When is it fall in Florida? Months, Temperatures, and Sweaters.
The fall time, or autumn, is one of the best times of year in Florida. While the palm tree fronds don’t fall to the ground like leaves, there is still a noticeable change in the air.
Whether you are planning on moving to Florida or looking for a quick getaway during the autumn, you might be wondering when the fall air arrives in Florida.
Autumn does bring sweater weather to Florida, but don’t get any ideas that you’ll be seeing cold weather or experience the snowflakes of the north. It’s a tropical fall and we do it differently here.
In this blog, we will discuss when fall starts, how the weather changes, if the leaves change and fall, and compare South, Central, and Northern Florida.
When does fall arrive in Florida?
In Florida, the autumn shift occurs in September, when the rainy season gradually subsides, resulting in a decrease in the number of scorching 90-degree days.
In addition, the number of 70 degree days will begin to appear, and the humidity will drop from September through November.
Precipitation will also nearly drop in half compared to the monsoon season of the summer.
Northern Florida and Central Florida will share similar climates while Southern Florida will experience the least traditional fall weather.
Leaves will tend to most fall in Northern Florida with its larger percentage of deciduous trees.
In Florida, the amount of daylight lost between the summer solstice (around June 21) and the fall equinox (around September 21) is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
Florida does not feel like a traditional fall as experienced in Northern or Western states as the number of 80 degree days will remain relatively high.
Expect fall-like temperatures primarily in the early mornings and evenings and the occasional daytime temperature.
We love autumn at the coast, and we always bring our sweatshirts.
Check us out at Treasure Island during a fall day with our coziest sweatshirts on.
In truth, the feelings of autumn in Florida occur mostly from November through February and the feeling of winter never occurs at all—Florida is a three season state with winter disappearing all together.
Let’s define fall (autumn)
Autumn, also known as fall, is a season that happens after summer and before winter.
During fall, there are three main changes that distinguish it from summer: the weather gets cooler, the days become shorter, and the leaves on trees change colors and fall off.
We love when the leaves turn orange, yellow, and red and the air begins to turn cool and crisp. And once the leaves start dropping (abscission), it’s the clearest visual sign that fall has begun.
Warm season grasses will also tend to brown or turn yellow in fall.
Florida temperatures in the fall
Florida does not go through a conventional autumn, as many northern residents would be accustomed to.
In some parts of Florida, the temperature change and fall feeling are not as noticeable as in places with clearer seasons.
This is because Florida has a subtropical climate, which means it generally stays warmer throughout the year compared to regions with a more temperate climate.
But there are definitely days when Florida can feel like a crisp autumn day.
Let’s compare a few Florida climates in the fall: Orlando (Central Florida), Miami (Southern Florida), and Jacksonville (Northern Florida).
Orlando Autumn Temperatures
| Temperature Range | September 2022 | October 2022 | November 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90s | 9 | 0 | 5 |
| 80s | 12 | 23 | 15 |
| 70s | 6 | 6 | 9 |
| 60s | 3 | 2 | 2 |
As you can see above, the temperature in Orlando stays quite warm during autumn. However, there are changes that begin to occur.
September still had some relatively warm days in the 90s (9), but October and November saw a decrease in days with temperatures in the 90s (5 total) and an increase in cooler temperatures in the 80s.
For Orlando residents, they won’t see a huge change in the traditional feel of fall as most northern states—increasing the frequency of temperatures in the 50s, 60s and 70s.
Central Florida residents will notice a decrease in the occurrence of scorching 90-degree weather and instead witness a welcome increase in the number of pleasant 80-degree days.
You will also notice that the weather is quite unpredictable in Florida.
October did not see any 90 degree days, but the following month of November experienced a sudden spike with a total of five scorching days reaching that temperature.
Miami Autumn Temperatures
| Temperature Range | September 2022 | October 2022 | November 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90s | 15 | 0 | 6 |
| 80s | 14 | 31 | 17 |
| 70s | 1 | 1 | 7 |
| 60s | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Miami, much like Orlando, experiences a dramatic drop in the number of 90 degree days during the months of autumn.
September had the highest number of 90 degree days (15) and a month later—zero 90 degree days.
Moreover, Miami is poised to see an increase in the frequency of days reaching 80 degrees, as a significant portion of the scorching 90 degree days will instead settle at a pleasant 80 degrees.
The biggest difference between autumn in Southern Florida versus autumn in Central and Northern Florida is that cities like Miami won’t see many 60 and 70 degree days.
In 2022, Miami saw zero 60 degree temperatures between September and November and experienced only 9 days of reaching 70 degrees.
Jacksonville Autumn Temperatures
| Temperature Range | September 2022 | October 2022 | November 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90s | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| 80s | 21 | 26 | 19 |
| 70s | 5 | 5 | 8 |
| 60s | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Now, let’s shift our attention to Jacksonville, nestled in the northern reaches of Florida.
This city experiences a somewhat different autumn compared to Southern Florida but shares a very similar climate to Central Florida.
The biggest difference we will see is that Jacksonville will experience fewer 90 degree days than both Central and Southern Florida.
While 2022 had zero days in the 60s for Jacksonville, that isn’t uncommon.
Areas in Northern Florida aren’t always cooler than Central Florida in the fall, despite moving further north.
However, you can bank on Northern and Central Florida being far cooler than Southern Florida each year during September, October, and November.
Florida Humidity in the Fall
While other places experience clear changes in temperature and that classic fall feeling, Florida’s shift is more subtle due to its unique subtropical climate.
Nevertheless, there is one aspect of the climate that undergoes noticeable variations: the humidity levels.
Let’s dive into the humidity levels during fall in three Florida cities: Orlando (Central Florida), Miami (Southern Florida), and Jacksonville (Northern Florida).
Orlando’s Fall Humidity
| Humidity Range (%) | September 2022 | October 2022 | November 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| High | 75-95 | 70-90 | 65-85 |
| Moderate | 50-70 | 45-65 | 40-60 |
| Low | 30-50 | 25-45 | 20-40 |
In 2022, fall brought a much-needed relief to the high humidity levels in Orlando.
October and November arrived, and the humidity started to ease along with the cooler temperatures in the 80s.
While you might feel some humidity, the change is gradual as Orlando shifts from the warmer summer months.
To give perspective, humidity inside a home averages 40% and 50% would be considered quite high.
So a 10% drop in humidity is definitely felt in the climate.
Miami’s Fall Humidity
| Humidity Range (%) | September 2022 | October 2022 | November 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| High | 75-95 | 70-90 | 65-85 |
| Moderate | 50-70 | 45-65 | 40-60 |
| Low | 30-50 | 25-45 | 20-40 |
Heading south to Miami, you’ll notice a similar pattern.
In September 2022, the humidity is higher during the hot 90-degree days, making the air feel a bit tropical.
As October and November roll in, the humidity starts to ease off along with the temperatures, especially in the more comfortable 80s.
While the humidity is still there, it gradually becomes more pleasant as fall progresses.
The average humidity levels during autumn in Miami and Orlando are practically the same.
Jacksonville’s Fall Humidity
| Humidity Range (%) | September 2022 | October 2022 | November 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| High | 70-90 | 65-85 | 60-80 |
| Moderate | 45-65 | 40-60 | 35-55 |
| Low | 25-45 | 20-40 | 15-35 |
Now let’s shift our focus to Jacksonville, up in the northern part of Florida.
Here, the fall humidity behaves a bit differently.
Thanks to its more northern location, Jacksonville enjoys a bit drier air, making it feel less muggy.
As temperatures cool in September 2022, the humidity remains in check, offering a more comfortable feel during the 80-degree days.
Trees in the northern regions of the state do change leaf color, adding a hint of fall aesthetics, even though the climate is subtropical.
The Florida Agents
This trend continues through October and November, giving Jacksonville a crisper and less humid fall compared to the southern parts of the state.
Although Jacksonville may not experience cooler temperatures than Central Florida in the fall, you will certainly feel a reduction in humidity in Northern Florida, which can significantly enhance the comfort of warmer days.
Florida Autumn Precipiation (rain)
| Precipitation (inches) | September | October | November | Total | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando | |||||
| Average | 5.36 | 3.52 | 2.17 | 11.05 | 3.68 |
| Miami | |||||
| Average | 9.74 | 6.77 | 3.42 | 19.93 | 6.64 |
| Jacksonville | |||||
| Average | 4.81 | 3.09 | 2.78 | 10.68 | 3.56 |
As fall paints the Florida landscape, it brings not only changes in temperature but also varied rain patterns.
In each area of Florida—Orlando, Miami, and Jacksonville—there is a sharp drop in precipitation during the fall.
Each area receives at least 6″ of precipitation each month during summer, but the arrival of autumn drastically reduces the amount of rainfall—especially in Northern and Central Florida.
In Orlando, autumn unveils a drop in rain, with September showcasing the highest precipitation at an average of 5.36 inches dropping to 2.17″ in November.
Miami, on the other hand, has a far rainier fall than North and Central Florida, especially in September, with an average of 9.74 inches.
In fact, Miami has nearly double the rain as Orlando and Jacksonville.
Much like Orlando, Jacksonville embraces a milder autumn rainfall, with an average of 3.56 inches during the fall.
As you can see in the table, Jacksonville and Orlando are nearly identical with respect to autumn precipitation.
Autumn Daylight Hours and Sunrise/Sunset Comparison in Florida:
In Florida, during the autumn months of September, October, and November, the sunrise and sunset times vary across different cities—much not by much.
And if you are moving from other cities around the US, you won’t experience much of a change.
In Orlando, the sunrise time is usually between 6:50 AM and 7:30 AM, and the sunset time is between 5:41 PM and 7:17 PM.
In Miami, the sun rises between 6:45 AM and 7:24 AM, and sets between 5:51 PM and 7:14 PM.
In Jacksonville, the sunrise happens from 6:41 AM to 7:20 AM, while the sunset occurs between 5:40 PM and 7:15 PM.
| City | September | October | November |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando | |||
| Daylight Hours | 12h 7m | 11h 28m | 10h 51m |
| Sunrise | 7:10 AM | 7:30 AM | 6:50 AM |
| Sunset | 7:17 PM | 6:58 PM | 5:41 PM |
| Miami | |||
| Daylight Hours | 12h 11m | 11h 33m | 10h 56m |
| Sunrise | 7:03 AM | 7:24 AM | 6:45 AM |
| Sunset | 7:14 PM | 6:57 PM | 5:51 PM |
| Jacksonville | |||
| Daylight Hours | 12h 16m | 11h 37m | 10h 58m |
| Sunrise | 6:59 AM | 7:20 AM | 6:41 AM |
| Sunset | 7:15 PM | 6:53 PM | 5:40 PM |
So how do these daylight and sunset hours compare to other areas of the United States?
Well, they aren’t all that different to be honest.
The north receives a bit more daylight (about 15 minutes) with a slightly earlier sunrise and sunset.
| City | September | October | November |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | |||
| Daylight Hours | 12h 26m | 11h 39m | 10h 6m |
| Sunrise | 6:25 AM | 7:01 AM | 6:38 AM |
| Sunset | 6:51 PM | 5:51 PM | 4:28 PM |
| New York | |||
| Daylight Hours | 12h 27m | 11h 41m | 10h 11m |
| Sunrise | 6:33 AM | 7:10 AM | 6:47 AM |
| Sunset | 7:00 PM | 6:09 PM | 4:58 PM |
| Seattle | |||
| Daylight Hours | 12h 27m | 11h 26m | 9h 51m |
| Sunrise | 6:48 AM | 7:24 AM | 6:59 AM |
| Sunset | 7:15 PM | 6:50 PM | 4:50 PM |
Frequently asked questions
Do leaves fall in Florida?
Yes, leaves do fall in Florida, even though its warmer climate differs from the traditional fall image. But don’t expect the palm trees to shed their leaves.
Many trees, such as crape myrtles, elms, red maples, sweetgums, sycamores, and weeping willows, go dormant in winter, shedding their leaves before spring. You can find many of these species in the northern areas of the state.
Some trees like magnolias and live oaks also shed some leaves, adapting to autumn.
While Florida lacks the classic fall chill, it does experience changes in leaf color—especially in northern areas.
If you’re looking to experience the traditional fall colors and leaves changing in Florida, you’ll need to visit the northern regions of the state, such as Jacksonville and Tallahassee.
While these areas do have some deciduous trees that change color and lose leaves in the fall, the transformation is not as dramatic as in more temperate regions.
The variation in fall color year to year is influenced by factors like rainfall, drought cycles, nutrient levels, and temperature fluctuations.
Does Florida have sweater weather?
Yes, Florida definitely has days you can wear a sweater.
And, the farther north you travel in Florida, the more often you’ll get to wear your favorite sweater.
As you can see below, Jacksonville has at least 16 days each month between November and February where temperatures reach under 70 degrees.
Hot chocolate anyone???
Most Floridians break out their sweaters in the evenings and early mornings when it’s coolest.
But if you are visiting during this time of the year, daytime temperatures can reach over 80 degrees, so make sure to layer appropriately.
Number of Days Under 70°F in Florida Cities (September to March):
| City | September | October | November | December | January | February | March |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando | 1 | 4 | 9 | 14 | 16 | 11 | 6 |
| Miami | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 3 | 1 |
| Jacksonville | 6 | 11 | 16 | 20 | 21 | 16 | 9 |
Does Florida have four seasons?
No, Florida does not have four distinct seasons.
Florida experiences mild seasonal changes but lacks distinct four seasons like colder regions in the United States.
It has a subtropical climate, resulting in a warm and humid climate year-round.
While there are variations in temperature and precipitation, the differences between seasons are more subtle compared to areas with clear distinctions between spring, summer, fall, and winter.
The main three seasonal changes are Spring (March-April), Summer (June-August), and Fall (September-February).
Nearly every month in Florida will have temperatures that feel like summer in most areas of the country.
The main seasonal changes in Florida that occur are a drop in precipitation, a drop in 90 degree days, and a drop in humidity.
The most autumn-like weather will occur in Northern areas of Florida like Jacksonville, Gainesville, and Tallahassee.
Are there more hurricanes during the fall in Florida?
Yes, fall is part of the hurricane season in Florida, which officially runs from June 1st to November 30th.
While hurricanes can occur throughout this period, the peak of hurricane activity in Florida typically occurs from August to October.
