Orlando Weather and Packing

What the months feel like

January can be cold, February warmer, and March often feels perfect. April and May become progressively hotter. August is hot, hot, hot. September is sticky, rainy and still firmly tropical. October can remain hot, while November is another favourite and December begins to cool.

The humidity is no joke, but Orlando is built for heat, with powerful air conditioning, indoor attractions and shade. A UK heatwave can feel worse because our buildings are less prepared. Direct Florida sunshine is the moment you really notice the intensity.

Pack for several seasons

Summer clothes work for much of the year, but January, February and cooler winter evenings need jeans, a jumper and a proper jacket. In summer, choose breathable clothing, quick-drying fabrics and a thin layer for cold air conditioning. Evenings can turn chilly, so our number-one packing reminder is simple: bring a jacket.

Storms and hurricanes

Afternoon storms arrive quickly and can be torrential, but the ground and your clothing may dry quickly afterward. Go inside when thunder begins and avoid driving in the worst rain if possible. Hurricane season runs from June to November. Most trips are unaffected, but hurricanes are not “just rain”: they can cause tornadoes, flooding, damaging winds, closures and travel disruption. Follow official warnings, charge devices, keep water and essential medication available, and obey evacuation instructions.

Park clothes and footwear

Wear light trousers or shorts with a breathable top. Never try to break in new trainers during the holiday. Bring two comfortable pairs so one can dry while you wear the other, plus a nicer pair for dinners. Use blister plasters before known pressure points become painful, carry spare socks, use an anti-chafing stick and elevate tired feet at night.

Never visit withoutSunglasses, sunscreen, water and a light jacket. They solve four completely different Orlando problems.

Heat and sun

Use broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher and reapply as directed, especially after swimming or sweating. Drink before you feel thirsty, use electrolytes when appropriate and take indoor breaks during peak heat. A cooling towel or handheld fan can help, but it cannot replace shade, water and rest.

Babies and children

Pack breathable spare outfits, a sun hat, suitable sunscreen, familiar snacks, nappies, wipes, a changing mat, lightweight blanket, pushchair rain cover, safely enclosed pushchair fan, medication and a thermometer. Keep babies under six months out of direct sun as much as possible and ask a healthcare professional about sunscreen.

Medicines

We bring familiar basics such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, plasters and suitable diarrhoea relief. Keep prescriptions in original packaging and essential medicine in hand luggage. American brands and strengths can differ, so compare active ingredients carefully. Aspirin should not normally be given to under-16s unless prescribed, and diarrhoea medicines are not suitable in every situation.

Plugs and technology

The US uses different plugs and a lower voltage than the UK. A plug adaptor changes the shape, not the voltage. Check devices for “100–240V”. Our hair curlers failed because they were not suitable. A UK extension lead can reduce adaptors only for compatible low-powered electronics, not high-powered hair appliances.

Set up an eSIM, download maps and confirmations, bring USB-C and USB-A cables, and carry the power bank in hand luggage. Spare lithium batteries and power banks must not go in checked baggage.

Villa, pool and flight essentials

Villas may only provide starter quantities of toilet roll, bin bags, washing capsules and dishwasher tablets. Check before arrival. For water days, bring two swimsuits, water shoes, a waterproof phone pouch, dry bag, sunscreen, goggles, insect repellent and a wet-clothing bag.

Hand luggage should contain passports, address and contact details, insurance, medication, valuables, chargers, noise-cancelling headphones, an aux cable, snacks, an empty water bottle, wipes and one spare outfit. We once forgot a swimming costume, but most everyday items are easily replaced in Orlando.

Pack lighter than you think

Large-family laundry can run daily, so there is little point carrying two weeks of clothing. Pack for roughly a week and wash it. We aim to leave 7–10kg of capacity for shopping on the way home.