Best Time to Visit Everglades National Park
Planning a trip to Everglades National Park in Florida? This data-driven guide breaks down every month of the year so you can pick the perfect time to visit. With 1,508,938 acres, 39 trails, and 954,786 annual visitors, timing your trip right can mean the difference between fighting crowds and having trails to yourself.
Best Months to Visit Everglades National Park
Based on historical weather data, December and January and February and March and April deliver the best visiting conditions at Everglades National Park. These months combine comfortable temperatures, low precipitation, and the best trail accessibility. Plan your trip during these months for the best chance of clear skies and ideal hiking conditions.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Precip (in) | Rainy Days | Sunny Days | Crowds | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 77° | 57° | 1.8" | 5 | 21 | Low | Peak |
| February | 79° | 58° | 1.5" | 4 | 21 | Low | Peak |
| March | 82° | 61° | 1.9" | 5 | 22 | Moderate to High | Peak |
| April | 85° | 65° | 2.6" | 6 | 22 | Moderate to High | Peak |
| May | 88° | 70° | 5.2" | 11 | 16 | Moderate | Off-Season |
| June | 90° | 74° | 8.8" | 17 | 10 | High | Off-Season |
| July | 91° | 75° | 8.2" | 18 | 10 | High | Off-Season |
| August | 91° | 75° | 8.5" | 18 | 10 | High | Off-Season |
| September | 90° | 74° | 8" | 17 | 10 | Moderate | Off-Season |
| October | 86° | 70° | 5.5" | 12 | 15 | Moderate | Off-Season |
| November | 82° | 63° | 2.5" | 6 | 20 | Low | Good |
| December | 78° | 58° | 1.6" | 5 | 21 | Low | Peak |
January
PeakJanuary is one of the best months to visit Everglades National Park with average highs of 77°F and only 1.8 inches of precipitation. Expect 21 sunny days and temperatures ranging from 57°F to 77°F. Trail conditions are typically excellent, making this an ideal time for hiking, sightseeing, and experiencing the park at its finest.
Off-season with minimal crowds. Some facilities may be closed but solitude is plentiful.
February
PeakFebruary is one of the best months to visit Everglades National Park with average highs of 79°F and only 1.5 inches of precipitation. Expect 21 sunny days and temperatures ranging from 58°F to 79°F. Trail conditions are typically excellent, making this an ideal time for hiking, sightseeing, and experiencing the park at its finest.
Off-season with minimal crowds. Some facilities may be closed but solitude is plentiful.
March
PeakMarch is one of the best months to visit Everglades National Park with average highs of 82°F and only 1.9 inches of precipitation. Expect 22 sunny days and temperatures ranging from 61°F to 82°F. Trail conditions are typically excellent, making this an ideal time for hiking, sightseeing, and experiencing the park at its finest.
Popular shoulder-season month. Trails are busy on weekends but manageable on weekdays.
April
PeakApril is one of the best months to visit Everglades National Park with average highs of 85°F and only 2.6 inches of precipitation. Expect 22 sunny days and temperatures ranging from 65°F to 85°F. Trail conditions are typically excellent, making this an ideal time for hiking, sightseeing, and experiencing the park at its finest.
Popular shoulder-season month. Trails are busy on weekends but manageable on weekdays.
May
Off-SeasonMay brings challenging conditions to Everglades National Park with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 88°F and 5.2 inches of precipitation. Heavy precipitation can cause trail closures and hazardous conditions. Visit only if you are well-prepared for the conditions.
Shoulder season with fewer visitors. A good balance of pleasant weather and lighter crowds.
June
Off-SeasonJune brings challenging conditions to Everglades National Park with temperatures ranging from 74°F to 90°F and 8.8 inches of precipitation. Heavy precipitation can cause trail closures and hazardous conditions. Visit only if you are well-prepared for the conditions.
Summer brings families and vacationers. Expect busy trails and limited parking.
July
Off-SeasonJuly brings challenging conditions to Everglades National Park with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 91°F and 8.2 inches of precipitation. Heavy precipitation can cause trail closures and hazardous conditions. Visit only if you are well-prepared for the conditions.
Summer brings families and vacationers. Expect busy trails and limited parking.
August
Off-SeasonAugust brings challenging conditions to Everglades National Park with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 91°F and 8.5 inches of precipitation. Heavy precipitation can cause trail closures and hazardous conditions. Visit only if you are well-prepared for the conditions.
Summer brings families and vacationers. Expect busy trails and limited parking.
September
Off-SeasonSeptember brings challenging conditions to Everglades National Park with temperatures ranging from 74°F to 90°F and 8 inches of precipitation. Heavy precipitation can cause trail closures and hazardous conditions. Visit only if you are well-prepared for the conditions.
Shoulder season with fewer visitors. A good balance of pleasant weather and lighter crowds.
October
Off-SeasonOctober brings challenging conditions to Everglades National Park with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 86°F and 5.5 inches of precipitation. Heavy precipitation can cause trail closures and hazardous conditions. Visit only if you are well-prepared for the conditions.
Shoulder season with fewer visitors. A good balance of pleasant weather and lighter crowds.
November
GoodNovember is a viable time to visit Everglades National Park though you may encounter some weather challenges. Temperatures range from 63°F to 82°F with about 6 rainy days and 2.5 inches of precipitation. Some trails or roads may have seasonal limitations, so check conditions before your trip.
Off-season with minimal crowds. Some facilities may be closed but solitude is plentiful.
December
PeakDecember is one of the best months to visit Everglades National Park with average highs of 78°F and only 1.6 inches of precipitation. Expect 21 sunny days and temperatures ranging from 58°F to 78°F. Trail conditions are typically excellent, making this an ideal time for hiking, sightseeing, and experiencing the park at its finest.
Off-season with minimal crowds. Some facilities may be closed but solitude is plentiful.
When to Avoid
Heavy Rain / Monsoon Season (May, June, July, August, September, October)
Everglades National Park receives heavy precipitation during May and June and July and August and September and October, which can lead to flash floods, trail washouts, and hazardous road conditions. Slot canyons and low-lying areas are particularly dangerous during heavy rain events. Monitor weather forecasts closely and be prepared for sudden storms.
Peak Holiday Weekends
Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, and Labor Day weekend bring the largest crowds of the year to Everglades National Park. Expect full parking lots by mid-morning, overcrowded trailheads, and fully booked campgrounds. If you must visit during these weekends, arrive before 8 AM, have backup trail options ready, and book campgrounds or lodging at least 6 months in advance.
Money-Saving Tips
Visit in Shoulder Season (Spring or Fall)
Spring and fall offer pleasant weather at most national parks with significantly lower lodging costs compared to peak summer months. Hotels and vacation rentals near Everglades National Parkcan be 30–50% cheaper in April, May, September, and October compared to June through August.
Buy the America the Beautiful Pass
The America the Beautiful Annual Pass costs $80 and grants unlimited access to all 400+ national parks, forests, and federal recreation areas for a full year. With Everglades National Park's entrance fee at $30 per vehicle, the pass pays for itself in just a few visits. It covers all passengers in a single vehicle.
Camp Instead of Staying at Hotels
Campgrounds inside or near Everglades National Parktypically cost $15–35 per night compared to $150+ for nearby hotels. The park offers in-park camping options. Book campgrounds through Recreation.gov as soon as reservations open (typically 6 months in advance) since popular sites fill quickly, especially for summer dates.
Visit on Free Entrance Days
The National Park Service offers 5–6 free entrance days each year, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the first day of National Park Week (April), the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act (August), National Public Lands Day (September), and Veterans Day (November). Mark these dates on your calendar to save on entrance fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Everglades National Park?
The best months to visit Everglades National Park are December, January, February, March, April. These months offer the most pleasant weather conditions, the best trail accessibility, and ideal temperatures for outdoor activities. January typically provides the best overall weather with 21 sunny days.
When is Everglades National Park least crowded?
Everglades National Park tends to be least crowded during November (between fall foliage and holidays). Avoid holiday weekends such as Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day for shorter trail waits and better campsite availability. Visiting on weekdays during any season will also reduce your exposure to crowds.
What is the weather like at Everglades National Park?
Weather at Everglades National Park varies significantly by season. Summer highs average 91°F while winter highs average 77°F. The driest months are typically February and the wettest is June. Always check current conditions before visiting as mountain weather can change rapidly.
Is Everglades National Park open year-round?
Everglades National Park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities may close seasonally due to weather conditions. Winter months may bring road closures, limited facilities, and trail restrictions. Always check the official NPS website for current operating status and road conditions before planning your visit.
Continue Planning Your Trip
Everglades National Park Guide
Trails, highlights, visitor tips, and everything you need to know.
Weather & Climate
Full 12-month weather data, charts, and packing recommendations.
Hotels Near Everglades National Park
Nearby lodging from campgrounds and cabins to lodges and hotels.