If you're planning a trip to Florida and want to save big, timing matters more than you think. The state gets over 130 million visitors a year, and prices swing wildly depending on when you show up. You can pay $800 for a week-long rental in December - or under $300 in September. It’s not magic. It’s simple supply and demand.
September is the cheapest month to travel to Florida
September is consistently the lowest-priced month for flights, hotels, and rentals across Florida. Why? Because it’s hurricane season. Not because it’s unsafe - but because most people avoid it. The odds of a direct hit on your vacation spot are low, but the fear drives prices down. Average hotel rates in Orlando drop 40% compared to July. In Tampa, you’ll find 2-bedroom condos for $75 a night, while the same place costs $220 in January.
Flights from the UK to Orlando or Miami drop to under £450 round-trip in September. That’s half what you’d pay in December. Airlines know people are hesitant, so they slash prices to fill seats. Car rentals follow the same pattern. You can rent a compact SUV for $25 a day in September. In March? $70.
Don’t let the word "hurricane" scare you. The National Hurricane Center says only about 1 in 5 Septembers sees a storm actually make landfall in Florida. Most storms form over the ocean and weaken before reaching shore. Even if one does come close, resorts and airports have emergency plans. You’ll likely just get a few rainy days - and a killer deal.
Why other months cost more
December through March is peak season. Everyone from Canadians to Brits flees the cold. Disney World fills up. Beachfront condos book out months ahead. Prices spike. A 3-bedroom villa in Kissimmee that costs $120 a night in August jumps to $350 in January. Flights from London to Fort Lauderdale hit £750+.
February is especially expensive. It’s school break time in the US and Europe. Families flood in. You’ll pay premium rates just to get a room. Even if you don’t care about Disney, the whole state raises prices because demand is so high.
April and May are the "shoulder months" - prices start rising again. The weather’s perfect, crowds thin out after Easter, but you’re paying for that sweet spot. You’ll still pay 20-30% more than in September.
What you save by traveling in September
Let’s say you’re a family of four planning a 7-day trip. Here’s the real cost difference:
- September: Round-trip flights (£1,400), rental home (£525), car rental (£175), groceries and gas (£200), park tickets (£400) = £2,700 total
- January: Round-trip flights (£2,800), rental home (£2,450), car rental (£490), groceries and gas (£200), park tickets (£400) = £6,340 total
You save over £3,600 by choosing September. That’s enough to add a day at Universal Studios, a private boat tour, or even upgrade to a beachfront condo.
And you’re not alone. Thousands of locals and budget-savvy travelers do this every year. They know the secret: Florida’s best weather isn’t in winter - it’s in late summer. September temps hover around 85°F (29°C), humidity drops after mid-month, and the ocean is still warm enough for swimming. The crowds? Gone. Lines at Disney? 10 minutes, not 90.
What to pack for September
Don’t assume September means rain every day. It usually means short afternoon thunderstorms - quick, heavy, and over by 5 p.m. Pack light, quick-dry clothes. Bring a compact umbrella or a hooded rain jacket. Sunscreen is still essential. UV levels stay high even when it’s cloudy.
Bring a waterproof phone case. You’ll want to snap pics at the beach, and a sudden downpour won’t ruin your phone. A small dry bag for your wallet and keys is a smart buy. Most resorts offer free beach towels, so skip the bulky ones.
Check the weather daily. Apps like the National Weather Service or Windy.com give accurate 24-hour forecasts. If a storm’s coming, reschedule your beach day - not your whole trip.
Where to go in September
Some places are better than others in September.
- Orlando: Best for theme parks. Fewer lines, lower hotel rates. Disney and Universal run normal hours, and staff are less stressed.
- Tampa: Great for families. Fewer tourists, great museums, and the aquarium is less crowded.
- Key West: Quieter than ever. You can walk down Duval Street without elbowing tourists. Boat tours to the coral reefs are cheaper and more personal.
- Fort Lauderdale: Beaches are empty. You’ll find local seafood shacks with fresh catch for $12. No long waits.
- St. Augustine: Historic charm without the crowds. The Castillo de San Marcos is peaceful. You can actually hear the guides.
Avoid the Panhandle (Panama City, Destin) in September. That area gets hit harder by storms. Stick to central and south Florida.
When to book
Don’t wait until August to book. Prices start dropping in early July, but the best deals vanish fast. Book your flights 6-8 weeks ahead. For rentals, aim for 4-6 weeks. Many properties offer early-bird discounts if you pay in full upfront.
Use Google Flights to track prices. Set alerts for Orlando (MCO) and Miami (MIA). You’ll often see price drops on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Avoid booking on weekends - that’s when demand spikes.
What you might miss
You won’t get the perfect beach day every time. But you’ll get something better: space. You can walk into a seafood restaurant and sit down without a 45-minute wait. You can ride Space Mountain at 10 a.m. and not wait in line. You can buy a souvenir at Disney without fighting a mob.
And here’s the real win: you’ll experience Florida the way locals do. Not as a tourist attraction - but as a place people actually live. The ice cream truck at the park. The guy selling fresh mangoes by the highway. The sunset over the Gulf without a dozen selfie sticks in your view.
Final tip: Travel insurance matters
Yes, you’re saving money. But you’re also taking a small risk. Buy travel insurance that covers weather delays and cancellations. Look for policies that include "cancel for any reason" - they cost a bit more, but they’re worth it. If a storm forces you to delay your trip, you won’t lose your money.
September isn’t the most glamorous time to visit Florida. But it’s the smartest. You get the same sun, the same beaches, the same magic - for less than half the price. And if you’re lucky, you’ll get a little extra: quiet mornings, friendly locals, and the feeling that you’ve found the real Florida.
Is September really safe to travel to Florida?
Yes. While September is hurricane season, most storms don’t make landfall where tourists go. The chance of a direct hit on Orlando, Tampa, or Miami is under 20% in any given year. Resorts and airports have evacuation plans, and most storms pass without major disruption. Check forecasts daily and book flexible travel insurance.
Are theme parks open in September?
Absolutely. Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld operate on normal schedules through September. In fact, wait times drop significantly. You’ll get to ride popular attractions faster, and staff are more relaxed. Some seasonal events even start in September, like Halloween decorations at Disney.
Is the ocean warm enough to swim in September?
Yes. Water temperatures in Florida average 82-86°F (28-30°C) in September - warmer than in July or August. The ocean is at its warmest this time of year. It’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just floating in the waves.
What’s the weather like in Florida in September?
Daytime highs are around 85-90°F (29-32°C), with high humidity early in the month. Afternoon thunderstorms are common but usually last less than an hour. By late September, humidity drops, skies clear, and evenings become more comfortable. Rain doesn’t mean all-day storms - it’s often just a quick shower.
Can I find good deals on flights from the UK?
Yes. Flights from London to Orlando or Miami drop to £400-£480 round-trip in September. Airlines like Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and TUI often have sales. Book early, avoid weekends, and use price trackers. You’ll pay half what you would in December.
Next steps: How to plan your trip
Start by picking your destination. Orlando for parks. Tampa for culture. Key West for beach vibes. Then check flight prices on Google Flights for dates between September 1-20. Look for rentals on Airbnb or Vrbo - filter for "no cleaning fee" and "free cancellation". Book your car rental through Costco or a local agency - they’re often cheaper than airport counters.
Set a budget. You can easily do a week in Florida for under £2,500 in September. That includes flights, lodging, food, and fun. Compare that to £6,000+ in peak season. The math is clear. Wait for September - your wallet will thank you.