Things to Do in Orlando in August

VerdictFair
Ranked#11 of 12
PricesModerate

August in Orlando means 32°C (89°F) highs, 83% humidity, and 263mm of rain across roughly 25 days. It is the wettest month of the year. The humidity is the real story, though. It's the kind that fogs your sunglasses the moment you step outside your air-conditioned hotel room, the kind that makes your clothes feel damp within 10 minutes of walking. By 2 or 3 p.m. most afternoons, thunderheads build from the east, dump heavy rain for 20 to 40 minutes, then clear out. The ground steams afterward. You can smell the hot pavement and wet grass mixing together in a way that becomes the signature scent of a Florida summer.

That said, August has strategic value for theme park visitors. After mid-month, when school resumes across much of the Southeast and Midwest, crowds at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort thin noticeably. Magic Kingdom starts Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on select nights around mid-August, and those separately ticketed evenings cap park attendance. Hotel rates along International Drive tend to drop 15-25% compared to June and July peaks.

If you can genuinely tolerate subtropical heat and near-daily thunderstorms, the last two weeks of August offer shorter ride queues at lower prices than you'll find all summer. The first half of the month still carries peak-summer family traffic, though, so timing within August matters more than in most months. Late August is a different trip than early August.

Why visit in August

Late August crowds thin significantly at Walt Disney World and Universal after schools resume across most US states, with weekday ride wait times dropping well below June and July levels
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party launches on select nights at Magic Kingdom starting mid-August, offering early access to one of Disney's most popular seasonal events before the October sellouts
Hotel rates along International Drive and in the Kissimmee corridor drop 15-25% compared to peak summer months, with wider availability at popular off-site resorts
Afternoon thunderstorms, while disruptive, clear the parks of casual visitors and create short windows of noticeably reduced crowds right after the rain stops

Worth knowing

The 83% humidity makes the 32°C (89°F) air feel closer to 40°C (104°F) on many afternoons. Heat-related illness is a genuine risk during extended outdoor exposure at theme parks.
August receives 263mm of rain across 25 days, making it the wettest month of the year. The rain tends to be predictable in timing but intense enough to close outdoor rides for 30-60 minutes.
Peak Atlantic hurricane season runs through August and September, with the possibility of tropical storms or hurricanes disrupting travel plans. Park closures for named storms typically last 1-2 days.
Central Florida sees more cloud-to-ground lightning strikes per square kilometer than almost anywhere else in the United States. Outdoor ride closures during storm warnings happen frequently in August.

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 32° / 24°C 263mm rain · 25 rainy days · 83% humidity rains perceptibly ~3h/day · 74% of mornings dry

Crowds high

Pack Lightweight moisture-wicking synthetic clothing, never cotton, which soaks through and stays wet in 83% humidity. A compact rain poncho rather than an umbrella, since Florida thunderstorm winds render umbrellas useless. Waterproof sandals or quick-dry shoes for after the daily downpour. SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen, reapplied after every rainstorm. A light layer for indoor spaces, which crank AC to around 18°C (65°F), a 14-degree shock from outside.

August is Orlando's wettest month, with 263mm of rain falling across roughly 25 days. Mornings typically start clear and steamy, with temperatures climbing from 24°C (75°F) at dawn to 32°C (89°F) by midday. Humidity sits around 83%, which pushes the heat index well above the actual air temperature. You might feel closer to 40°C (104°F) during the stickiest mid-afternoons. Thunderstorms roll in most afternoons between 2 and 4 p.m., often with dramatic lightning. They tend to be intense but short, usually clearing within 30-40 minutes. Evenings cool slightly to around 27°C (80°F) but the air stays thick and heavy. The occasional tropical system can bring extended rain over 2-3 days, though direct hurricane hits to inland Orlando are less common than along the coast.

Seasonal caution

Heat index regularly exceeds 40°C (104°F) in the afternoon. The National Weather Service issues heat advisories for the Orlando metro area multiple times each August. Prolonged outdoor exposure without shade, water, and rest breaks carries real risk of heat exhaustion, especially for children and older visitors at theme parks.
August falls in the peak of Atlantic hurricane season. While inland Orlando is less exposed than coastal cities, tropical storms and hurricanes can bring sustained winds above 100 km/h (62 mph), flooding, and multi-day park closures. Monitor the National Hurricane Center starting in early August and consider travel insurance that covers weather disruptions.
Central Florida is sometimes called the Lightning Capital of the United States. August afternoon thunderstorms produce frequent cloud-to-ground strikes. Theme parks close all outdoor rides during lightning warnings, and open-water activities at springs and lakes shut down as well. Do not shelter under isolated trees or stay in open areas during storms.

Year-round climate

Averages from the last 5 years.

Monthly climate averages for Orlando
Month	Avg high (°C)	Avg low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
Jan	20	10	52
Feb	24	13	60
Mar	27	15	73
Apr	28	17	91
May	31	21	128
Jun	32	23	240
Jul	32	24	225
Aug	32	24	263
Sep	30	23	338
Oct	28	19	108
Nov	25	16	83
Dec	23	13	59

Headline events

Citywide

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Select nights from mid-August through October 31

Walt Disney World's signature Halloween event at Magic Kingdom launches its season on select nights in mid-August. The separately ticketed evening features an exclusive parade called Boo-to-You, the Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks show, trick-or-treat stations throughout the park, and rare character meet-and-greets including the Sanderson Sisters. The party runs from 7 p.m. to midnight and caps park attendance well below normal levels. August dates tend to be less crowded than September or October nights, making them a quieter way to experience the event. Costumes are encouraged for all ages.

#NotSoScary

Best things to do in August

Late-August theme park strategy at Walt Disney World

theme_parks

After the second week of August, when most school districts resume classes, weekday crowds at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom drop noticeably. Rope-drop to midday gives you 4-5 hours of lower wait times before the afternoon storms roll in. Head indoors for air-conditioned attractions like Haunted Mansion or Spaceship Earth during the 2-4 p.m. rain window, then return to outdoor rides once the storms pass.

Late August offers the shortest summer wait times as school resumption pulls families out of the parks

Booking tipBook Lightning Lane reservations for headliner rides like Tron Lightcycle Run and Guardians of the Galaxy as soon as they open at 7 a.m. on the day of your visit

Wekiwa Springs morning swim

nature

Wekiwa Springs State Park sits about 30 minutes north of downtown Orlando. The spring maintains a constant 22°C (72°F) year-round, which feels bracingly cold against 32°C air. The water is clear enough to see the sandy bottom 3-4 meters down. Arrive before 9 a.m. on weekdays, as the park reaches vehicle capacity by late morning on August weekends.

The 22°C spring water provides the most dramatic relief from August's 32°C heat, and morning visits beat the afternoon storms

Booking tipThe park opens at 8 a.m. and fills to capacity quickly on weekends. Weekday mornings are far less crowded.

Orlando Science Center evening programs

museum

The Orlando Science Center on Princeton Street in the Loch Haven Park cultural district runs extended evening hours on select nights in summer. The 4-story building stays cool, and the rooftop observatory offers telescope viewing on clear evenings. The exhibits span multiple floors and typically take 2-3 hours to explore.

August evenings offer an air-conditioned alternative to outdoor activities, and the observatory benefits from summer's later sunset schedule

Disney Springs evening dining and shopping

dining

Disney Springs, the open-air shopping and dining complex at Walt Disney World, comes alive after the afternoon storms clear. No park admission is required. The complex stretches along a waterfront with over 100 shops and restaurants. Evening temperatures tend to hover around 27°C (80°F), which feels noticeably more comfortable than the midday peak.

Post-storm August evenings at Disney Springs avoid both the worst heat and the need for a park ticket, making it a low-cost evening option

Booking tipPopular restaurants like The Boathouse and Morimoto Asia fill up quickly on weekends. Reserve 2-3 weeks ahead through the My Disney Experience app.

Blue Spring State Park kayaking

nature

Blue Spring State Park, about 45 minutes north of Orlando in Orange City, offers kayak and canoe access along the St. Johns River. In August, the manatees are out in the Gulf, so the spring run is open for paddling. The water is a constant 22°C (72°F), startlingly clear, and the canopy along the river provides patches of shade.

August's warm river temperatures make paddling comfortable, and the manatee closure lifts until November, opening the full spring run for kayakers

Booking tipKayak rentals are available on-site but arrive before 10 a.m. to secure one on busy weekends

ICON Park observation wheel at sunset

attraction

The 122-meter ICON Park observation wheel on International Drive offers enclosed, air-conditioned capsules with 360-degree views across the Orlando skyline. A sunset ride, typically around 8:15 p.m. in August, catches the golden light over the theme park corridors to the west and the afternoon storm clouds retreating east over the coast.

August's dramatic post-storm skies and late sunsets around 8:15 p.m. create some of the most photogenic viewing conditions from the wheel

Gatorland wildlife experience

nature

Gatorland, the 45-hectare park on South Orange Blossom Trail, has operated since 1949. August's heat makes the alligators particularly active. The park is far less crowded than the major theme parks and has a wilder, roadside-Florida feel. The breeding marsh boardwalk puts you within a few meters of free-roaming gators.

Alligators are cold-blooded and most active in August's heat. The park also sees lower visitor numbers than the major theme parks, making it a crowd-free alternative.

East End Market food hall browsing

dining

East End Market on Corrine Drive in the Audubon Park Garden District is a small, curated food hall with about 10 vendors. The air-conditioned space features local coffee roasters, a cheese shop, bakeries, and a wine bar. It tends to be a calm midday refuge when the outdoor heat peaks.

August's midday heat drives visitors indoors, and East End Market provides a cooler, quieter alternative to theme park dining with local vendors

What to eat in August

In season: fruit

Florida mangoes
Late-season Florida mangoes from groves in southern counties peak in August. You'll find varieties like Nam Doc Mai and Carrie at local farmers markets around Orlando, with a sweetness and floral perfume that grocery-store imports from Mexico rarely match.

On menus now

Key lime pie
A year-round Florida staple, but August is when you'll find the most creative seasonal variations at Orlando bakeries and restaurants. The tartness cuts through the heavy summer air in a way that heavier desserts cannot.
Stone crab claws (pre-season)
Florida's official stone crab season starts October 15, but some Orlando seafood restaurants begin offering frozen claws from the previous season at reduced prices as they clear inventory before the new harvest.

What to drink

Blackberry lemonade
Wild Florida blackberries finish their season in August. Several juice bars and cafes around the Mills 50 and Audubon Park neighborhoods blend them into fresh lemonade while the local supply lasts.

In markets

Datil pepper hot sauce
Datil peppers, grown almost exclusively in the St. Augustine area about 90 minutes northeast of Orlando, hit full harvest in August. Several Orlando restaurants feature house-made datil sauces during late summer, and you might spot bottles at East End Market.

Regular events in August

Florida Cup (some years)

The Florida Cup international soccer tournament has been held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando in various summer months, including August in some years. The event typically features European and South American club teams playing preseason friendlies. Check the current year's schedule, as dates shift annually.

Varies by year, typically late July to mid-August

Orlando Farmers Market at Lake EolaFree

The weekly Sunday farmers market at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando runs year-round, including August. Roughly 40-50 vendors sell local produce, baked goods, plants, and prepared food around the lake's iconic fountain. August mornings still start in the high 20s°C, so most regulars arrive early.

Every Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Universal Orlando late-summer promotions

Universal Orlando Resort typically runs late-summer promotional hotel packages and annual passholder events in August as the peak season winds down. The specifics change each year, but late August has historically offered some of the best bundle pricing of the summer.

Throughout August, especially the second half

Second Harvest Food Bank volunteer daysFree

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, based in Orlando, runs regular volunteer sorting and packing events throughout August. It's one of the larger food banks in the state, serving Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. Shifts typically last 2-3 hours.

Multiple dates throughout August

Best places this August

Wekiwa Springs State Park
nature
A natural spring 30 minutes north of downtown with constant 22°C (72°F) water. The canopy trail and spring pool offer relief from August heat, though the park reaches capacity early on weekends.
Apopka
Loch Haven Park cultural district
museum
A cluster of 3 cultural venues within walking distance on Princeton Street, including the Orlando Science Center, Orlando Museum of Art, and Mennello Museum of American Art. All are air-conditioned. The campus sits along a small lake.
North Quarter
Disney Springs
dining
Walt Disney World's open-air dining, shopping, and entertainment complex. No park ticket needed. The waterfront layout works well for evening strolls after August's afternoon storms pass. Over 100 venues spread across 4 themed neighborhoods.
Walt Disney World Resort
Kraft Azalea Garden
nature
A quiet, shaded park on the shore of Lake Maitland with massive live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. One of the few outdoor spots in the Orlando area that feels cool even in August, thanks to dense canopy cover and lake breezes.
Winter Park
The Mall at Millenia
shopping
A large, air-conditioned shopping center on Conroy Road near International Drive. In August, it functions as much as a heat refuge as a shopping destination. The indoor environment sits around 20°C (68°F), a full 12 degrees below the outdoor temperature.
International Drive area
Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve
nature
A 177-hectare preserve on the western edge of Orange County with 6.4 km of boardwalk and trail. The elevated boardwalks pass through cypress swamp and scrub habitat. Morning visits before 10 a.m. avoid both the worst heat and the afternoon storms.
Southwest Orange County
Park Avenue, Winter Park
shopping
The walkable main street of Winter Park, about 20 minutes north of downtown Orlando. Lined with independent shops, galleries, and restaurants under mature oak canopy. The shade coverage makes it more tolerable than open-air areas in August.
Winter Park
ICON Park
attraction
An entertainment complex on International Drive anchored by the 122-meter observation wheel. The complex includes several indoor attractions and restaurants. The wheel's air-conditioned capsules offer views across the Orlando skyline, particularly striking during August's post-storm sunsets.
International Drive

Insider tips

The 2-4 p.m. thunderstorm window is predictable enough to plan around. Use those 30-40 minutes for indoor rides, sit-down meals, or air-conditioned shows. When the rain clears, outdoor ride lines are often at their shortest point of the entire day.
Late August weekdays, particularly Tuesday through Thursday, have noticeably lower theme park crowds than weekends. If your schedule allows it, shift your park days to midweek and save weekends for springs, shopping, or Disney Springs.
Wekiwa Springs State Park hits vehicle capacity by mid-morning on August weekends. The park opens at 8 a.m., and the lot is often full by 10 a.m. on Saturdays. Weekday mornings are the reliable option.
The lightning detection systems at Walt Disney World and Universal are extremely sensitive. Rides can close for 30 minutes or more even after a storm has visibly passed, because the system detects distant strikes. Don't assume a ride reopens the moment rain stops.
Orlando's tap water comes from the Floridan Aquifer and has a noticeable sulfur taste. It's safe to drink, but most visitors prefer filtered water. Many hotel lobbies and theme park water stations have filtered options.
If you're driving, afternoon storms can reduce visibility on I-4 and the 408 to near zero for short stretches. Pull over to a rest area or gas station rather than driving through a wall of rain at highway speed. August storm cells move fast and typically clear within 15-20 minutes.

Avoid these mistakes

Wearing cotton to the theme parks. Cotton absorbs sweat, then absorbs rain, and stays wet for hours in 83% humidity. By mid-afternoon you're chafing and miserable. Synthetic moisture-wicking fabric dries in minutes.
Skipping sunscreen because it's cloudy. Orlando's August cloud cover is often thin, and UV still penetrates. The post-storm clearing exposes you to strong direct sun while you're lulled into thinking the overcast sky was protecting you.
Planning a full 12-hour outdoor park day without a midday break. The 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. window is when heat index peaks above 40°C (104°F). Experienced Orlando visitors go out early, return to the hotel for 3-4 hours, and come back for the evening.
Ignoring hurricane season because Orlando is inland. The city is about 80 km from the coast, but tropical storms still bring sustained winds, flooding, and multi-day rain. Check the National Hurricane Center forecast before booking and buy travel insurance that covers named storms.
Booking a hotel without checking whether it has indoor corridors. Exterior-corridor hotels, common along International Drive, mean walking through rain to reach your room. Interior-corridor properties stay dry and air-conditioned from parking garage to room.

Practical tips for August

Book theme park visits for Tuesday through Thursday in late August, after most school districts have resumed classes, to catch the lowest crowd levels of the summer. Arrive at park opening and ride headliner attractions before 11 a.m., then retreat indoors or to your hotel during the 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. heat peak. The afternoon storms typically hit between 2 and 4 p.m. and last 30-40 minutes. After they clear, outdoor ride lines drop and evening temperatures settle to a more manageable 27°C (80°F). Carry a poncho at all times, keep electronics in a dry bag, and drink water constantly. Dehydration sneaks up quickly when humidity is this high because sweat does not evaporate efficiently. If you're renting a car, park in a covered garage where possible. An uncovered car sitting in August sun reaches interior temperatures above 65°C (150°F), and a steering wheel left in direct sun can actually burn your hands. Use a windshield shade.

FAQ

Is August a good time to visit Orlando's theme parks?

It depends on your heat tolerance and timing. Early August still draws peak-summer crowds and full pricing. Late August, after mid-month school resumptions across most US states, offers noticeably shorter lines and lower hotel rates. The trade-off is extreme heat, 83% humidity, and near-daily thunderstorms between 2 and 4 p.m. If you can handle the weather and target the last two weeks of the month, it's a reasonable value window.

How bad are the thunderstorms in Orlando in August?

They are intense but predictable. Most afternoons between 2 and 4 p.m., convective storms build and drop heavy rain for 20-40 minutes. Lightning is frequent, and Central Florida has one of the highest cloud-to-ground strike rates in the US. Theme parks close outdoor rides during lightning warnings. The storms pass quickly, though, and evenings are usually clear. Plan indoor activities for the storm window and you'll barely lose any park time.

Should I worry about hurricanes if I visit Orlando in August?

August falls in the peak of Atlantic hurricane season. While Orlando sits about 80 km inland and is less exposed than coastal cities, tropical storms and hurricanes can still bring sustained winds, heavy rain, and multi-day park closures. The probability of a direct hit in any given August is relatively low, but tropical storm watches and warnings happen regularly. Buy travel insurance that covers named storms and monitor the National Hurricane Center forecasts starting at least a week before your trip.

What should I wear to the theme parks in August?

Lightweight, moisture-wicking synthetic clothing. Avoid cotton entirely, as it absorbs sweat and rain and stays wet in 83% humidity, leading to chafing within a few hours. Waterproof sandals or quick-dry closed-toe shoes handle the daily soaking. Bring a compact rain poncho rather than an umbrella, since storm winds make umbrellas impractical. A light layer for indoor spaces helps with the 14-degree temperature drop from outdoor heat to aggressive air conditioning.

Are the natural springs near Orlando worth visiting in August?

They are one of the best things you can do in August. Wekiwa Springs, about 30 minutes north of downtown, and Blue Spring State Park, about 45 minutes north, both maintain a constant 22°C (72°F) water temperature year-round. That 10-degree gap between the spring water and the 32°C air temperature makes the water feel bracingly cold. Arrive early, especially on weekends. Wekiwa Springs often reaches vehicle capacity by mid-morning on Saturdays.

How crowded is Orlando in August compared to other summer months?

Early August is still busy, comparable to July. The shift happens mid-month when school districts across the Southeast and Midwest resume classes. By the third week of August, weekday crowds at the major theme parks drop noticeably, and wait times for headliner rides can fall by 30-40% compared to peak July levels. If you can visit Tuesday through Thursday in the last two weeks of August, you'll see some of the lightest summer crowds of the year.