Everglades National Park’s weather changes a lot throughout the year, so timing your visit really matters. Florida’s largest wilderness swings between two main seasons, and those shifts affect everything—wildlife, trails, even your mood. If you get a handle on these weather patterns, you can turn a regular trip into something special—or, well, avoid a miserable slog.
Honestly, the best time to visit Everglades National Park is during the dry season, from December through April. Temperatures hang out in the mid-70s, it barely rains, and the humidity doesn’t make you want to run for cover. You’ll get blue skies, hardly any mosquitoes, and the wildlife comes out since animals cluster around shrinking water spots.
The park’s weather really shapes what you’ll see and do. Summer brings wild heat and daily storms, while winter feels downright pleasant for hiking. Each season has its oddities and perks. If you know what’s coming, you can pack smart, pick the right activities, and find the best corners of this 1.5-million-acre wild place.
Understanding Everglades National Park Weather
Everglades National Park sits in a subtropical climate with two seasons that totally shape your visit. The dry season (December to April) brings nice temps and low humidity. Then the wet season (May to November) rolls in with heat, humidity, and those daily thunderstorms.
Climate Overview
South Florida’s subtropical wilds run on a two-season cycle, not like most of the country. The Everglades sits in hurricane alley, too, with the Atlantic hurricane season stretching from June 1 to November 30.
Highs average around 85°F (30°C), and lows dip to about 65°F (18°C). The area gets about 56 inches of rain each year, and nearly 60% of that falls during the wet season.
A few big climate factors:
- The park’s southern latitude and warm ocean currents
- All that water in the wetlands and estuaries
- Cold fronts dropping down in winter
- El Niño and La Niña stirring up storm activity
The heat index gets brutal in summer. When it’s 90°F and humid, it can feel like 105°F. That’s not just uncomfortable—it can be risky if you’re out too long.
Dry Season Characteristics
From December through mid-May, the dry season changes the Everglades. Temperatures run from the low 50s to upper 70s°F (12-25°C). Humidity drops, which is a relief.
Cold fronts sweep through in winter, bringing cool, dry air and keeping thunderstorms at bay. Sometimes these fronts even nudge temperatures close to freezing, though that’s rare.
Winter Weather Perks:
- Great temps for hiking and spotting wildlife
- Fewer mosquitoes
- Lots of sunny days
- Lower water levels, so animals gather where you can actually see them
Wind chill can sneak up on you. Breezy mornings sometimes feel colder than the numbers suggest, so a light jacket isn’t a bad idea.
Only about 25% of the year’s rain falls in the dry season. When it does rain, it’s usually a quick squall, not a daylong soak.
Wet Season Patterns
The wet season takes over from mid-May through November. Temps climb into the low 90s°F (30-35°C), and humidity often sits above 90%.
Thunderstorms pop up almost every afternoon as warm, moist air rises. Some storms last just a few minutes, but others can dump inches of rain in no time.
Wet Season Hurdles:
- Sweltering heat and humidity
- Daily afternoon storms
- Mosquitoes everywhere
- High water sometimes blocks off parts of the park
- Hurricanes and tropical storms are a real threat
Sea-breeze fronts from both coasts spark those daily storms. The biggest rain events usually come with tropical storms or hurricanes.
Cold fronts don’t make it this far south in summer, so the heat and humidity just keep building. That’s what fuels all those intense thunderstorms.
Dry Season: The Ideal Time to Visit
November through April is when you’ll find the best weather for exploring Everglades National Park. Cooler temps, active wildlife, and more ranger programs make these months the sweet spot.
Weather Conditions During the Dry Season
The dry season brings mild, pleasant weather. Highs hit about 77°F, lows dip to 53°F.
Humidity drops way down compared to summer. Most days stay clear and sunny.
Rainfall plummets, so hiking and camping get a lot more comfortable. Sometimes a cold front brings a chilly night, but that’s pretty rare.
Mosquitoes and biting flies can still bug you at dawn and dusk, especially in swampy spots. Insect repellent and long sleeves go a long way.
Campgrounds like Long Pine Key and Flamingo fill up during this stretch. Nights are usually comfy for sleeping outdoors.
It’s still easy to get sunburned, even when it’s cool. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must.
Wildlife Viewing Advantages
As water levels drop, animals gather at the few wet spots left. That means wildlife viewing gets really good.
Alligators bunch up in deeper pools and along canals, so you’ll spot them from boardwalks and trails.
Birds flock in too, especially migratory species. Herons, egrets, and other waders gather near the last water.
The Anhinga Trail is a favorite in dry months. Taylor Slough turns into a wildlife hotspot.
Shark Valley is another winner for gator and bird watching. The 15-mile loop road gives you easy access to these scenes.
Cooler weather means animals stay active during the day. Early morning and late afternoon are best for photos.
Ranger-Led Tours and Activities
Rangers ramp up their tours during the busy dry season. You’ll find ranger-led programs at Royal Palm, Flamingo, Shark Valley, and Gulf Coast.
Hiking gets a whole lot easier with less humidity and fewer bugs. Trails near Florida City and Homestead get more visitors.
Guided walks help you spot wildlife and learn about the Everglades’ unique ecosystems. Rangers love sharing stories about how the seasons change everything.
Evening programs at Flamingo Campground focus on the creatures that come out after dark. They’re a great way to round out a day of exploring.
Boat tours from Everglades City and Flamingo run more often in the dry season. Calmer weather makes it easier to get out into the backcountry.
At the Homestead entrance, you can join multiple programs each day. Booking ahead is smart, especially when crowds pick up.
Wet Season: What to Expect
The wet season means serious heat, daily thunderstorms, and humidity that barely lets up. Wildlife spreads out across the flooded park, and mosquitoes hit their peak.
Rainfall and Humidity
Thunderstorms roll in almost every afternoon from May through November. Downpours can dump several inches of rain in no time.
Humidity stays over 90% most days. With highs around 90°F, the heat index often creeps past 100°F.
Storms usually don’t last long, but when they hit, they hit hard. Lightning is common across the open wetlands, so it’s smart to head indoors at the first rumble.
Flooding is part of the deal in low-lying areas and on some trails. Boardwalks and paths can go underwater, and the whole place turns into a slow-moving river during peak rains.
Mosquito Activity and Tips
Mosquitoes go wild during the wet season. Standing water gives them plenty of places to breed. Biting flies show up too.
What helps:
- Insect repellent with DEET (20-30%)
- Long sleeves and pants
- Mosquito netting if you’ll be outside for a while
- Light-colored clothes
Peak biting times are dawn and dusk, but in shady spots, mosquitoes stay active all day. They’re especially bad near water—kayak launches can be rough.
Some people find it tough to enjoy the outdoors without good protection. The bugs can get so thick, they’ll even mess with your photography.
Landscape and Flora Changes
Water levels surge, and the whole ecosystem shifts. Wading birds and crocodiles spread out across the flooded land, so you won’t see them grouped up like in the dry season.
Water gets deep—sloughs that were nearly dry in winter fill up fast. Spotting wildlife gets harder since animals don’t have to crowd around a few water holes.
Plants grow like crazy. Sawgrass shoots up, and lots of flowers bloom.
Some areas close because of flooding. Trails wash out, and kayak routes change as the water opens new channels.
The landscape turns lush and green, which looks totally different from the brown and gold you’ll see in winter.
Monthly Breakdown: Weather by Season
Everglades National Park’s two main seasons really shape your visit. The dry season brings nice temps and little rain, while the wet season means high humidity, frequent storms, and intense heat.
Winter (December to February)
Winter is the comfiest time to be in the Everglades. Temperatures run from the mid-50s to upper 70s Fahrenheit (12-25°C), and it’s perfect for being outside.
Humidity drops a lot. Hiking and wildlife watching get way easier compared to summer.
Rain barely shows up—just 1.4 to 1.9 inches a month. December is the driest, with only 1.37 inches on average.
Sometimes cold fronts sweep through, bringing chilly nights. It’s rare, but it can happen even in the southern parts.
Wind chill can make it feel colder than the thermometer says, so bring a layer or two for early mornings and evenings.
| Month | High Temp (°F) | Low Temp (°F) | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 79 | 57 | 1.37 |
| January | 78 | 54 | 1.65 |
| February | 80 | 56 | 1.85 |
Spring (March to May)
Spring is when the Everglades shifts from dry to wet. March and April still bring great weather—good temps, not much rain.
Temps start climbing from 82°F in March up to 88°F in May. Nights get warmer too, from 58°F to 66°F.
Rain picks up in May, almost 6 inches, which means the wet season is on the way.
April is a sweet spot—comfortable weather and lots of wildlife getting ready for breeding season.
Humidity creeps up in late spring. May feels stickier, especially in the afternoon.
Thunderstorms show up more as spring rolls on, usually in the late afternoon or evening.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the toughest stretch for weather in the Everglades. It’s hot, humid, and storms are a daily thing.
Highs hit the low 90s, and nights stay in the low 70s. The heat index often pushes past 105°F.
Rain peaks in summer—June averages over 9 inches, and July and August each get 7-8 inches.
Storms pop up almost every day. They might last a few minutes or a few hours and can dump a lot of rain fast.
Hurricane season runs June through November, but August and September are the busiest for storms.
Cold fronts don’t make it down here in summer, so heat and humidity just keep stacking up.
The heat index is no joke. If you’re out, try to avoid the hottest afternoon hours.
Fall (September to November)
Fall slowly brings relief as the wet season winds down. September still feels like summer—hot, humid, and rainy.
September highs stay around 91°F, with almost 9 inches of rain. It’s still very much wet season.
October gets better. Temps drop to the upper 80s, and rainfall falls to about 5.5 inches.
November finally brings back the good weather—highs in the low 80s, and rain drops to just 2.3 inches.
Hurricane risk sticks around until the end of November, so keep an eye on the forecast.
Humidity eases up as fall goes on. By November, it’s way more comfortable.
Wildlife gets easier to spot in late fall. Animals perk up as temps cool and water levels drop across the park.
Best Locations and Entrances for Optimal Experiences
Everglades National Park has three main entrances, and each one brings something a little different to the table. Depending on where you go in, you’ll get a unique shot at spotting wildlife or diving into outdoor activities, especially if you time your visit right.
Main Entrances Overview
The Homestead entrance acts as the park’s main gateway. You’ll find it about an hour from Miami International Airport. From here, you can get to the Royal Palm area and the Anhinga Trail. If you’re headed for Flamingo Campground, this is your route.
Shark Valley is where most people flock for wildlife viewing. There’s a 15-mile tram road that makes it pretty easy to spot alligators and birds—sometimes ridiculously close. It’s a solid pick for day trips out of Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
The Everglades City entrance opens up into the Ten Thousand Islands region. Here, the focus shifts to water—kayaking, boating, and all that. If you’re coming from western Florida, this entrance makes the most sense.
You can use any entrance year-round. Still, some facilities cut back their hours during the wet season, which runs from May through November.
Popular Trails and Wildlife Hotspots
Anhinga Trail sits near the Homestead entrance and, honestly, it’s the go-to spot for alligator sightings. The boardwalk trail stays open no matter the weather. If you’re hoping to catch wildlife in action, early morning works best.
Shark Valley’s tram road stretches 15 miles right into the heart of the park. You can walk, bike, or jump on a guided tram tour along this paved route. Once you reach the observation tower at the end, you’ll get an incredible view across the sawgrass prairie.
Long Pine Key Campground has a handful of short hiking trails that wind through pine forests. These trails give you a break from the wetlands and let you see different ecosystems. The campground itself is a good base if you want to explore several trails.
Ranger-led tours kick off from all three entrances during peak season, which runs December through April. These programs include bird walks, canoe tours, and evening talks about the park’s wildlife and ecosystems.
Essential Tips for Visiting Based on Weather
Weather in the Everglades can flip pretty dramatically between seasons. You’ll need to prep differently depending on when you visit. Temperature swings, rain, and—let’s be honest—pests can really affect how you experience the park.
Packing and Preparation
Dry Season (December-May) Essentials:
- Bring layers. Nights can dip to 50°F, but days still climb into the 80s.
- Toss in a light rain jacket for those random showers.
- Long pants and sleeves help keep mosquitoes at bay, especially in the mangroves.
- Don’t forget a sun hat and sunscreen for those wide-open trails.
Wet Season (June-November) Requirements:
- Go for waterproof hiking boots and quick-dry clothes.
- Pack heavy-duty rain gear and stash your electronics in waterproof bags.
- If you’re staying more than a day, bring extra clothes.
- Use insect repellent with DEET—mosquitoes don’t mess around here.
If you’re flying into Miami International Airport, keep your weather gear in your carry-on. Hurricane season delays can separate you from your checked luggage for days.
Essential Gear for All Seasons:
- Binoculars help you watch wildlife without getting too close.
- A waterproof phone case is a lifesaver if you’re kayaking.
- First aid kit—don’t skip the anti-itch cream and bandages.
Avoiding Crowds and Mosquitoes
Peak Season Strategy (December-March):
Shark Valley and other popular spots fill up fast when the weather’s cool and dry. Try to get to the entrances before 9 AM if you want a parking spot and a little solitude.
Book your hiking or kayak tours a few weeks out during peak months. Rangers run more guided programs when the weather’s good, so you’ll have options.
Mosquito Management:
Mosquitoes go wild at dawn and dusk, no matter the season. Try to plan your wildlife watching for mid-morning or early afternoon if you can.
If you come during the wet season, expect heavy mosquito activity all over the wetlands. Reapply repellent every couple of hours and stick to light-colored, long-sleeved clothing.
Off-Season Benefits:
April and May hit a sweet spot—good weather and fewer people. Hiking stays comfortable, and most winter crowds have already left.
Safety and Seasonal Hazards
Hurricane Season Precautions (June-November):
Keep an eye on weather forecasts, especially during hurricane season. If severe weather threatens, the park will close for everyone’s safety.
Afternoon thunderstorms pop up fast in the summer. Try to start your hikes or kayak outings early, so you’re not caught outside when lightning rolls in.
Heat-Related Risks:
It’s not unusual for summer temps to climb over 90°F, and the humidity can be rough. Bring more water than you think you’ll need, and don’t be shy about taking breaks in the shade.
If you start feeling dizzy, nauseous, or you’re sweating a lot, those are signs of heat exhaustion. Get into some air conditioning as soon as you can if that happens.
Wildlife Safety:
Alligators get pretty active when it’s warm, though they’ll hang out near water more during dry spells. Give them at least 15 feet of space, always.
Venomous snakes show up more in warm weather too. Stick to marked trails, and if you’re out early or late, grab a flashlight.