South Florida Parks
Three national parks in the subtropics: coral reefs, the river of grass and a remote island fort.
Best time to visit · Florida
Best Time to Visit Everglades National Park
A river of grass full of alligators, wading birds and mangrove wilderness.
The best time to visit Everglades National Park is December–March. For great conditions with fewer people, aim for December. It's busiest in January through March. Avoid June through September, when heat, storms and mosquitoes take over.
Month by month
Jan PrimeFeb PrimeMar PrimeApr GoodMay FairJun PoorJul PoorAug PoorSep PoorOct FairNov GoodDec Prime
Best monthsDec–Mar
Best valueDec
BusiestJan–Mar
Established1947
Everglades by season
Winter Prime
Dry season and the best time. Wildlife concentrates around water, the weather is mild and mosquitoes are few.
Spring Good
Still good through April. Heat and humidity build in May.
Summer Poor
Wet season: heat, daily thunderstorms and swarms of mosquitoes. Some services are reduced.
Fall Fair
Hurricane season. Conditions improve in late November.
What to do
- See alligators on the Anhinga Trail
- Ride the tram or bike at Shark Valley
- Paddle the mangrove tunnels at Nine Mile Pond
- Look for crocodiles at Flamingo
- Take a boat tour from Gulf Coast
Local tip
The Anhinga Trail near the main entrance offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the park within a short walk.
Good to know
Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and the only place where alligators and crocodiles live side by side.
Before you go: Airboats aren't allowed inside most of the park; those tours operate on land just outside. Check current conditions on nps.gov.
Getting there
Closest major airport: Miami (MIA), about 1 hour.
Nearby national parks
Approximate driving distance. Check a map for exact routes.
Where to stay
Everglades month-by-month ratings
Road trips with Everglades
Questions about visiting Everglades
When is the best time to visit Everglades National Park?
The best time to visit Everglades National Park is December–March. For great conditions with fewer people, aim for December. It's busiest in January through March. Avoid June through September, when heat, storms and mosquitoes take over.
What is the worst time to visit Everglades National Park?
June through September are the weakest time, when heat, storms and mosquitoes take over.
When is Everglades National Park most crowded?
Crowds peak in January through March. December offers the best balance of good conditions and fewer people.
Is Everglades National Park worth visiting in winter?
Dry season and the best time. Wildlife concentrates around water, the weather is mild and mosquitoes are few.
Do you need a reservation for Everglades National Park?
Airboats aren't allowed inside most of the park; those tours operate on land just outside. Always check the official NPS page for the current year's rules.
What is the closest airport to Everglades National Park?
The most convenient airport is Miami (MIA), about 1 hour.
How many days do you need at Everglades National Park?
Most road trips spend 2 to 3 days here.
More in Southeast · National parks in Florida · Season calendar
Last reviewed October 4, 2026. Ratings are editorial. Rules and road openings change each year, so confirm on the official NPS site before you go.