Welcome to the Sunshine State. If you’re moving to Florida from somewhere with four distinct seasons, the first thing to understand is that Florida plays by completely different rules. There’s no slow fade from summer to fall, no shoveling snow, and no scraping ice off your windshield. Instead, you get sunshine most of the year, warmth that rarely quits, and a few quirks that catch every newcomer off guard.
This guide breaks down exactly what Florida’s weather is really like — season by season — so you can pack smart, plan your move well, and settle in without any unpleasant surprises.
Florida Has Two Seasons, Not Four
Forget winter, spring, summer, and fall. Florida runs on two seasons: a dry season and a wet season.
- Dry season: roughly mid-October through April. Cooler, less humid, mostly sunny, and genuinely pleasant. This is when most people fall in love with the state.
- Wet season: roughly May through October. Hot, very humid, with near-daily afternoon thunderstorms — and it overlaps with hurricane season.
South Florida, including the Miami area, sits in a tropical zone, which means even “winter” stays mild — January averages comfortably warm, and a true cold snap is rare and short-lived. The farther north you go, the more you’ll feel the occasional cold front sweep through.
The Dry Season (Mid-October – April): Florida at Its Best
This is the season newcomers dream about and snowbirds fly south for. Florida’s dry season usually settles in by mid-to-late October and lasts through April or mid-May.
What to expect:
- Comfortable temperatures and lower humidity, especially in the mornings and evenings
- Plenty of sunshine with long stretches of dry, clear days
- Light, fast-moving rain when cold fronts push through — nothing like the summer downpours
- Occasional cool mornings, particularly in central and northern Florida, where a light jacket comes in handy
If you’re relocating from out of state and you have a choice, this is the easiest time to move. Cooler weather makes loading and unloading far more bearable, and you’ll avoid the storm-related delays of summer. Our long distance and interstate moving teams handle moves into Florida year-round, but newcomers consistently find dry-season moves the most comfortable.
The Wet Season (May – October): Heat, Humidity, and Afternoon Storms
Florida’s summers are a different animal. From roughly May through October, the heat and humidity ramp up, and the rain arrives almost on a schedule.
Here’s the rhythm most newcomers learn fast:
- Hot, sticky mornings that build through the day
- Dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that roll in, dump heavy rain for 30 to 60 minutes, and then clear out
- Sunshine returning soon after, often the same afternoon
These storms are intense but usually brief. Locals plan around them — beach in the morning, errands or indoor activities in the afternoon. August and September bring the heaviest rainfall of the year. The upside? Everything turns lush and green, and the sunsets after a storm are spectacular.
The biggest adjustment isn’t the rain — it’s the humidity, which we’ll get to below.
Hurricane Season: What Every Newcomer Needs to Know
Let’s talk about the one that makes new residents nervous. The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs June 1 through November 30, with peak activity between August and October.
Here’s the honest perspective: not every year brings a major storm, and Florida communities are far more prepared than outsiders assume. But you should take it seriously and be ready. A little preparation goes a long way.
Basic Hurricane Readiness for New Floridians
- Know your evacuation zone — look it up by address through your county’s emergency management site.
- Build a basic kit: several days of water and non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, medications, chargers/power banks, and important documents in a waterproof container.
- Sign up for local alerts from your county and keep an eye on the National Hurricane Center during the season.
- Have a plan for where you’d go and what you’d bring if an evacuation order comes.
- Protect your home — know how to secure windows and outdoor items before a storm.
Sometimes a storm means a sudden, unplanned relocation. If you ever need to move fast — whether it’s a post-storm situation or a lease that fell through — our emergency moving team keeps trucks on standby for exactly that. We’ve helped plenty of South Florida families relocate on short notice when the weather forced their hand.
Humidity Is the Real Adjustment
Ask any Florida transplant what surprised them most, and humidity usually tops the list. It’s not just “feeling warm” — high humidity affects your comfort, your home, and your belongings.
For your comfort, expect to lean on air conditioning far more than you might be used to. Your AC isn’t a luxury here; it’s how homes stay livable and how indoor humidity stays in check.
For your home and your stuff, humidity is something to actively manage:
- Wood furniture can warp or swell over time without climate control
- Electronics, leather, books, and artwork are sensitive to constant moisture
- Closets and storage areas can develop mildew if air doesn’t circulate
This matters during a move, too. Boxes and furniture that sit in a hot, humid garage or an un-air-conditioned space can suffer. When we handle your packing and wrapping, we use proper materials to protect moisture-sensitive items, and we recommend not letting packed boxes linger in non-climate-controlled spaces longer than necessary.
What to Wear (and Pack) in Florida
Coming from a colder state? You can probably retire most of your heavy wardrobe — but don’t toss everything.
- Year-round: lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle
- Wet season: quick-dry fabrics and a compact umbrella or rain jacket for those afternoon storms
- Dry season: a light jacket or sweater for cooler mornings and breezy evenings
- Keep one warm layer: the occasional cold front, especially in central and north Florida, can genuinely surprise you
You’ll wear flip-flops and shorts far more than you ever expected — but that one sweater earns its keep a few weeks a year.
A Few Things Nobody Warns You About
- Florida is the lightning capital of the U.S. Central Florida especially sees frequent strikes during summer storms. When you hear thunder, head indoors and stay off the water.
- The sun is no joke. UV levels are high year-round. Sunscreen isn’t seasonal here.
- “Feels like” beats the thermometer. A 90°F day can feel well over 100°F with humidity. Hydrate and pace yourself, especially during the first few months while your body adjusts.
- Love bugs and mosquitoes have their seasons. Screens, repellent, and standing-water awareness help a lot.
When’s the Best Time to Move to Florida?
Weather-wise, the dry season (mid-October through April) is the sweet spot for relocating. You get cooler, more comfortable conditions for the physical work of moving and a much lower chance of storm-related disruptions.
If your move lands in the summer or during hurricane season, it’s still completely doable — most moves happen without a hitch — but build in a little flexibility and stay aware of the forecast. Whether you’re settling into Miami or one of the many areas we serve across South Florida, planning around the weather makes everything smoother.
Settling Into the Sunshine State
Florida’s weather rewards the prepared. Once you understand the two-season rhythm, respect hurricane season, and make peace with the humidity, you’ll find one of the most genuinely pleasant climates in the country waiting for you the rest of the year.
When it’s time to actually get here — or get settled once you’ve arrived — Pro Movers Miami can help. We’re a fully licensed and insured direct carrier with trained, full-time crews and transparent, guaranteed pricing.
- Long distance and interstate moves into Florida
- Local and residential moves once you’re here
- Professional packing and wrapping that protects against Florida’s humidity
- Emergency moving when the weather doesn’t cooperate
Frequently Asked Questions
How many seasons does Florida have? Functionally, two: a dry season (mid-October through April) that’s cooler and less humid, and a wet season (May through October) that’s hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
When is hurricane season in Florida? Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with peak activity from August through October. Not every year brings a major storm, but newcomers should know their evacuation zone and keep a basic emergency kit ready.
Is Florida humid all year? Humidity is highest during the wet season (summer and early fall) and noticeably lower during the dry season. Air conditioning is essential year-round in most of the state, especially in South Florida.
What’s the best time of year to move to Florida? Weather-wise, the dry season — roughly mid-October through April — offers the most comfortable conditions for moving and the lowest risk of storm-related delays.
Does it ever get cold in Florida? Brief cold fronts can sweep through, mainly in central and northern Florida, bringing a few chilly days. South Florida stays mild even in winter, but it’s worth keeping a light jacket on hand.
Ready to Make Florida Home?
Whether you’re moving across the country to the Sunshine State or settling into a new place across town, we’ll make the move the easy part — rain or shine.
Get your free, no-obligation estimate or contact our team to start planning. Call us anytime at (305) 707-7007.