30 Easy Ways to Survive the Florida Heat in 2024

You maybe wondering, just how bad is the summer heat in Florida?

Well, the Florida heat is unlike no other state in America, especially during the peak months of the sunny season.

If you’re a resident of an area that experiences all four seasons with mild summers, then you will definitely be taken aback by the hot, humid, indescribable weather that Florida is known for.

When you add:

FLORIDA SUMMER + THEME PARKS + CROWDS = FRUSTRATION!

So I’m here to help you manage your times outdoors whether it be at the beach, at a cookout or even at a theme park.

Jupiter Beach Florida Splashing Rocks. Keep reading to get the best ways to beat the summer Florida heat.
Jupiter, Florida

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When does summer start in Florida?

Summer technically starts in the middle of June, but you can feel the approaching heat as early as late April.

When does summer end in Florida?

Summer in Florida is supposed to end in mid-September, but I disagree.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Disney's Magic Kingdom Theme Park Main Street USA Scarecrows with Cinderella Castle. Keep reading to get the best ways to beat the Disney heat.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Disney’s Magic Kingdom in the Fall

The heat of Florida feels as if it peaks in September with the temperatures feeling much better towards the end of October.

Recommended: 1 Day in Orlando Itinerary: What Should I Do That’s NOT Theme Parks?

30 Tips to Dealing with the Florida Heat at Theme Parks

Now I want to give you the best ways to stay cool during your Florida visit with things I have done over the years as a Floridian.

1. Hydration

You need water to survive since it helps your organs, your cells, and your body work properly.

Each day you should be drinking at least six 8-ounce glasses of water and even more during the Florida summer months.

Water bottles at Universal Studios Theme Park. Keep reading to get the best ways to beat the summer Florida heat.

If you’re out in the theme parks, it’s important that you know what the symptoms of dehydration are:

  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Extreme thirst
  • Headache
  • Very little urine or dark urine
  • Fatigue

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2. Bring Lots of Water

You will want to bring at least two bottles of water for each person in your group.

Water bottles gathered together. Keep reading to get the best ways to beat the summer Florida heat.

However, if that’s way too many bottles, then consider purchasing a water bottle that has a built-in filter.

Water bottle with built in filter on Amazon. One of the best ways to beat the Florida heat.

This way you can use the water from the fountains in the area and know that it will be filtered.

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3. Bring Sunscreen

You will want to have a good sunscreen in your theme park bag or your suitcase for Florida in order to protect your skin from the harsh Florida sun?

Discovery-Cove-Animal-Friendly-Sunscreen-SPF-30-dispensers. Keep reading to get the best ways to beat the summer Florida heat.

Why is sunscreen important?

Sunscreen acts as a blocker to the UV rays released by the sun.

Sunscreen products sitting on a deck in the Florida summer heat.

When you visit Florida, you’ll notice that we have more sunshine filled days than most of the states in the country.

When choosing a sunscreen, you want to find one that is at least a broad spectrum with 15 SPF (use 30 SPF for your day at the theme park).

Wave pool at Blizzard Beach Water Park. Keep reading to get the best ways to beat the Disney heat.
Wave pool at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park. This is a great way to beat the Disney heat.

This will help reduce your risk of cancerous skin cells and help prevent the premature aging of your skin.

Hipster Power Tip: Apply your sunscreen 30-minutes before starting your day at one of the Florida theme parks like Walt Disney World.

4. Buy a Water Mist Fan

These little fans are crucial and a must have for anyone trying to brave the Florida heat in the summertime.

Purple water mist fan. A great way to beat the summer Florida heat.

You will see that they are highly priced throughout the Florida theme parks, so you’ll want to buy yours before you get there from a place like Amazon.

Recommended: When Is the Best Time to Travel to Orlando? Everything You Must Know for an Amazing Trip!

5. Check the Weather Temperature Before Your Theme Park Visit

It’s not enough to know if there’s going to be a monsoon during your visit to Florida, you want to check the weather to see what the temperature will be.

Thermometer getting hot so monitor the weather before your Florida trip. Keep reading to get the best ways to beat the summer Florida heat.

Not only knowing what time period during the day will host the highest temps, you’ll also want to know what the heat index is so that you can get a true ideal of what the outdoors will feel like.

This will help you determine what time to start your day and when to leave for a break to beat the Florida heat.

Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!

6. Wear Hat with Ventilation

You’ll want to choose a proper hat that not only protects the sun from your face, but also has ventilation in the back to help keep your head cool.

Castillo-de-San-Marcos-St.-Augustine-with-NikkyJ. Keep reading to get the best ways to beat the summer Florida heat.
Castille de San Marcos Fort in St. Augustine, Florida

Especially for summer in Florida.

Recommended: 15 Best Beaches in Florida for a Bachelorette Party

7. Bring UV Protective Sunglasses

When choosing glasses to help block the Florida sun, you’ll want to choose ones that have some type of UV ray protection. This is extremely important in protecting your eyes.

So, try to find a good pair on Amazon that you can have for a long time.

Recommended: 15 Fun Things to Do for Memorial Day Weekend in Florida

8. Take Frequent Breaks

You should be prepared to take frequent breaks in areas with air-conditioning (AC) especially if you’re at a Florida theme park.

Guardians of the Galaxy at Epcot Walt Disney World Resort Keep reading to get the best ways to beat the Disney heat.
NEW Guardians of the Galaxy at Epcot Walt Disney World Resort

A shady spot in the park will do, but the best option is to map out the attractions, restaurants and shops with AC at the location you’re visiting.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Disney's Magic Kingdom Theme Park Merchandise Button Shirt and Countdown Calendar. Keep reading to get the best ways to beat the Disney heat.
Magic Kingdom Store with Disney Halloween Merchandise

You should take your breaks once every hour during the peak of the Florida summer heat.

Check out my latest theme park adventures on Instagram TODAY!

9. Plan Out Your Longer Break

Another great tip to beat the Florida heat is to start your day early, leave midday from your destination to rest up at your hotel, and return in the evening.

Dolphin Resort Exterior at Walt Disney World. Keep reading to get the best ways to beat the Disney heat.

This will help ease the brunt of the summer weather.

10. Wear Light-Weight Clothing

You want to wear clothing that’s not too heavy such as a breathable t-shirt and shorts.

11. Bring a Small Fan

You can buy small portable fans from places like the Dollar Tree or Amazon.

You’ll also want to think about getting a clip on fan for the stroller just in case you bring the little ones.

Read Next: How to Find the BEST Vacation Home Rentals Near Disney World

1 2. Get Your Free Cup of Water or Ice

Remember that a free cup of ice and water is available at most quick service and restaurant locations in the Florida theme parks.

Free Water at Walt Disney World Epcot. Keep reading to get the best ways to beat the summer Florida heat.
Remember that you can get a free cup of tap water at Walt Disney World.

13. Avoid Alcoholic Beverages

When you combine alcohol with the Florida heat and humidity, you’re in for a miserable day that can possibly lead to dehydration, vomiting or alcohol poisoning.

Mediterranean Journey Cocktail Drink at Epcot. Keep reading to get the best ways to beat the summer Florida heat.
Mediterranean Journey at Epcot’s Spice Road Table

14. Eat Frozen Treats to Stay Cool

Enjoy some of your favorite Disney, Universal and other Florida frozen treats such as Mickey Mouse ice-cream bar, butterbeer ice-cream or a Dole Whip.

Butterbeer icecream at Universal Studios. A good way to beat the Florida heat.
Butterbeer Ice Cream in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

15. Listen to Your Body

If you feel like the Florida summer heat is getting to you, then stop whatever you’re doing a take a break!

Universal Orlando Resort Volcano Bay Puihi of the Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides. Keep reading to get the best ways to beat the summer Florida heat.
Volcano Bay Water Theme Park

You can do this by finding a cool area, gulping down a liter of water, cooling yourself off with a fan and staying in that area for 45-minutes to an hour.

REST spelled out on the sand. Keep reading to get the best ways to beat the summer Florida heat.

Above all, just listen to your body!

Hipster Power: Most theme parks have a first-aid center that will help you recover if you find yourself feeling ill.

16. Get Refreshed in a Splash Zone

You can find splash zones in popular Orlando theme parks or the Florida parks where you let loose and cool yourself off in your own watery adventure.

Splash zone area with water coming up out of the ground in the summer of Florida. Keep reading to get the best ways to beat the summer Florida heat.

17. Run Cold Water On Finger Tips

This is my own little theme park hack that l like to use during those hot summer days in Florida.

A water fountain to run on your fingertips. A top tip for beating the theme park heat in Florida.

Running cold water under your finger tips really does cool your body down.

It won’t be a miraculous cool down, but it does help you feel a little bit better.

Recommended: 25 Fun and Free Things to Do in Tampa, Florida TODAY!

18. Pack Wipes

I good idea for you is to pack frozen Wet Wipes or small towels and keep them cool in small lunch bag that has an ice-pack.

Lady using water wipes for travel. Keep reading to get the best ways to beat the summer Florida heat.

You can later pull them out and place them on your forehead.

Don’t forget to check out the cooling towels that can be placed on multiple areas of your body to keep you cool.

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19. Wear an Under Shirt

If you can wear a thin undershirt, it can help absorb some of your excess sweat.

20. Avoid the Most Dangerous UV Rays

Remember the most significant amount of dangerous UVB rays occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Jupiter Beach Florida Splashing Rocks. Keep reading to get the best ways to beat the summer Florida heat.

21. Avoid Caffeine

I know I’m speaking blasphemy to all my coffee, tea, and soda lovers.

Too much caffeine can make you have to urinate more which can end up dehydrating you, if you are not balancing it out with drinking more water.

22. Conquer the Water Rides and Water Parks

This is perhaps the most fun way to cool off from the Florida heat in the summertime.

Just pack an extra shirt and shorts if you’re not a fan of walking around the theme park wet.

23. Hunt for Shade

Watch theme park vlogs or review the park maps for shaded areas which are usually denoted by the greenery patches on the map.

Universal Orlando Resort Volcano Bay Lounge chair area. Keep reading to get the best ways to beat the summer Florida heat.

Also, if you’re at a Florida beach, be sure to bring an umbrella to help block the sun or just rent a cabana like area on the beach.

Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide

24. Locate the Water Mist Sprayers

These are great for a quick cool down on your trip.

You can usually find them throughout the Florida theme parks especially in the lines for the attractions.

25. Add More Indoor Attractions to Your Park Plan

As mentioned earlier, you’ll want add more AC breaks to your day. You can do this by finding attractions that are indoor like Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom.

Find the theme park map you need and make a list of all the indoor rides and attractions.

Universal Orlando Resort Men in Black Immigration Tour at Universal Studios Florida. Keep reading to get the best ways to beat the summer Florida heat.
Men in Black Ride at Universal Studios Florida

You can then create an itinerary where each indoor experience is spread out perfectly for your day.

26. Cool Off Your Pulse Points

Apply ice pack, cool Wet Wipes or cold compresses to pulse points to keep your body cool.

Your pulse points include the:

  • Wrists
  • Elbows
  • Ankles
  • Neck
  • Behind the knees

Ready to start planning your next Disney World vacation? Listen to the latest podcast episode on Apple or on your non-Apple device now!

27. Eat Light Foods High In Water

These types of food include veggies and fruits that you can find in salads or fruit cups on your Florida vacation.

Universal Orlando Resort Cafe La Bamba at Universal Studios Pineapple and Watermelon Fruit Cups. Keep reading to get the best ways to beat the summer Florida heat.

Watermelons, cucumbers and other melons are really good at hydrating you!

28. Watch For Signs Of Heat-Related Illnesses

It’s important to know the signs of heat-related illnesses.

Flume Water Ride at Islands of Adventure

Heat Stroke

A Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It happens when your body builds up heat and can’t cool down. HEAT STROKE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

The symptoms include:

  • Confusion
  • Fainting
  • Seizures
  • Extremely high body temperature
  • Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating

Heat Exhaustion

A Heat exhaustion is when your body loses too much water and salt through sweating.

Symptoms include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Thirst
  • Heavy sweating
  • Cold, damp skin that’s slimy to the touch
  • Irritable or confused
  • Weak pulse

Heat fatigue, heat cramps, and heat rash are less serious, but are also signs of over exposure to heat.

Recommended: When Is the Best Time to Travel to Orlando? Everything You Must Know for an Amazing Trip!

29. Pack an Umbrella

Bring a UV protective umbrella which can be used to block both the sun and rain 🙂

UV Umbrella on Amazon. One of the best ways to beat the Florida summer theme park heat.

30. Wear Clothing to Block the Sun

There is something called UPF clothing.

These are clothing that are actually sun protective and a company called Cool Bar produces UV ray protective clothing which is absolutely amazing!

Coolibar UPF 50+ Women's Heyday Side Split Shirt - Sun Protective. One of the best ways to beat the Florida heat.
Get thisUPF 50+ Shirt on Amazon TODAY!

If you want that extra layer of protective clothing that is also breathable, then the UPF clothing is something that you’re definitely going to want to look into for your trip.

For a no obligation, FREE Universal Vacation Quote, you can fill out the form with The Park Prodigy by Clicking HERE!

My Final Thoughts on Beating the Florida Heat

You’re now loaded with all of the tips to surviving your summer vacation here in the Florida heat.

They can even help you at any outdoor event that you may visit during the sunshine season.

Travel Guide to surviving the summer Florida heat and Disney heat.
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Let me know which tip was your favorite in the comments section below!

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

Hoop Dee Doo Revue NikkyJ Dinner Show Disney World. Author bio of theme park expert Nikida Metellus.

About the Author

My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!

Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.

Connect with me on Instagram!

UP NEXT: 13 Spectacular Water Theme Park Tips to Make Your Trip Amazing

(Original Article Date: June 20, 2016/Updated August 6, 2023)

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