Weather in Ocala, Florida: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

Ocala, located in North Central Florida, is also known as the Horse Capital of the World. Situated in the middle of the state and dotted with Thoroughbred horse farms, Ocala is far from the state's beaches; as a result, you are more likely to pack jeans and Western boots than a bathing suit, especially if you're planning on taking a horseback ride.

However, if you're vacationing, you're more likely to be visiting one of Florida's oldest attractions—Silver Springs, a Florida State Park that is home to glass-bottom boat tours. While swimming is not permitted, you will need to bring comfortable clothing suitable for the current temperature if you plan on launching a canoe or kayak in the water.

Although record-breaking highs topped out at 105 degrees Fahrenheit (41 degrees Celsius) in 1985 and record lows bottomed out at 11 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 12 degrees Celsius) in 1981, Ocala typically experiences a moderate tropical climate.

Fast Climate Facts

• Hottest Month: July and August (93 degrees Fahrenheit/34 degrees Celsius)
• Coldest Month: January (45 degrees Fahrenheit/7 degrees Celsius)
• Wettest Month: June (7.4 inches over 14.5 days)
• Driest Month: November (2.1 inches over 5.6 days)

Hurricane Season

Ocala has a relatively quiet history when it comes to hurricanes and tropical storms due to its inland location, but the city does occasionally get damaged by high winds and heavy rainfall—as well as some localized flooding—during the Atlantic Hurricane Season. If you're traveling in Florida during hurricane season (June 1 through November 30), you will want to keep a close eye on tropical weather forecasts and subscribe to local weather alerts on your phone.

Fall in Ocala

As the temperatures start to drop in October and November, tropical storms across the region tend to happen less frequently, making fall one of the best times to visit to enjoy pleasant weather and a trip to a Thoroughbred farm. October is the start of what's considered the dry season in Ocala, which lasts through May. While temperatures dip from average highs of 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) in October to average lows of 53 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius) by November, most of the season has comfortable temperatures just above 70 F (21 C).

What to pack: Although the weather stays relatively warm and dry throughout the season, you may want to bring a light jacket and raincoat to prepare for your trip. Additionally, you should pack a combination of warm and cold-weather clothing to adjust for the varying temperature—pants, long-sleeved shirts, and sweaters should suffice for most of your trip.

Average Temperatures by Month

September: 91 F (33 C)/69 F (21 C)

October: 85 F (29 C)/62 F (17 C)

November: 79 F (26 C)/53 F (12 C)

Winter in Ocala

With an overall average annual high temperature of 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) and an average low of just 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius), the town enjoys weather suitable for its thoroughbred training industry to thrive, even during the winter months. In fact, winter may be one of the best times to visit Ocala since it's one of the driest seasons while still being moderately warm. However, cold fronts from the northwest can drop daytime temperatures to the mid-50s, so be prepared for both moderately warm and cool days if you plan to visit this time of year.

What to pack: Although temperatures very rarely approach freezing, you may want to pack a jacket or coat in addition to a variety of pants, short and long-sleeved shirts, and sweaters that you can layer to match the weather.

Average Temperatures by Month

December: 73 F (23 C)/47 F (8 C)

January: 71 F (22 C)/45 F (7 C)

February: 74 (24 C)/47 F (8 C)

Spring in Ocala

With the exception of a few days of heavy rainfall in March, spring is almost as dry as winter—and even warmer. Temperatures climb from an average low of 52 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celsius) in March to an average high of 90 degrees (32 degrees Celsius) in May, so you're sure to find plenty of days you can explore the region comfortably, without fear of rain or cold weather.

What to pack: If you're traveling to Ocala in the early part of spring, be sure to pack an umbrella as most of the rain falls in a sudden downpour followed by a day of overcast skies. Generally speaking, though, you can ditch the winter coat in favor of a light pullover for cooler nights and pack a variety of short and long-sleeved shirts, pants, and even shorts for the warmer days.

Average Temperatures by Month

March: 79 F (26 C)/52 F (11 C)

April: 84 F (28 C)/56 F (13 C)

May: 90 F (32 C)/63 F (17 C)

Summer in Ocala

Temperatures can get downright hot in the summer in Ocala, with average highs above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) for most of the season. To make matters worse, humidity levels are at their highest this time of year—which makes the days and nights feel even more oppressively warm—and hurricane season starts on June 1, meaning you'll likely encounter a sudden storm during your trip. Otherwise, the weather in the summer is perfect for kayaking or canoeing in Silver Springs, though you'll want to make sure to drink plenty of water and take plenty of breaks if you're doing any outdoor activity in the heat.

What to pack: Although you won't typically need more than shorts and a light T-shirt—as well as an umbrella, raincoat, and waterproof shoes for sudden tropical storms—you may want to bring a light pullover or jacket for when you're spending time indoors since most restaurants, attractions, and hotels will be blasting air conditioners to beat the summer heat.

Average Temperatures by Month

June: 92 F (33 C)/70 F (21 C)

July: 93 F (34 C)/71 F (22 C)

August: 93 F (34 C)/72 F (22.3 C)

Although a Florida vacation or getaway is great any time of year, the weather can change quite drastically in Ocala month-by-month. While it's almost always a little rainy but warm in this part of Florida, June through September see exponential rainfall thanks to the hurricane season, and the winters can get a little chilly thanks to its more northern location.