👉 Jump to: Best Time to Visit in Jacksonville | Jacksonville By Month | Weather & Climate | Tips | FAQ
February, March, and April are the best times to visit Jacksonville for pleasant weather and smaller crowds. These months have plenty to do without the simmering heat and bustle of the summer.
That said, there are attractions in Jacksonville available throughout the year. There are also unique activities available seasonally like Shipwreck Island Waterpark. Deciding when to visit the city is one of the most important parts of planning your trip alongside picking out where to stay in Jacksonville.
As a Jacksonville local, I’ve seen a lot of what Jacksonville has to offer in my years living here. The weather can be erratic, the crowds difficult, and the prices can fluctuate. With my experience in the city, I can guide you through all the factors to consider when picking the best time to visit Jacksonville.
Let’s break down all the nuances:
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Table of Contents
When is the Best Time to Visit Jacksonville?
The summertime is the most popular time to visit Jacksonville, and you’ll find plenty of activities then. But the spring and fall provide cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
However, there are a large number of events and activities in Jacksonville year-round. Everyone’s budget and preferences are different.
In this guide, I’ll tell you when to visit Jacksonville for weather, for visiting the Jacksonville beaches, for avoiding crowds, for the cheapest prices, and for families and kids.
Let’s get started!
When to Visit Jacksonville for Good Weather
Spring is the best time to visit for good weather. March and April typically sit between 60°F and 80°F. The sun is less intense and the rainfall isn’t as heavy as during the summer.
Both the beach and local trails are sunny and pleasant in the spring, and the water isn’t too cold. It’s the perfect time to experience all of Jacksonville with less heat, less humidity, and smaller crowds.
Fall is a good alternative for those with spring allergies. October through December have similar highs to March and April but can dip below 50°F.
👉 Pro Tip: Take a short trip to a spring or to explore the wildlife on a local nature trail if it’s a little too chilly out during the spring for you to hit the beaches. There are plenty of outdoor activities in Jacksonville besides the beaches.
When to Visit Jacksonville for Sunny Beach Days
Summer is the best time to visit for beach days, with spring as a close second. Surfing and fishing are at their best in the summer. However, the beaches and nearby attractions are at their busiest from May to August, and it’s incredibly hot and humid outside.
Try to visit Jacksonville and its beaches on a weekday rather than the weekend if you can. Avoiding the crowds can make for a much more peaceful and calming day.
Watch the weather during the summer, as storms are not uncommon.
When to Visit Jacksonville to Avoid Crowds
December through March is the best time to visit Jacksonville to avoid crowds. These months are less busy and often cheaper than visiting the rest of the year. Summer attractions aren’t all open, but the remaining ones are much quieter. The busy holiday-themed areas and winter attractions are easy to avoid.
Of course, some of Jacksonville has crowds almost the entire year. The beaches are almost always busy. Downtown often is crowded as well.
When to Visit Jacksonville for Cheap Prices
A winter visit to Jacksonville (from December to February) yields cooler average temperatures and lower flight and hotel rates. It’s not the sunny, warm Floridian vacation most people imagine. However, the beaches look just as beautiful. Winter is the perfect time to explore museums, nature, and local stores
When to Visit Jacksonville for Families and Kids
February through May is the best time to visit Jacksonville for families. You won’t have to worry about reapplying sunscreen every moment of the day. It’s less humid and less busy than the rest of the year.
The water at the beaches isn’t overly cold, and parks are comfortable and cozy during this time.
Attractions like Adventure Landing are available. Family-oriented museums like the Museum of Science and History offer lots to do indoors.
Jacksonville by Month
January–March
Jacksonville is coldest from December to February, averaging at around 60°F. By the end of February, the cold weather ends and the temperature is back into the 70°F and 80°F range. March is particularly nice, never getting too hot or too cold, and it is a little less humid than the summer months.
April–May
April through May is a good time to enjoy the last few weeks of uncrowded beaches. Average temperatures crawl back into the 80+°F region towards the end of May. You can generally expect a little less rainfall during these months.
June–August
Summer in Jacksonville is extremely hot and humid. However, there’s tons of fun to be had outdoors if you can handle the crowds. Be prepared to deal with gnats and mosquitoes, though, and particularly rude seagulls at the Jacksonville beaches.
Kids and families are out in droves during the summer. There’s always something to do at local parks or in trendy areas like Riverside. Some events are even year-round, like the Riverside Arts Market or the First Wednesday Art Walk Downtown. Though year-round, they’re sure to be busiest in the summer months.
September–October
Jacksonville is still relatively hot in September, with the average temperature around 83°F. Mid-October is when things start to cool. Halloween is in full swing in October, and businesses like Sweet Pete’s go all-out in decorating for the season.
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November–December
The temperatures are lower in Jacksonville come November. The average lows for November–December are 55°F and 49°F, respectively. The crowds are more sparse, except for the obvious and easily avoidable (if you so wish) holiday attractions.
The cooler weather conditions come November make it a great time to explore outdoors without worrying about the Florida heat.
Jacksonville Weather and Climate
Jacksonville has a typically hot climate like the rest of Northeast Florida. It doesn’t so much have seasons as it does modes: Hot and cool. Summer temperatures regularly approach 100°F. Winter can occasionally dip into the 20°F area, but is normally in the 40s.
August is the worst of the humidity, with January being the least humid month for the city.
👉 Need Help Planning? Just follow my 3 day pre-planned Jacksonville itinerary for the perfect trip.
Tips for Visiting Jacksonville.
Check the Weather
Rain and sun seem equally as likely in Jacksonville, and the weather can (and will) change at a moment’s notice. Make sure you check how the day is looking while making your plans.
Pack Sunscreen and Bug Spray
Both sunscreen and bug spray are necessities. Forgetting sunscreen on a beach day is a mistake I do my best not to make.
Avoid August
The high temperatures and humidity make August nigh-unbearable. Locals might be willing to test the waters, but anyone not used to the heat should try to avoid this month.
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FAQs About When to Visit Jacksonville
When is the high season in Jacksonville?
The high season in Jacksonville is June through August. This is peak travel time in the Jacksonville area. Summer crowds can be massive.
What is the best month to go to Jacksonville?
March is generally the best month to go to Jacksonville. March has the best weather and the most relaxed atmosphere. Most local attractions are open and available, so there’s nothing to miss.
What is the coldest month in Jacksonville?
The coldest month of the year in Jacksonville is January, with an average low of 46°F and a high of 65°F.
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I hope you found this guide to the best time to visit Jacksonville helpful. Be sure to check out my list of day trips from Jacksonville to find even more to explore on your vacation!
