’s native wildlife.
Starting in September and really picking up in October, migration season means many different bird species journey to Florida to overwinter in the warmer weather. Shorebirds such as Black-bellied Plovers and Ruddy Turnstones are more common along Florida’s coastline in the fall, and a significant number of warblers such as American Redstart and Prairie Warbler also called the Sunshine State home during this season. Although Sandhill Cranes live in Florida year round, large numbers migrate to Florida during the fall, and the best place to observe them is Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park just outside of Gainesville, where they flock in large numbers.
Manatees can also be found in Florida throughout the year, but they migrate to the state’s freshwater springs to take advantage of the warmer temperatures during the winter months. Starting in November, large numbers of manatees can be spotted in springs at state parks such as Blue Spring State Park and Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. If you would like a glimpse of one of these gentle sea cows, November is the perfect time to visit.
Florida is not especially known for whale watching, but a little known fact is that North Atlantic right whales, an endangered species threatened by boat strikes, migrate to the waters off the eastern coast of Florida and Georgia to give birth to their young during the winter months. It’s possible to see these whales starting in November at parks off of Florida’s northeastern shore.
November is also the start of the dry season in the Florida Everglades, which means lower humidity, fewer mosquitoes, and better opportunities to spot wildlife. Reduced rainfall leads to lower water levels, and animals tend to congregate at the remaining water areas. Some species you may observe during this month include alligators, crocodiles, deer, turtles, and a variety of migratory birds.
5.) FALL IN FLORIDA MEANS SCENIC DRIVES
Florida is not known for dramatic fall foliage, but while more subtle, the Sunshine State does have some beautiful fall colors. It is important to note that because our warm weather extends through most of the fall season, leaves don’t typically start to change until closer to the end of fall (November into December).
Some examples of fall foliage include the bald cypress (rusty red leaves); sweetgum (bright reds and purples); hickory (orangish-bronze); and maples (vibrant red and yellow). The leaves of the native Florida sea grape, which can be found along the coastal areas of central and south Florida, change color to red or yellow before they fall in winter to make room for new spring growth.
If you will be in Florida for the fall, consider taking a scenic road trip. If you’re looking for fall foliage specifically, your best bet will be northern Florida and the Panhandle. Consider the AIA Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway, the Big Bend Scenic Byway, or the Florida Blackbear Scenic Byway. In eastern and central Florida, the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail provides picturesque ocean and lagoon views along with opportunities to stop at state parks such as Tomoka State Park and Bulow Creek State Park. The Green Mountain Scenic Byway provides stunning views of lakes and rolling hills through the central Florida countryside.
While many visitors see Florida as a summer or winter destination, fall is considered Florida’s “secret season” due to the ideal weather, more affordable prices, and unique experiences. We encourage you to plan your fall Florida getaway and come see all the Sunshine State has to offer in autumn!
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Sarah
I am the main writer and website designer for Florida Unveiled. I love the parts of Florida visitors don’t often see: the tea-colored water that flows in cypress-laden rivers; the chorus of frogs after a hard rain; the rustle of palmetto as an unseen creature scampers by. Some of my favorite places in Florida are the Everglades, the Keys, Smyrna Dunes Park, Bok Tower Gardens, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, and St. Augustine’s Historic District.
