Best Time to Visit Jacksonville, FL, for Weather, Prices, and Crowds

11 min read

Destguides may receive commissions from purchases made through affiliate links in this article.

A bridge spanning a river with buildings in the background
Jacksonville is a great destination with something to offer during every season

Jacksonville, located along Florida's northeastern coast, is one of the state's most visited destinations. It's the most populous city in Florida and, by landmass, the largest city within the contiguous United States.

There's a lot to see and do in Jacksonville, and proper planning is the key to getting the most from your vacation. In addition, some months are far more enjoyable than others. Deciding on the best time to visit Jacksonville, Florida, can make or break your trip before you even set foot in the Sunshine State.

When can you expect blue, sunny skies, and when should you be prepared for daily showers? Which months have crowded beaches and high accommodation rates? And which times offer a more affordable visit at budget-friendly prices?

To answer all these questions and more, keep reading for a wealth of information on when to plan your perfect trip to Jacksonville, FL!

Organizing a last-minute visit to Jacksonville?

To make the most of your visit to Jacksonville, we recommend you book accommodations and experiences soon. Below are some top recommendations to get you started.

🏨 Top accommodations in Jacksonville

☂️ Top tours and experiences in Jacksonville

Best Time to Go to Jacksonville Florida

Jacksonville Best Time to Visit Tips Video

Check out our highlights video of Jacksonville best time to visit tips.

Jacksonville Vacation Planning Questions

A body of water lined by a walkway, with buildings in the distance
There are many things to consider when you're planning a vacation to Jacksonville, FL
A red lifeguard seat alongside the sea and a jetty in the distance
If you're planning on going to the beach in Jacksonville, opt for an October visit

When is the best time to visit Jacksonville, FL?

The ideal time to visit Jacksonville, FL, will be in the spring (March to June) for most travelers. Throughout April, the temperatures approach 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and rainfall is at its lowest point in the season.

Try to stick to the middle of spring, particularly April and May, to enjoy the best weather conditions. Winter (December to March) weather can sometimes linger through to March, with chilly temperatures keeping visitors off the beach. In addition, the rainy season is in full swing by June, with showers commonplace most afternoons.

The fall months of October and November are also great times to visit for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. If you're eyeing the beach, however, opt for October.

A winged statue on an orb on a concrete pedestal next to a blue sky with some clouds
Winter weather remains warm, making visiting attractions like Memorial Park pleasant

What is the average temperature in Jacksonville, FL?

The spring (March to June) and fall (September to December) months stay temperate, with average daily highs from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and average lows from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

During the summer (June to September), you can expect 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit heat most days. Additionally, be warned that summer is the city's rainy season when the humidity makes for uncomfortable outdoor conditions.

Winter (December to March) temperatures remain comfortable, averaging 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the occasional winter storm can bring far colder weather, with visitors experiencing a few winter evenings below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in December and January.

A wooden walkway with a body of water on one side and trees and grass on the other
You can find many cheap hotels around the Jacksonville Riverwalk area

What are the cheapest hotels in Jacksonville, FL?

Most people coming to the region will want to stay in either Downtown Jacksonville, or the coastal area around Jacksonville Beach referred to as 'The Beaches.'

Although there are a few big-name hotels around the Downtown Riverwalk area, staying at the Marriott Jacksonville Downtown is usually the cheapest and most recommended option.

Visitors planning to stay near the beach should check out Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach. The property, completed in 2021, offers a terrific beach vacation experience at competitive prices for the area.

In general, October is the best month to visit Jacksonville for a good combination of pleasant weather and cheap hotel rates.

The ocean next to a beach and beachside apartment blocks
Those planning a beach vacation will find affordable motels near the coast

What are the cheapest motels in Jacksonville, FL?

As the most expansive city in the United States, there are plenty of cheap motels in Jacksonville, FL. Still, most visitors center their trip around the Downtown Riverwalk area or along The Beaches.

Visitors opting for a relaxing beach vacation will usually stay on the coast. Snagging a room at the Best Western Oceanfront is one of the cheapest options.

If you're planning to visit different areas of Jacksonville and the surrounding cities, a more central downtown location makes for a good base. Booking at the Hampton Inn Jacksonville I-95 Central around I-95 is one of the best choices.

James R. Martin/Shutterstock.com
A large, white airplane on the runway
The only major airport near Jacksonville is Jacksonville International Airport

What are the airports near Jacksonville, FL?

Nearly all travelers flying to the area will fly into Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) as it's the only major airport near Jacksonville, FL. Jacksonville International Airport is on the northern outskirts of the city.

Most big US airlines, like Delta and American Airlines, fly to this airport, and flights arriving from major cities, like Chicago, Atlanta, and New York City, occur daily. From JAX, it's around 15 miles to downtown by car, and Jacksonville Beach is just under 30 miles away.

RozenskiP/Shutterstock.com
The best time to visit Jacksonville, Florida, on a budget is in January or February
If you're on a budget, the best time to visit Jacksonville, Florida, is in the winter

What is the cheapest way to get to Jacksonville, FL?

Travelers hunting for the cheapest way to get to Jacksonville, FL, should plan their visit for January or February. If you're on a budget, this is the best time of year to visit Jacksonville. Flight prices are reduced, and hotel rates are among the lowest of the year.

Since Jacksonville is such a large city and many visitors will need a vehicle to get around, some choose to drive rather than fly. Driving may be a practical option if you live within the surrounding states, but with reasonable flight prices to the city, most travelers prefer to fly into Jacksonville International Airport.

Weather, Prices, and Crowds in Jacksonville

Felix Mizioznikov/Shutterstock.com
A body of water next to large buildings under a blue sky with clouds
Consider weather, prices, and crowds when planning a visit to Jacksonville

Jacksonville in January

January is a great time to visit Jacksonville if you're trying to escape cold winter (December to March) weather at home. It may feel cold to the locals, but tourists often wear shorts and t-shirts, enjoying average daily highs of around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rain is infrequent in Jacksonville in January, but seasonal cold fronts can bring storms, and nighttime weather sometimes drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

While visitors can enjoy the beach in winter, January is ideal for indoor activities like attending the long-running Jacksonville Boat Show or going on a minibus tour of nearby Amelia Island.

Jacksonville in February

Jacksonville weather begins to warm up in February as the average high reaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the month. Cold weather is on the way out, although evening temperatures remain around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Additionally, the water temperature is still too chilly for swimming, but Jacksonville Beach comes alive every February for the Community First Seawalk Music Festival. The annual event at the Seawalk Pavilion offers free admission and a lineup featuring local and national artists.

Because February is still in the middle of Jacksonville's off-season, crowd levels are low, and hotel rates are at rock bottom.

Jacksonville in March

March is the best time to travel to Jacksonville if you want to visit ahead of the weather warming up as spring (March to June) gets into full swing. In March, the average highs span from 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, although late winter weather can bring a few chilly days early in the month.

Rain, while slightly more likely than in February, is a far cry from the rainy season, which begins in June. You'll also find reasonable crowd levels during this period.

Are you traveling to Jacksonville with children in March? Then, take advantage of the Jacksonville Science Festival. Held every March, the event promotes scientific learning and STEM-based career paths to students in grades K-12.

Jacksonville in April

Savvy travelers consider April one of the best months to visit Jacksonville. Rain is uncommon, and temperatures hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit most days.

People are beginning to flock to the beach, although the water temperature remains a little too cold for many swimmers. Despite swimming conditions not being optimal, sunny skies and a cool breeze make this the perfect month for soaking up some rays.

Outdoor activities are popular in April, as travelers make the most of the weather before higher temperatures and increased rainfall appear in late May. For example, it's the perfect time of year to experience a kayak tour around Old Florida!

Jacksonville in May

May is a great time to visit Jacksonville before the tourist season begins in full force in June. Prices remain low, and crowds around the area, especially on the four main beaches, are far smaller than in the following months.

Expect some days to reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit, especially toward the end of the month. Rainfall also picks up in the last week or two as the local rainy season approaches.

Most visitors will find early May the most enjoyable time for their vacation. However, those traveling towards the end of the month can experience the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, a multi-day event with a lineup boasting some of the genre's best performers.

Jacksonville in June

June marks the beginning of Jacksonville's rainy and tourist seasons, with many families traveling to the area once the school year wraps up.

Jacksonville experiences its second-highest level of rainfall during June, and average daily highs span from 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Showers are common in the afternoon, with many visitors starting their days early to avoid the humid heat.

Early June is the best time to visit Jacksonville for families whose vacation is limited to the summer (June to September). Traveling early in the month means avoiding the worst of the heat, rain, and crowds, making outdoor activities like taking a CraigCat boat tour of nearby Amelia Island far more enjoyable.

Jacksonville in July

July is an excellent time to visit Jacksonville if you plan to spend most of your time on the beach. The weather is hot, with most days reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above.

While great for working on your tan, July can be a little warm for outdoor activities away from the water. Afternoon showers should be expected more days than not, perfect for taking a short nap before the storms clear up by the evening.

With the warm and humid July weather, exploring the city on foot can be uncomfortable. That's why many visitors opt to take a guided electric bike tour through the city's historic areas along the St. John's River.

Jacksonville in August

Like the rest of the summer (June to September), Jacksonville is humid and hot in August. The beaches remain popular this month as the cooling sea breeze staves off the oppressive weather.

The average daily temperature remains around 90 degrees Fahrenheit in August, with nightly lows averaging 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain is still a regular occurrence as Jacksonville's wet season continues through August and to the end of September.

If you're planning to visit Jacksonville in August and want something to do besides the beach, consider visiting indoor attractions like the Crummer Museum of Art or the Museum of Science and History (MOSH).

Jacksonville in September

The heat begins to give way to cooler temperatures at the end of the month. The busy summer (June to September) travel season is also winding down, with crowd levels and prices falling quickly after the Labor Day holiday.

If visiting during this time, pack a rain jacket as it's still the rainy season, with September seeing the highest average annual rainfall.

However, despite the showers, many travelers consider September the best time to visit Jacksonville. You can enjoy the end-of-summer ambiance with fewer crowds and better prices than during the preceding months.

Jacksonville in October

Spring (March to June) is generally regarded as the best time for visiting Jacksonville, but those that want to travel toward the end of the year are wise to aim for October. This is because most summer crowds are gone, and the weather conditions are pleasant.

In addition, the rainy season is finally over, although early October still sees some showers. The temperature also becomes more comfortable as the month progresses. Highs around 85 degrees Fahrenheit in early October give way to cooler temperatures of around 75 degrees Fahrenheit by Halloween.

Jacksonville's beaches are still pleasant during October, but the weather is conducive to other outdoor activities. There's hardly a better time of the year to get outside and check out some of the famous Florida landmarks in the area, including the nearby historic city of Saint Augustine.

Jacksonville in November

November is a great month to visit for those that want to see all of Jacksonville's attractions, from its bustling Riverwalk to the picturesque Amelia Island. The weather is beginning to cool off in anticipation of the coming winter (December to March), with daily highs ranging from 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Additionally, rain is unlikely to interfere with your Jacksonville vacation in November. The city experiences around two inches of rainfall on average, making November the driest month in Jacksonville.

Notably, a local favorite, the annual Jacksonville Greek Festival, is held each November at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church. Situated halfway between downtown Jacksonville and the four main beaches, the event is conveniently accessible for most visitors.

Jacksonville in December

Jacksonville offers a comfortable retreat from the cold winter (December to March) felt elsewhere in the US in December. Average daily highs in the city remain between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, nighttime temperatures can drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack a coat for the evenings.

Although some festivities begin around Thanksgiving, December is the best month to visit Jacksonville to see the area's holiday displays and light shows. Jacksonville's most prominent holiday celebration is the Winter on the Water festival, which features various holiday events throughout the city for all ages.

In Summary

If you've been wondering when to visit Jacksonville, this article should have given you an idea of the best time to visit for your needs!

For beach-goers, the best time to visit is in May or October. These months are when you'll enjoy pleasant weather along the coast without the hassle of the crowds found during the peak summer (June to September) months.

Visitors that want to experience Jacksonville's history, architecture, and natural beauty will find the best weather and hotel rates in April or November. December through March can also be enjoyable, although the temperature might be too chilly for some outdoor activities.

The summer is the most popular time for families to visit the area. However, this period brings high crowd levels, peak prices, and near-daily rain showers.

Despite variations in crowd levels, weather, and costs, you're guaranteed an amazing vacation whenever you visit Jacksonville. Now, all that's left to do is plan your trip!

Give us feedback about this article

Written by Jonathan Davis

JDavis WRITER Jonathan is a Florida-based travel writer who can't seem to stay in one place for long. With more than two decades of trips under his belt, Jonathan has a wealth of information to share about travel within the United States and abroad.

Want to keep exploring?

Subscribe for discounts on tickets and hotels and our latest guides.

Thank you for subscribing

We will be in touch soon with discounts on tickets and hotels and our latest guides.

Want to keep exploring?

Subscribe for discounts on tickets and hotels and our latest guides.

Thank you for subscribing

We will be in touch soon with discounts on tickets and hotels and our latest guides.

Want to keep exploring?

Subscribe for discounts on tickets and hotels and our latest guides.

By entering your email address you agree to our terms and conditions, Privacy policy, and consent to receive emails.