Ashley Roberts, former Tampa Bay, Florida Police Captain is a Florida native and guest contributor. In the following article, Ashley Roberts discusses the changing Florida climate, and how Florida became the Sunshine State.
Florida has a mostly warm and humid climate due to its location in the southern United States. The state experiences a lot of sunshine and rainfall throughout the year with average temperatures ranging from the low 40s Fahrenheit in the winter to the high 90s in the summer. The state also experiences a fair number of hurricanes and tropical storms in the late summer months.
Although Florida isn't home to any mountain ranges, it does extend into the Caribbean, with one border touching the Gulf of Mexico and another border on the Atlantic Coast. Its general size and the microclimates of these two bodies of water do influence Florida's climate, with more northern territories experiencing nominally colder winters explains Ashley Roberts, former Tampa Bay, Florida Police Captain.
Average Temperatures in Florida Hot Summers, Mild Winters, and Short Springs and Falls
Florida didn't get its nickname, "The Sunshine State" for nothing. The state generally experiences warm weather year-round with some variability depending on which part of the state you're in. The northernmost areas of Florida, which are closer to the Georgia border, can have temperatures that dip into the low 40s Fahrenheit in the winter. However, Ashley Roberts, former Tampa Bay, Florida Police Captain says that this is still considered fairly mild when compared to temperatures in states further north.
The average summer temperature in Florida is about 91 degrees Fahrenheit, although it can get much hotter in certain parts of the state, particularly the southern regions which are closer to the equator. The state experiences a fair amount of rainfall throughout the year, which adds humidity to the already warm air and can make summers feel even hotter.
Visitors Should Be Cautious During Hurricane Season
Ashley Roberts, former Tampa Bay, Florida Police Captain states that because of its location at the cross-point of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Florida is vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms. Hurricane season officially runs from June 1st to November 30th, although storms can happen outside of this time frame. The peak of hurricane season is typically in late August and early September.
Ashley Roberts, former Tampa Bay, Florida Police Captain says that tourists planning to visit Florida during hurricane season should be aware of the potential risk of storms and have a plan in place in the event that one occurs. The best way to stay safe is to monitor the weather forecasts and to evacuate if an evacuation order is issued for the local area. In general, inland areas are usually safe but tourists residing on the coasts should move to safety.
When to Catch a Beautiful Florida Sunset
Florida is known for its beautiful sunsets, which can be enjoyed year-round. However, the best time to catch a sunset is typically in the late summer or early fall months when the air is clear and there is less chance for rain. At this time, the sun usually sets around 7:00 PM.
Ashley Roberts, former Tampa Bay, Florida Police Captain reports that since the state experiences a fair amount of rainfall throughout the year, it can sometimes be hard to time a perfect sunset. Visitors hoping to photograph the evening sky should plan ahead to capture a clear view. Alternatively, capturing a winter sunset can be just as stunning with the added bonus of cooler temperatures.
Star Visibility in Florida
Although Florida is home to several major cities, including Miami, Jacksonville, and Orlando, it is still possible to see stars at night. Ashley Roberts, former Tampa Bay, Florida Police Captain says that the trick is to go when the atmosphere is a little clearer and there are fewer tourists throughout the state. So, the best time to see stars in Florida is during the winter months when there is less humidity in the air.
The state experiences a fair amount of light pollution, but there are still some areas where the night sky is visible. The further away from city lights, the better the visibility will be. For example, the Space Coast region, which is home to the Kennedy Space Center, is a great place to stargaze. Alternatively, hiking out into the Everglades or the Big Cypress National Preserve can also offer clear views of the night sky.
Final Thoughts on Florida's Climate
Ashley Roberts, former Tampa Bay, Florida Police Captain says that Florida certainly lives up to its reputation and nickname as "The Sunshine State." The state experiences warm and humid weather year-round with some variability depending on which part of the state you're in. However, visitors should be aware of the potential for hurricanes and tropical storms during the late summer months.
