Florida remains the most visited state in the U.S. — and with good reason: Between the awe-inspiring natural wonders, world-famous theme parks, picturesque beaches, and lively nightlife and cultural scenes, there’s a little something for everyone year-round. Wondering when the best time to visit Florida is? Well, according to experts, every season has its pros and cons.

“I honestly don’t believe there is a bad time to visit Florida,” says Royal Ahmadi, SVP and General Manager of The Vacation Group. “It’s one of the most beautiful states in the country, and its variety of attractions makes it appealing for visitors of all ages, any time of year.”

Ultimately, choosing the right dates for your Florida trip will require factoring in your budget, your priorities, and what you’re planning to do during your stay. That said, industry experts have some general guidance to offer on the best time to visit Florida, depending on the type of vacation you’re hoping for.

What is the best weather month to visit Florida?

While Florida may be known as the “Sunshine State,” the subtropical climate is actually super unpredictable. So, it’s well worth considering common weather patterns if you’re aiming to spend a lot of time outdoors — say, lounging on the iconic beaches, visiting the amusement parks or trekking the nature trails.

“November through May is a great time to visit Florida, with warm days, cooler evenings and overall lower humidity — making theme parks and outdoor activities far more enjoyable,” says Oliver Brendon, Travel Expert and CEO of AttractionTickets.com. “It’s also largely outside hurricane season, so you’re less likely to have your plans interrupted by storms or heavy rainfall, which is always an added bonus.”

Ahmadi echoes this recommendation, noting that, weather-wise, November through April is the best time to visit. Data shows that Florida gets the least rainfall between November and March. However, keep in mind that this is also when the average temperature is at its lowest — around 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit — which is likely too chilly for a beach vacation, but ideal for other outdoor activities.

Then there’s geography: Since the weather can vary a bit across the state, it’s also worth considering which part of Florida you’re visiting. For example, the Gulf and South Florida get far more rainfall during the summer months than Northern Florida. And whereas Jacksonville only reaches an average high of 66 degrees Fahrenheit in January, temperatures climb up to 75 degrees in Key West during the same month.

Speaking of weather, you may be wondering: What is the best time to visit Florida to avoid hurricanes? Although hurricane season technically lasts from June 1 to November 30, the majority of the storms typically fall between mid-August and the end of October.

When is the best time to visit Florida for beaches and swimming?

It should come as no surprise that the most popular activity for Florida tourists is spending time at the extraordinary beaches. But timing is everything when it comes to enjoying Florida coastlines.

According to Ahmadi, April or May is the sweet spot here: The ocean temperatures are comfortable enough for swimming and snorkeling, yet the beaches are generally less crowded since school isn’t out yet.

“While the water becomes even warmer in the summer, that season also brings larger crowds, higher humidity, and more frequent rain,” he explains.

Keep in mind, though, that Florida’s wet season starts mid to late May, so in order to play it safe, it’s better to book your trip earlier in the month.

“At this time of year, it’s also a good idea to plan for occasional indoor activities like visiting a museum in case the weather decides to take a drastic turn,” adds Brendon.

When is the best time to visit Florida to experience nature and wildlife?

With some of the largest sea turtle nesting sites in the world, countless exotic reptiles and dozens of endangered species, Florida boasts a unique and diverse ecosystem well worth experiencing firsthand. If you’re hoping to observe as many animals as possible in their natural habitats, though, experts recommend visiting during the dry season from November to May.

More specifically, says Brendon, “Spring is the best time to spot wildlife such as manatees and alligators.”

Hoping to spot some sea turtles? Ahmadi suggests planning your vacation on the latter side of that window — between March and May — which is peak nesting season, when most leatherbacks and loggerheads tend to lay their eggs on Florida’s sandy beaches.

What month is the cheapest time to go to Florida?

The best way to score cheaper flights and hotel rooms is to avoid time periods when Florida tourism peaks. According to experts, the sunshine state has two “high seasons”:

Mid-June to mid-August: When kids are out of school, paving the way for family vacations to theme parks and resorts

Mid-December to mid-April: When hurricanes are the least likely and tourists are eager to take advantage of the more temperate climate

The northern part of the state tends to be more crowded in the summer months, while the central and southern areas draw more travelers during the winter. As is true everywhere, higher demand means hotels can charge more for rooms, and airlines can charge more for tickets.

So, if you’re on a tight budget, the best time to visit Florida is any time between August and late November.

“It’s right when summer vacation is ending but before the winter holiday rush,” explains Brendon.

While booking your stay during this time frame will likely save you money, there is one downside.

“This does sit right within hurricane season, so ensuring your plans are flexible and having good travel insurance are a must before you set off,” Brendon adds.

According to Ahmadi, it’s possible to find great deals at almost any time of year — as long as you avoid major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.

What is the best month to visit Disney World?

In choosing the perfect time for a Disney trip, consider your priorities. Are you looking to save money, dodge crowds, or guarantee flawless weather for your Magic Kingdom memories?

Orlando weather is best from March to April, with lows averaging 56 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit and highs averaging 78 to 82 degrees. Between May and September, it can get up to 90 degrees and higher during the day. October and November boast comfortable temperatures, too, with highs at a reasonable 78 to 84 degrees, but remember: These months fall during — you guessed it — hurricane season. If you strategically plan your trip toward the end of November — after Thanksgiving — you have a better chance of missing the storms.

If costs are your main concern, tickets to Disney World are cheapest from late August (around the 19th) through late September (around the 25th). August also happens to be when flights to Orlando, the nearest airport to Disney World, are the least expensive.

Related: 6 money-saving tips for your next theme park trip

Ticket costs are highest in December and April — and that’s because this is when Disney World tends to be the busiest. So, if your top priority is to avoid the crowds — and waiting in long lines for rides and other attractions — steer clear of these months.