Florida welcomes fall with lots of activities and fun things to do
Hello Fall!
While the weather may not be cool, Florida is Cool in the fall!
The fall is when Florida outdoor activities and events start to flourish as the heat and humidity simmer down and more people can tolerate being outside. Yes, we do start to feel an inkling of a break from the high summer temperatures toward the end of September. And this is when fall festival season begins and Floridians head outdoors to enjoy the sunshine state.
Every organizational type, from schools, to businesses, to towns, love to have fall events and festivals. Locally, you can find school and church events in almost every corner of Florida during October and November. But if you are looking for more, there are lots to be found. From food, crafts, music and halloween type events, we have put together the most comprehensive Florida Fall Festival Guide that features events all around the state.
Find the best food, music, and harvest festivals, octoberfest, haunted houses, and more halloween and seasonal events. Looking for more, check out our monthly listings of events statewide for October, November and December.
Central Florida’s Theme Parks in the Fall
One of the coolest things about Florida in the fall is the theme park activities and fun seasonal events. Mickey’s not-so-scary Halloween, Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream are just a few of the October events that the theme parks offer. If you are not into going to these special events, a visit to the theme parks at this time of year offers lots of fun experience with special parades, performances, and activities, like the Nighttime Lights At Hogwarts™ Castle, Food and Wine Festival at Epcot, and more. Enjoy the slightly cooler temperatures at the theme parks with a visit in the fall.
Florida Beaches in the Fall
While people flock to Florida beaches in the summer, the fall is a gorgeous time to head to the beach! Florida waters are the perfect temperature, particularly in October when the water temperatures around Florida range from mid 70’s to mid 80’s. The air temperature is warm, the humidity is lower, and the water is just about perfect for swimming. The water temperatures drop about 10 – 15 degrees during November and December, but the beach is still gorgeous with plenty of warm days, and swimming is warmer than any other location in the U.S. Some beaches still have sea turtle nesting so you may be able to do a turtle walk or sea turtle sightings.
Outdoor Activities to do in the Fall in Florida
Finally, the outdoors is bearable and it is a great time to explore natural Florida. The fall is the perfect time of year to visit the Florida State Parks, Florida’s Forests, local parks, get out your bikes and hiking shoes, and get exploring. October is also the official start of Manatee Season. If you haven’t ever swam with the manatees or viewed the manatees at one of the many viewing locations in Florida, the fall is a great time to get out and see them.
Hurricane Season is still happening in the Fall in Florida
Summer maybe over but in Florida, fall starts in the middle of one of our true seasons… hurricane season. Hurricane season in Florida continues through November 1st with September-October typically being one of the most active times for hurricanes in the state. So if you are planning a trip to Florida at the start of fall, be sure to pay attention to the weather prior to your trip and stay alert for potential threats.
Fall is the time for Northerners to head to Florida and their Winter Homes
While most northerners will wait until after Thanksgiving, Fall is the time when our northern co-residents head to Florida to enjoy the great weather Florida brings toward the middle of fall and into winter and spring. So in Florida, the roads will get busier with more people in town. And because the fall starts off the holiday season, be safe and courteous to other drivers and those who are also waiting at lights, in lines at stores and service at food spots. We all love Florida this time of year so be respectful to others.
Time for warmer clothing?
While we may be attending the events, festivals and theme parks in our shorts and tanks and we may not have the fall look of our northern friends, we still have all of the activities. Great food, music, activities and fun for the whole family. But, Floridians look forward to wearing long sleeves and jackets! So pull out the boots and light jackets and be ready for those days when the weather gets just cool enough for fall clothing.
Say Hello!
Florida gets a bad rap for many things, including not getting cool in the fall. But Florida IS Cool in the fall! You just have to go out and see for yourself how cool Florida can be in the Fall months at festivals, theme parks, beaches and activities that can’t be found in other places this time of the year.