Florida in July?

[mondayblues1]

I'm getting myself in a state deciding whether or not to visit florida for first time in July with husband and teen daughter, and another family.... we thought we had decided to rent a villa and do a couple of days at parks, but mostly relax, swim, shop, use hire car to see some sights and bbq at villa some nights.

However, the more I look at it, the more concerned I am about saving so hard to go and the weather might ruin it for us.

Opinions welcome. Should we ditch idea and go somewhere else. Just back from Vegas and California and loved it, knew what to expect, and it didn't disappoint. Will be on a budget next year! Therefore dont want it ruined.

p.s. daughter sitting exams so easter is out. october 19 may be possibility for like a 10 day trip, however, not sure if prices are out, or indeed, if weather better then. HELP!

I would be wary about booking such an expensive trip before we know that the Open Skies agreement will continue after Brexit. Insurance may not cover losses in those circumstances.

I’ve been about 8 times since I was a child- because of the school holidays we would go in July and believe me when I say when it gets to 1pm it feels like you’re sitting in the devil’s armpit.

It’s not just the heat, but the humidity- the best way to describe it would be like walking into a bathroom after someone has had a very long hot shower. It is very oppressive. They also have very frequent rain showers and thunder mid afternoon over the summer months- you could set your watch by them.

As an adult, we’ve always gone in September/ October which is much more manageable. Crowds are well reduced, rains less and it’s about 27-30 degrees.

Would half term be an option? It does make for a fantastic holiday but if you have anyone in your party that can’t handle the heat I’d stay away from high summer.

I'd plump for the October option.

oh, i didn't even think about Brexit.. forgive my ignorance... is this a real concern? be wary of booking anywhere? or particularly USA?

I think October would be an option but for a shorter trip i.e. 9 or 10 nights as daughter can't miss school due to studying for exams

It's a load of scaremongering.

October is a fantastic time to go- Universal Studios and Disney have Halloween parties on which are a lot of fun and the theme parks are decorated beautifully.

They have a kind of bank holiday at the start of October as well and a lot of the shops would have promotions on, especially at the outlets.

October vote here too

Do you think the thunderstorms will ruin your holiday? Just arrived back (yesterday) from a few weeks in Florida and there was thunderstorms on many (not every) days in either the afternoon or evening and while they are near outdoor activities (rides, pools, beaches) tended to get closed. They don't though last that long and definitely didn't ruin our holiday.

If it's the heat/humidity you are worried about then you are probably best to avoid Florida at this time of year.

Other times of year are far better. But if you have to go in the summer hols then August is much better than July. The weather is the same but its far less crowded - from around the 9th July the US schools go back and the crowds are significantly lower. I can cope with crowds, I can cope with heat - I can't cope with both at once.

FWIW, I am a total wimp with heat but it's far easier to cope with over there because of the aircon as you can escape from it. 95F there is much easier, for me, than 85 over here.

I lived in South Florida through two Julys. It is hot and humid with a side of strong thunderstorms thrown in. You generally go from air conditioned car to restaurant, shop or event, unless you are on the beach, then it’s just hot. October can be just as hot. If I had to be in Florida, I would go in January or February.

We’ve been a few times in July and wouldn’t again. The thunderstorms don’t tend to last for 20-30 mins as people often say, they last all afternoon and can come on very suddenly leaving you stranded and in quite a scary situation trying to get back to your car (if in a park). If we had to go in July I would get a villa with a net as the rains last year brought lots of crap into the pool.

In July go to places further north like Canada, cape cod, Boston, Maine and you can combine it with a short stay in Iceland.

Better to go during the last 2 weeks of August.

Last two weeks of August is not a good time to visit Florida. My SIL is upset we are going to Canada tomorrow. She wanted to go to Florida. I told DH I'd divorce him before we go to Florida for Labor Day weekend. You might as well go to your bathroom and put your shower on at a hot temperature. It's the same thing.

Go in October, it's quiet as anything if you go early in the month and there are virtually no queues.

It's also cooler in the evenings and fresher.
I live in the Caribbean and we regularly refer to July and August as the devils arsehole months.

We did Orlando for a wedding a couple years back the last week of August. Fine for us because we're used to it but it's a pain in the cooch dealing with hot kids.