Florida weather and outdoor projects
Florida is warm all year, so the limit for outdoor projects is usually rain and humidity, not cold. The rainy season runs from about late May to October, with afternoon thunderstorms most days. During those months, start early and plan to finish by early afternoon. The dry season from about November to April is the easiest time for staining, painting and sealing.
South Florida around Miami almost never freezes, while North Florida around Jacksonville gets some frosty nights in winter. High humidity and heavy dew can keep surfaces damp in the morning, and mildew grows quickly on shaded walls and decks. Hurricane season (June through November) can bring days of rain and strong winds.
Frost dates in Florida
Miami almost never freezes on average, so frost rarely limits outdoor projects there, though a cold snap can still bring a freezing night.
Orlando freezes only about 2 nights a year on average, so frost rarely limits outdoor projects there, though a cold snap can still bring a freezing night.
In Jacksonville, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around February 25 and the median first fall freeze is around December 7, a frost-free season of about 288 days.
How Florida compares with other states
Miami is tied for the longest frost-free season of the 50 state main stations (almost no frost). Miami is tied for the fewest freezing nights of the 50 state main stations (0 a year). Miami has the 2nd-most humid summer afternoons of the 47 state main stations (65% humidity at 3 PM, June–August).
| Measure (Miami) | Value | Rank, highest first |
|---|---|---|
| Deck staining season | 7 good months | 3rd of 50 |
| Frost-free season | almost no frost | 1st of 50 |
| Freezing nights | 0 a year | 48th of 50 |
| Rainy days | 90 a year with 0.1 in or more | 4th of 50 |
| Days at 90°F or hotter | 92 a year | 4th of 50 |
| Summer afternoons | 65% humidity at 3 PM, June–August | 2nd of 47 |
Best time to stain a deck in Florida
In Miami, the most reliable months are November–May. July and October can also work on the right days (average highs Jul 91°F, Oct 86°F). June and August–September average about 13 days a month with a tenth of an inch of rain or more, which makes long dry stretches hard to find. July is hot, with highs near 91°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun. October averages about 9 wet days a month, so wait for a clear stretch.
In Orlando, the most reliable months are October–April. May–September can also work on the right days. May–September is hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Jacksonville, the most reliable months are March–May and October–November. June–September and December–February can also work on the right days. In December–February, nights average about 45°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June–September is hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
Best time to paint outside in Florida
In Miami, the most reliable months are November–May. July and October can also work on the right days (average highs Jul 91°F, Oct 86°F). June and August–September average about 13 days a month with a tenth of an inch of rain or more, which makes long dry stretches hard to find. July is hot, with highs near 91°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun. October averages about 9 wet days a month, so wait for a clear stretch.
In Orlando, the most reliable months are October–April. May–September can also work on the right days. May–September is hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Jacksonville, the most reliable months are February–May and October–December. January and June–September can also work on the right days. In January, nights average about 43°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June–September is hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
Best time to pour concrete in Florida
In Miami, the most reliable months are July and October–May. June and August–September can also work on the right days (average highs Jun 89°F, Aug 91°F, Sep 89°F). June and August–September average about 13 wet days a month, so wait for a clear stretch.
In Orlando, a typical month suits this job all year round.
In Jacksonville, the most reliable months are March–November. December–February can also work on the right days (average highs Jan 66°F, Feb 69°F, Dec 68°F). December–February brings about 4 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
Best time to seal a driveway in Florida
In Miami, the most reliable months are November–May. July and October can also work on the right days (average highs Jul 91°F, Oct 86°F). June and August–September average about 13 days a month with a tenth of an inch of rain or more, which makes long dry stretches hard to find. July and October average about 10 wet days a month, so wait for a clear stretch.
In Orlando, the most reliable months are February–May and October–December. January and June–September can also work on the right days. In January, nights average about 50°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June–September averages about 11 wet days a month, so wait for a clear stretch.
In Jacksonville, the most reliable months are April–May and October. June–September and November–March can also work on the right days. December–January is cool, with highs around 67°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. In February–March and November, nights average about 49°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June–September averages about 10 wet days a month, so wait for a clear stretch.
Best time to fertilize or treat a lawn in Florida
In Miami, the most reliable months are October–April. May–September can also work on the right days. May–September is hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Orlando, the most reliable months are October–April. May–September can also work on the right days. May–September is hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Jacksonville, the most reliable months are October–May. June–September can also work on the right days. June–September is hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
How the weather differs across Florida
| Place | Hottest month avg high | Coldest month avg low | Rain per year | Last spring freeze | First fall freeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | 91°F | 61°F | 67 in | Rare | Rare |
| Orlando | 92°F | 50°F | 51 in | Rare | Rare |
| Jacksonville | 92°F | 43°F | 53 in | February 25 | December 7 |
Of the places above, Orlando has the most good months for staining, painting and concrete combined (26 job-months), and Jacksonville has the fewest (21).
Monthly weather in Miami
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 76°F | 61°F | 4 | 1.8 in | 57% | 0 |
| February | 78°F | 63°F | 4 | 2.1 in | 56% | 0 |
| March | 81°F | 66°F | 4 | 2.5 in | 54% | 0 |
| April | 84°F | 70°F | 4 | 3.4 in | 55% | 0 |
| May | 87°F | 73°F | 7 | 6.3 in | 58% | 0 |
| June | 89°F | 76°F | 13 | 10.5 in | 65% | 0 |
| July | 91°F | 78°F | 11 | 7.4 in | 64% | 0 |
| August | 91°F | 78°F | 13 | 9.6 in | 65% | 0 |
| September | 89°F | 77°F | 13 | 10.2 in | 67% | 0 |
| October | 86°F | 74°F | 9 | 7.7 in | 63% | 0 |
| November | 81°F | 68°F | 5 | 3.5 in | 60% | 0 |
| December | 78°F | 64°F | 4 | 2.4 in | 60% | 0 |
*Days with 0.1 inch of rain or more; column notes.
Monthly weather in Orlando
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 72°F | 50°F | 4 | 2.5 in | 50% | 1 |
| February | 75°F | 52°F | 4 | 2.0 in | 47% | 0 |
| March | 79°F | 56°F | 4 | 3.0 in | 43% | 0 |
| April | 84°F | 61°F | 4 | 2.6 in | 44% | 0 |
| May | 88°F | 66°F | 6 | 4.0 in | 47% | 0 |
| June | 91°F | 72°F | 12 | 8.1 in | 58% | 0 |
| July | 92°F | 73°F | 12 | 7.5 in | 60% | 0 |
| August | 92°F | 74°F | 12 | 7.7 in | 61% | 0 |
| September | 90°F | 72°F | 9 | 6.4 in | 61% | 0 |
| October | 85°F | 66°F | 5 | 3.5 in | 55% | 0 |
| November | 78°F | 58°F | 3 | 1.8 in | 53% | 0 |
| December | 74°F | 53°F | 4 | 2.5 in | 54% | 0 |
Monthly weather in Jacksonville
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 66°F | 43°F | 5 | 3.3 in | 51% | 6 |
| February | 69°F | 46°F | 5 | 2.9 in | 48% | 3 |
| March | 74°F | 51°F | 6 | 3.3 in | 45% | 1 |
| April | 80°F | 56°F | 4 | 2.9 in | 47% | 0 |
| May | 86°F | 64°F | 5 | 3.4 in | 50% | 0 |
| June | 90°F | 71°F | 10 | 7.6 in | 59% | 0 |
| July | 92°F | 73°F | 10 | 6.8 in | 61% | 0 |
| August | 91°F | 73°F | 10 | 6.9 in | 62% | 0 |
| September | 87°F | 71°F | 8 | 7.6 in | 64% | 0 |
| October | 81°F | 62°F | 5 | 4.0 in | 58% | 0 |
| November | 73°F | 51°F | 4 | 2.0 in | 55% | 1 |
| December | 68°F | 46°F | 4 | 2.8 in | 56% | 4 |
Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 for MIAMI INTL AP, ORLANDO INTL AP, JACKSONVILLE. See how the ratings work and how late in fall you can stain, paint or seal.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to stain a deck in Florida?
In Miami, November–May. In Orlando, October–April. In Jacksonville, March–May and October–November.
When is the last frost in Florida?
Miami almost never freezes; Orlando freezes only about 2 nights a year; Jacksonville: around February 25.
Can you pour concrete in winter in Florida?
Usually yes. Miami averages almost no freezing nights from December to February. Cover the slab if a rare freeze is forecast in the first 48 hours, and cure it as usual.
What months are best for sealing a driveway in Florida?
In Miami, November–May. In Orlando, February–May and October–December. In Jacksonville, April–May and October.