Acclimatization to Hot Weather in Florida: Your Guide to Staying Cool in the Sunshine State

Florida’s sunny allure is irresistible, but as newcomers quickly realize, the heat can be intense. We see it all the time with new clients who are thinking about moving to Florida.

Whether you’re planning a move to the Sunshine State or simply looking for a long visit, acclimatization to the hot weather is a must.

But don’t let the heat scare you. We acclimated to the summer Florida heat and so will you.

Not to mention, once the summer transitions into fall, the intensity of the heat begins to slow down and the beautiful winter weather becomes paradise in Florida.

In this blog we will discuss essential insights to help you breeze through the adjustment and off to living your best, warm and sandy life.

How long does it take to adjust to Florida weather?

First things first, everyone who moves to Florida is going to eventually acclimate to the weather—we call this process acclimatization.

According to acclimatization recommendations from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), over a span of 7 to 14 days, gently increase your exposure to the heat while ensuring you cool off and hydrate between sessions.

Avoid pushing your limits to the brink of heat exhaustion – this can be counterproductive, and you can end up sick or worse.

Dedicate at least two hours each day to heat exposure (split into two, 1-hour periods) to reap the rewards.

And here’s the real key: your body acclimatizes according to the level of work you demand of it. So, stay hydrated, nourished, and active for a smoother acclimatization experience.

In other words, if you want to live an active life outside in Florida, you’ll need to be active during those two, 1-hour periods outside doing what you love.

Welcome the process of acclimatization with enthusiasm, but always remember that steady progress is the essential factor. Slow and steady is the key.

We see a lot of people go from cold winter climates in the north and decide to move south and realize they went into the sunshine way too quickly.

Understanding Acclimatization: What is it?

Newcomers, in particular, face a heightened risk of heat illness, making acclimatization an essential factor to consider.

So, what exactly is acclimatization?

It’s your body’s natural adaptation process to gradually becoming accustomed to working in a hot environment. Think of it as a step-by-step approach to building your heat tolerance and safeguarding your well-being.

This adaptation occurs as your body learns to regulate its temperature more effectively and efficiently in response to increased heat exposure.

If you are arriving from a vastly different climate like that of Northern United States, it is crucial that you approach this process with utmost seriousness and adhere to the recommended two-week guideline.

Avoid being a hero and enduring 8 hours of scorching sun each day during your first week in Florida—you’ll definitely regret it.

How does my body acclimatize in Florida?

Acclimatization’s Inner Workings: What You Need to Know

According to a study from the University of Auckland on acclimatization, your body will undergo some fascinating processes in the hot Florida weather:

• Blood Flow Regulation: Improved blood distribution to the skin’s surface helps release heat and ease strain on the heart.
• Sweat Gland Activation: Sweat glands become more efficient, producing sweat sooner to cool your body faster.
• Electrolyte Conservation: Better retention of essential minerals maintains hydration and balance. These internal processes work together to improve your ability to withstand heat.

Can I acclimatize faster in Florida?

Yes, but you need to work with a trained physician. Exercise has been shown to increase the speed at which we acclimatize to warm environments.

Regular exercise aids acclimatization by enhancing cardiovascular efficiency, improving sweat gland function, and optimizing the body’s temperature regulation.

This is one of the reasons that kids often acclimate to hot summer weather so quickly—they play outside daily and experience the enhanced cardiovascular efficiency as a response.

Engaging in physical activity in a controlled manner during the acclimatization period can help the body adapt more effectively to hot weather conditions.

Again, please speak with your physician before attempting any outdoor exercise during the hot Florida months.

Is there a schedule we can follow to get used to the Florida heat?

Absolutely, here’s an example of a gradual acclimatization schedule for your first two weeks in Florida using CDC guidelines:

Week 1:

• Day 1-2: Spend 20-30 minutes outdoors during the cooler parts of the morning or evening.
• Day 3-4: Extend outdoor time to 45 minutes, still focusing on cooler hours.
• Day 5-7: Aim for 1-hour outdoor activities during mild periods. Hydrate adequately.
• Day 8: Take a longer morning or evening walk, around 1.5 hours, but stay mindful of heat.

Week 2:

• Day 9-10: Introduce a 10-15 minute outdoor session during mid-morning. Continue morning or evening activities.
• Day 11-12: Extend mid-morning session to 20-30 minutes. Try to have longer breaks between activities to rest and cool down.
• Day 13-14: Explore afternoon activities lasting around 30 minutes during less intense sun exposure.

Remember, this is just a sample schedule.

Customize it based on your comfort level and any health considerations. Gradually increasing your time outdoors, staying hydrated, and listening to your body are key to a successful acclimatization journey.

One thing we recommend is acclimatizing by visiting cool new places. Check out the Palm Coast as it has so many opportunities for walking and site seeing.

Do older people take longer to acclimate to Florida’s heat?

It’s no secret that a lot of retired and people over the age of 50 are moving to Florida.

For us older individuals moving to Florida, acclimatization to the heat is essential to ensure safety and well-being.

Studies show that gradually adapting to hotter conditions is not only feasible but also highly beneficial for elderly individuals.

Key considerations for elderly acclimatization:

1. Gradual Acclimatization: Just like any age group, older adults can acclimatize to the heat by gradually increasing exposure over 1-2 weeks. Start with short outdoor sessions during cooler hours and slowly extend the time spent outdoors.

2. Exercise and Heat Adaptations: Incorporate gentle exercise during acclimatization. Exercise helps improve heat tolerance, heart rate, and sweat response. Individuals with lower fitness levels can still benefit from gradual outdoor activities and should focus on relative exercise intensity.

3. Hydration and Individualized Approach: Older adults may experience slower sweat and thirst responses, increasing the risk of dehydration and heat stress. Encourage ad lib hydration and provide guidance on staying hydrated. Designs for heat acclimatization should consider an individual’s ability to sustain workload and involve a modifiable exercise intensity.

As you transition to Florida’s warmer climate, tailor your acclimatization to your comfort level and health status.

Engage in activities during cooler periods, prioritize hydration, and consider gentle exercise.

Each person’s journey is unique, so find what works best for you and enjoy the benefits of heat adaptation. Remember, gradual acclimatization is key to ensuring your comfort and safety in the Florida heat.

How we acclimatized when moving Florida

In our acclimatization journey in Florida, we found our rhythm by embracing the cooler evenings at Disney. This helped a lot. We chose not to spend 10 hours at Disney in the sweltering heat right off the bat.

In addition, we tried to keep our beach trips short. That was a huge benefit when choosing to live in Western Orlando (Clermont, FL)—we were so close to many beaches, and so we never felt guilty leaving after a few hours.

Remember, you live here now, and so the beach and ocean aren’t going anywhere—take your time.

Another strategy we used was taking leisurely strolls during peak heat. Why? Well, Shirley and I love walking in the morning and evenings together to talk about our day, and we knew we needed to get used to this type of activity.

The key? We allowed ourselves to acclimatize at our own pace. Orlando, a hub of activities, offers numerous options for gradual exposure to the heat.

Sometimes we walked around Disney Springs, other times we strolled through Epcot and ate and drank at the same time, and other times we walked around Clermont’s Waterfront Park—an area we adore.

Whether it’s exploring theme parks during milder hours or discovering indoor attractions, finding what suits you is the secret. J

Just remember, every step counts. So, whether it’s a walk, a beach session, or an evening adventure, embrace your unique path to acclimatization and savor Orlando’s diverse offerings.

Conclusion

Adapting to Florida’s weather is a natural process known as acclimatization. This adjustment is crucial for newcomers to ensure their well-being in the Sunshine State’s intense heat.

Over a span of 7 to 14 days, gradually increase heat exposure while staying hydrated and taking breaks. The key is to avoid pushing your limits to the brink of heat exhaustion.

Remember, slow and steady progress is essential for a successful acclimatization journey.

Whether you’re walking around theme parks, exploring local attractions, or simply enjoying the beach, find your own path and embrace the process.