How to Survive a Florida Summer

How to Survive the Florida Heat

Florida is a beautiful state, with some of the world’s best beaches, amazing tourist attractions and, of course, enough sunshine to truly perfect your tan, but Florida summers can also be brutal. From the scorching summer sun to the never-ceasing influx of snowbirds, it takes a bit of preparedness to be ready for the Florida summer. Whether you’re new to the Sunshine State, or a lifelong Floridian, here are a few ways to make summer in Florida easier.

Invest in a Sun Shade

Sun Shades For Automobiles

Source: Wikimedia Commons

If it’s past 9am and you are parking your car for 30 minutes or more, take the extra 15 seconds to place a sun shade in your windshield. When you get back to your car, you’ll still be hit in the face with what feels like hot molten lava, BUT your car will be a good 10 degrees cooler and you won’t suffer third degree burns trying to buckle your seatbelt. You can also tint your car windows with non-reflective tint to reduce the amount of light that gets into your car, and maybe not have your legs stick if you have leather seats. Tint Center outlines Florida’s window tinting regulations.

Wear Light & Breathable Clothing

Forget about socks and shoes until September rolls around. For now, sandals or flip flops are all that you need. You are going to sweat (a lot), so you’ll need to hydrate. Carry water with you wherever you go and drink frequently to avoid heat exhaustion. And, don’t forget to lather on the sunscreen. Cruising around like a lobster is not a good look.

Know That There Will Still Be Crowds

Epcot Orlando, Florida

While it may seem like Florida shouldn’t be so crowded, many people still visit our area during the summer as children have off from school. Visit your favorite spots during non-peak times or search for destinations that aren’t as frequented by tourists. Go to the theme parks during the week, rather than on the weekend. Choose a smaller, more remote beach for your day in the sun, as opposed to hitting up the most crowded beaches. Leave for your destinations a little earlier to avoid extra traffic.

You can always wait until mid-afternoon to run all of your errands, since there is sure to be an afternoon thunderstorm headed your way. The tourists go into hiding once water starts falling from the sky, so the checkout lines will be short. So, grab a rain jacket and keep it in the trunk of your car or in a bag.

Pull Your Blinds or Curtain Closed

Want to keep your apartment cool and save on energy bills? During the day, close your curtains and lower your blinds. When sunlight gets into your apartment, it can quickly raise the temperature of your living space. Closing these will help keep your air conditioning inside your apartment, where it belongs. Curtains are a better option because they can cover your entire window, preventing cool air from escaping through window cracks.

Stay Prepared For Hurricane Season

Storm Clouds

For those who have never experienced a Florida summer, hurricane season can sound incredibly daunting, and it is important to be prepared for the worst when the storms begin to roll in. While there are several hurricane preparedness tips you should definitely consider, the most important thing you can do is stock up on food, water and essentials such as toilet paper, toothpaste, gas and batteries. You should also be prepared to evacuate in case of an emergency evacuation order, so be sure to plan ahead. Know your shelter locations and flood zone level. Make sure you get these supplies while the storm is still in South America. If you wait until the day before landfall, you won’t be able to find what you need.

There is nothing like a Florida summer, so don’t let the heat and the crowds get you down. You can survive with some planning – and a good sense of humor. To further prepare yourself for summer, you should learn how to save money on your electric bill when you have to turn the air up in your apartment.