Key insight: Unlike the U.S. Northwest or Northeast, Florida’s rainy season is tied to frontal systems but to thermal and mesoscale processes.

Florida is a narrow peninsula flanked by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. As the interior land heats up faster than the surrounding ocean, it draws cooler air inward from both coasts. These opposing winds—known as the Atlantic and Gulf sea breezes—meet directly over Central Florida. Afternoon Explosions

Central Florida receives roughly during these five months. Average Rainfall (Inches) Primary Weather Driver May 3.5 – 4.0 Transitional afternoon pop-up storms June 7.5 – 8.5 Heavy sea breeze collisions July 7.0 – 7.5 Peak daily afternoon thunderstorms August 7.5 – 8.5 Tropical waves and afternoon storms September 6.5 – 7.5 High tropical cyclone/hurricane activity October 3.0 – 3.5 Cold fronts pushing moisture out Severe Weather Hazards to Watch For