Brace yourself — Florida’s summer heat has already arrived ahead of both the unofficial and official start of the season.
High temperatures are expected from May 18 through May 22, especially for Florida, south Texas and stretching into southern Georgia, according to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.
And we’re certainly not getting a break anytime soon. This six- to 10-day forecast aligns with earlier predictions from the Old Farmer’s Almanac, which forecast summer 2025 “is shaping up to be a doozy!” Its prediction said Florida is expected to be hot and dry this summer, although South Florida could see cooler, rainy conditions.
For those heading to Florida’s theme parks in the upcoming months, here’s how you can survive the brutal summer weather.
What is the busiest time for Florida theme parks?
Honestly, when are the theme parks not busy?
However, the peak season for Florida’s theme parks is considered March until August, which includes spring break, summer vacation, and holidays.
Who is most at risk for extreme heat?
According to a new report from the nonprofit Florida Policy Institute, Florida has the highest number of heat-related illnesses in the nation.
The Sunshine State saw 31,011 emergency room visits and hospitalizations between 2018 and 2022, based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People more at risk from extreme heat include:
And don’t forget any furry friends, who don’t like the heat any more than you do and have fewer ways to cool off.
How do I keep cool at theme parks?
Don’t let the heat and humidity keep you away from the fun of Florida theme parks. Here are eight tips about staying cool, even in Florida temperatures:
Check the weather before you leave for theme parks
Before you even head out for your theme park trip, look at weather reports for the entire day to prepare properly. Is it going to rain later? Bring an umbrella. Is the temperature going to rise significantly? Pack extra water bottles and wear the right clothing.
Be aware that weather can easily change throughout the day and differ slightly from reports in the early morning. Pack accordingly for your trip.
Avoid going to theme parks during the middle part of the day
Avoid being in the theme park in the middle of the day as temperatures peak mid-day and theme parks are typically at their busiest.
If possible, try getting to the park early, then take a mid-day break and come back in the evening when temperatures drop again.
Stay indoors and seek an air-conditioned building, if possible
While most sections of theme parks are outdoors, try to spend as much time indoors and in a/c as possible.
This can mean exploring the stores a little more, enjoying a treat at a café or attending some of the shows.
Stay hydrated as much as possible
This may seem obvious, but drinking water is crucial to staying cool in Florida. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water.
If you don’t want to constantly pay for bottled water, utilize the theme park water fountains to fill up a reusable water bottle.
Avoid alcoholic, sugary or caffeinated drinks, which can be dehydrating, as tempting as they might be.
Dress in light, comfy clothing
Stick to light colors and materials. As much as you might look good in dark clothing, you’ll regret it when it absorbs the intense power of the Florida sun.
You should also dress light, avoiding long sleeves and pants if possible. For bonus points, bring a hat to protect your face and scalp from the sun.
Take longer and more frequent breaks
When you do find yourself getting overheated and overwhelmed, listen to your body. Take breaks whenever you need it.
Map out the best places to take a break at the parks.
Florida theme parks, such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld, have maps of their parks posted online. You can use these maps to figure out which areas are shaded or air-conditioned.
Recognize the signs of heat exhaustion, heat stroke
The initial signs of heat-related illness are muscle cramps and thirst, according to the National Weather Service. This can progress to heat exhaustion, which symptoms look like:
“If you’re experiencing heat exhaustion for an extended period of time, it can lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke can come on quickly if it’s very hot or you’re overexerting yourself,” Healthline said.
According to the CDC, heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. The symptoms of heat stroke include:
Seek out first aid stations inside the theme parks if needed
Do not hesitate to look at park maps for first aid stations in case you get overheated or notice signs of heat-related illness.
Contributing: Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Florida Network
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida’s summer heat is already here. Here’s how to survive at theme parks when it’s really hot
Reporting by Samantha Neely, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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