Weather in Ocala, Florida
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 17Light Drizzle28%94°74°
- MondayMay 18Overcast—89°71°
- TuesdayMay 19Overcast23%93°69°
- WednesdayMay 20Overcast27%94°69°
- ThursdayMay 21Light Drizzle34%95°70°
- FridayMay 22Overcast39%96°70°
- SaturdayMay 23Overcast54%96°70°
- PM 2.5
- 6.8 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 9.1 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 3.1 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 73.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:52 AM
- Moonset
- 12:32 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Ocala at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 6°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: February 10 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Peak growing season
As of May 17, the growing season is at its peak — frost is months away. Continue succession-planting beans and summer squash. Start fall brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, kale) from seed indoors for transplanting in late summer.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| March | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | — |
| April | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | — |
| May | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | — | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Ocala's warmest temperatures (~82°F mean) while January delivers the coldest (~58°F). Rainfall reaches its peak in June (7.4 inches) and drops to its lowest point in November (2.1 inches).
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58° | 3.4″ | 5 |
| February | 61° | 2.9″ | 5 |
| March | 65° | 3.7″ | 5 |
| April | 71° | 2.2″ | 4 |
| May | 76° | 3.5″ | 5 |
| June | 81° | 7.4″ | 11 |
| July | 82° | 6.9″ | 12 |
| August | 82° | 7.1″ | 12 |
| September | 80° | 6.5″ | 9 |
| October | 74° | 3.2″ | 5 |
| November | 65° | 2.1″ | 3 |
| December | 60° | 2.7″ | 4 |
Regional context
Ocala falls within a humid subtropical climate region — part of a group that experiences similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions across nearby cities.
Similar climates: Miami, FL, Tampa, FL, Orlando, FL, Jacksonville, FL, Cape Coral, FL.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the flowering of Southern magnolia trees, their large white blossoms releasing a sweet fragrance across the region.
Painted bunting males display their breeding plumage during May, the colorful finches returning to establish territories in suitable habitat.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Ocala?
- Ocala's last spring frost typically occurs around mid-February, and the first fall frost arrives around mid-December.
- What is the rainy season in Ocala?
- June receives the most rainfall with about 7.4 inches on average; the city gets roughly 52 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Ocala?
- July typically brings the warmest weather, averaging about 82°F.
- What is the coldest month in Ocala?
- January typically delivers the coldest temperatures, averaging about 58°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Ocala?
- Cool-season crops (peas, lettuce) can be planted around the last spring frost (mid-February); warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers) should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Ocala get?
- Ocala experiences about 79 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Ocala?
- Ocala's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; check the USDA's online lookup with the city ZIP for the current zone designation.
Climate
Ocala, Florida experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. January temperatures typically hover near 58°F while July averages 82°F — a 24°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Ocala receives about 52 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 79 rainy days.
Weather patterns follow the city's latitude (29.2°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation — factors that determine what grows here, when frost occurs, and daily weather conditions.