Visiting Florida this fall? It's a season of wildly varying temperatures, with a hot start and a slowly cooling finish. Expect September to be a continuation of summer, with 90-degree days and scattered afternoon thunderstorms. October is when the pattern starts to shift, with the rain tapering off to occasional showers from passing cold fronts. By November, these cold fronts can bring big shifts in temperature. An 85-degree morning could be interrupted by a rapidly moving rain storm with gusty winds and a big temperature drop rolling in behind it. There's a reason why theme park vendors put out knit caps and gloves when the weather gets into the sixties unexpectedly – spending all day outside in shorts and tank tops can get chilly fast! Save, share, or pin this infographic to help you get a handle on Florida's fall weather, before you pack for vacation! You can find more helpful infographics on our Pinterest board. Florida Fall Trip Packing List To keep you warm and cozy (and cool and comfy) here are ten essential items to pack for your Florida fall vacation. Hoodie/Sweatshirt. You should be safe through mid-October in Central Florida, but anytime after that, pack with the expectation of a cold front sweeping through the state, bringing with it a momentary drop in temperatures that could leave you shivering in your tank top. If you're at one of our famous theme parks, you'll find out just how much extra a hoodie can cost because of a certain famous mouse on the front. If you're at the beach, cool evenings might surprise you even without a cold front. Poncho/Raincoat. The summer rainy season ends in mid-October as well, but late fall cold fronts can bring a day or two of heavy, heavy rain. Rather than let this stop you from enjoying the theme parks, throw on a poncho and get out there. Wait times and crowds drop noticeably on rainy days, giving you a distinct advantage. Not a poncho fan? See our Poncho-Free Rainy Day Packing List for more ideas. Extra shoes. You'll need something to wear while your other shoes are drying out. For an extra-fast dry, stuff your wet shoes with newspaper. The paper will draw out the moisture quickly. Sunblock. The sun will come out… and you'd better be prepared. While the northern light might have a relatively light UV index, in Florida we'll still be in danger of sunburns right through winter. Remember, too, that a thin cloud layer doesn't block the sun's rays. Even if it's gray and cool out, slap on the sunblock. Leggings/Pants. One pair of jeans or leggings is probably enough for your average week in Florida, although the later in the season you arrive, the more you might want them! Sunglasses/Hat. The sun here never stops. It just stoops to a lower angle that gets into your eyes all day long. Avoid the constant squint with sunglasses or a hat with a brim you can pull down for shade. If you plan to visit one of Florida's world-famous beaches, this is a must. Allergy medicine. Florida is always blooming! You might run into tropical plants you never knew you were allergic to, or find that allergens already past their prime at home are still going strong in Florida's warmer climate. Be prepared with your allergy meds, even if you've already shelved them for the season at home. Insect repellent. Mosquito season may be over back home, but much like our flowers, our bugs don't know when to quit. If you're visiting the beach, you might also find no-see-ums, a tiny biting bug, problematic. Skin-So-Soft is a common home remedy for both of these biters, or use your usual bug spray. Weather app. Keep on top of the weather's wily mood swings with a good app set to your resort's ZIP code. In addition to staying informed about severe weather (possible in summer storms as well as fall cold fronts), you'll be up-to-date in the event of tropical weather. Don't forget, the North Atlantic hurricane season lasts through November. Shorts, Light Tops, Sandals, Swimsuits. We hope we didn't scare you too much with all the cold-weather warnings. The truth is, the average fall vacation in Florida is full of hot, sunny days that will trick you into thinking it's still summer! Bring a few extras for the worst, but prepare for the best with plenty of warm-weather gear. Chances are, you're going to enjoy a warm, sunny fall vacation in Florida!
