Weather in Gainesville, Fla.: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

Gainesville, located in North Central Florida and home to the University of Florida and Santa Fe College, has an overall average high temperature of 80 F (27 C) and an average low of 58 F (14 C). National Geographic Adventure has previously ranked Gainesville as one of the "best places to live and play" in the United States. It's no wonder; the casual college town enjoys weather that promotes a change of seasons with few extremes in temperatures.

On average Gainesville's warmest month is July and January is the average coolest month. The maximum average rainfall usually falls in June.

If you're wondering what to pack for your Gator-bound student, wardrobes are pretty casual—lots of shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops. This is Florida after all, and while December temperatures can sometimes reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit, Gainesville temperatures do plunge unexpectedly, and it can get pretty chilly, so they will need warmer attire as well. Remember too that it can rain nearly every day during the summer, and it's a long distance between buildings, so an umbrella is a necessity.

Fast Climate Facts

• Hottest Month: July (91 degrees F / 32 degrees C)
• Coldest Month: January (42 degrees F / 5 degrees C)
• Wettest Month: June (7.12 in.)

Hurricane Season in Gainesville

Worried about hurricanes? Florida's hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Stay vigilant and pay attention to weather forecasts if you're visiting during this season. Don't panic if you see a storm coming your way. The National Hurricane Center provides updates every six hours during an active storm. If you're afraid that a storm may affect your trip, reach out to your travel provider for advice about what to do.

Spring in Gainesville

Spring comes early in Gainesville, so you'll see a marked increase in temperatures by April. Spring is among the drier months in central Florida, and it's not quite as hot as the summer months, so this is a good time of the year to be outside or lay by the pool working on your tan.

What to Pack: You won't need heavy raingear just yet, although an umbrella is always a good idea. Pack light clothing for the daytime, but bring along a sweatshirt or a light jacket for the evenings, when temperatures can drop considerably.

Summer in Gainesville

Summers are long, hot, and humid in Gainesville. Thunderstorms are especially frequent and usually occur in the late afternoon. However, the one upside to the sometimes-oppressive summer weather is the mornings. Mornings are generally much cooler, with lower humidity levels. If you need to be outside, plan your activities for the early morning or evening, once the sun has gone down.

What to pack: Regardless of what you wear, you'll likely be hot! Summertime staples—think lightweight shirts, tank tops, shorts, and flip-flops—are all appropriate clothing for this time of year in Florida. For fancier occasions, a light maxi dress is suitable for ladies, or linen trousers and a button-down for men.

Fall in Gainesville

While temperatures are warm during the fall months, September is among the city's wettest months. By late October and early November, showers are few and far between. Fall is also the peak of hurricane season throughout Florida, with the peak of activity in early September.

What to pack: If you're dreaming of sweaters and other cozy fall clothing, Gainesville might not be the place for you. You'll still mostly need summertime clothing for fall in Florida, so keep your flip-flops, shorts, and swimsuits at the ready.

Winter in Gainesville

Like much of the rest of the state, winters in Gainesville are mild. There is a reason that Florida is known as "the Sunshine State"! Sometimes, autumn-like temperatures can last well into December. You can typically expect blue skies and clear, warm days throughout the winter months. It's rare, but occasional frosts can occur.

What to pack: While daytime temperatures lend themselves to light clothing like jeans and T-shirts, colder nights can make a light sweater or sweatshirt a necessary item for your packing list.