Florida’s unofficial slogan is “the sunshine state” but the reality is that there are two distinct seasons: The rainy season, when afternoon thundershowers drop heavy summer rainfall and the dry season, when cool fronts take a vacation from the sun-drenched state. The five-month wet season, which runs from May through October in South Florida and west central Florida (including Tampa Bay), is triggered by a Bermuda high that sets up over the Atlantic Ocean, sea surface temperatures top 82 degrees offshore and not just along the coast, moisture aloft increases, and near-daily afternoon showers and thunderstorms occur.

The wet season peaks from late May through early July, which is also the stormiest phase when hail, damaging winds, and waterspouts are common along with frequent lightning. This is also when many locations across Southwest Florida experience seasonal river flooding and a large amount of rain. The final phase of the wet season, from late August through mid-October, tends to have more rainfall variability due to potential tropical systems and early-fall cold fronts.

For those who plan on visiting Florida during the rainy season, bringing a lightweight poncho is a good idea, particularly for theme parks and other attractions where admission prices are higher during the peak season of June through September. The shoulder season of April through May and September through November also offers a better chance for warm, comfortable weather and fewer crowds at the top tourist spots. To avoid rain-related delays, it is a good idea to keep an eye on the weather forecasts on your mobile device and carry an umbrella with you at all times.