Jacksonville, FL: When to Go and Weather

Weather: Jacksonville climate is classified as humid subtropical. The city is situated on the banks of the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, with the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Summers are sizzling hot, with temperatures pushing into the 90s in the afternoon, and winters are fairly comfortable, with temperatures in the 50s. Autumn, particularly August and September, can bring rain and wind related to tropical storms in the Atlantic.

Summer: The hottest month in Jacksonville is July, when highs climb into the 90s. The average temperature is 85 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 6 inches.

Fall: Hurricanes at sea affect fall weather in Jacksonville, though the city hasn't been directly hit in more than a century. Check the National Hurricane Center's website (www.nhc.noaa.gov) for more details. The average temperature is 68 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 5.2 inches.

Winter: Jacksonville weather is mild in winter, but lows drop down into the 40s overnight in January. The average temperature is 58 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 3.2 inches.

Spring: April, May, and early June are temperate and often sunny in Jacksonville. This is an excellent time for sightseeing because outdoor weather is so fair. The average temperature is 75 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 4 inches.

For local weather reports, try www.news4jax.com.

When to Go: Peak Season
Summertime is peak season in Jacksonville. But July and August aren't necessarily the best times to visit: the temperatures are often uncomfortably hot and hotels and resorts may be filled to capacity. Highs rise into the 90s several days of the week, and thunder clouds roll in nearly every afternoon, breaking up the heat for a little while. Once the sun is down, visitors can enjoy the outdoor weather a bit more, and the Jacksonville Riverwalks and Landing come alive with pedestrian traffic and tourists in pursuit of an al fresco dinner table. Children and families can cool off at Jacksonville Beach and the Shipwreck Island water park.

When to Go: Off Season
Jacksonville is quieter during winter, but the off season is an excellent time for sightseeing. Attractions like the Museum of Science & History and the Alexander Brest Planetarium are interesting for all ages, and crowds are minimal: you're more likely to run into local students than tourists. Jacksonville weather brings dry, crisp days and chilly nights in winter; hotel rates are lower than usual and the Riverwalks are calm and ideal for an afternoon stroll. The temperatures do fall below freezing from time to time, so travelers should be prepared for a wide range of weather, but precipitation is infrequent.

When to Go: Shoulder Season
Jacksonville weather is moderately sunny in spring and occasionally stormy in fall. These shoulder seasons see plenty of visiting weekenders but fewer vacationing families, but the cooler temperatures (in the 70s or 80s) are often more pleasant for outdoor activities. March and April are particularly nice here, as they're devoid of major crowds - it's an ideal time to visit the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, as the crowds are smaller and the flowers are blooming. In August, September, October, and November, the threat of windy and rainy weather related to tropical storms can pose a problem for vacationers, so travelers should check a detailed weather forecast before heading to the area.

• Wed

   

  Scattered Showers

  61  54

• Thu

   

  Partly Cloudy

  70  45

• Fri

   

  Sunny

  62  43

• Sat

   

  Partly Cloudy

  65  49

• Sun

   

  Partly Cloudy

  72  58

• Mon

   

  Cloudy

  75  62

• Tue

   

  Scattered Thunder- storms

  70  56

Get more information on Jacksonville weather.