Everglades National Park

The largest tropical wilderness in the United States, a critical wetland ecosystem home to alligators, crocodiles, Florida panthers, manatees, and a vast...

Everglades National Park at a Glance

Location
Florida & Gulf Coast, United States, North America
Coordinates
25.328800, -80.932000
Area
6105 km²
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
December to April (Dry Season) as it is the most popular time to visit

Safari Activities in Everglades National Park

  • Guided tours
  • Bird watching

Getting to Everglades National Park

Nearest airport: Andros Central Airport, 304 km away.

Nearest international airport: Chub Cay International Airport (CCZ), 307 km away.

Weather & Climate in Everglades National Park

The warmest temperatures in Everglades National Park occur in August, averaging 28.1°C (up to 32.0°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 20.2°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in January with average rainfall of 39.1mm. Average humidity: 75.5%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 20.2°C (rainfall: 39.1mm)
  • February: 21.5°C (rainfall: 61.5mm)
  • March: 23.4°C (rainfall: 54.2mm)
  • April: 24.8°C (rainfall: 65.8mm)
  • May: 26.3°C (rainfall: 116.2mm)
  • June: 26.9°C (rainfall: 281.5mm)
  • July: 28.0°C (rainfall: 148.5mm)
  • August: 28.1°C (rainfall: 172.1mm)
  • September: 27.1°C (rainfall: 235.8mm)
  • October: 25.5°C (rainfall: 135.0mm)
  • November: 23.4°C (rainfall: 92.0mm)
  • December: 20.6°C (rainfall: 70.4mm)

Best Time to Visit Everglades National Park

The best months to visit Everglades National Park are February, March, April, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 20.17°C, rainfall 39.1mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 75.5%
  • February: Great, temperature 21.53°C, rainfall 61.5mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 76.7%
  • March: Great, temperature 23.41°C, rainfall 54.2mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 71.3%
  • April: Great, temperature 24.79°C, rainfall 65.8mm, sunshine 11.8 hrs, humidity 71.3%
  • May: Great, temperature 26.34°C, rainfall 116.2mm, sunshine 12.1 hrs, humidity 72.5%
  • June: Good, temperature 26.87°C, rainfall 281.5mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 82%
  • July: Great, temperature 27.99°C, rainfall 148.5mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 80.2%
  • August: Good, temperature 28.07°C, rainfall 172.1mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 80.4%
  • September: Good, temperature 27.11°C, rainfall 235.8mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 83.2%
  • October: Good, temperature 25.49°C, rainfall 135mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 80.4%
  • November: Good, temperature 23.38°C, rainfall 92mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 79.3%
  • December: Good, temperature 20.64°C, rainfall 70.4mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 78%

Wildlife in Everglades National Park

Home to 71 recorded species including 32 waterbirds, 26 birds of prey, 5 iconic birds, 3 reptiles, 2 marine & freshwater, 2 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Everglades National Park

Based on average temperature of 24.6°C, typical conditions, humidity 78%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 25°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Everglades National Park

9 safari lodges available.

mid-range

Other

Similar Parks in Florida & Gulf Coast

Visitor Tips - Everglades National Park

We find the Everglades truly special for its unparalleled wetland wilderness, offering an intimate glimpse into a unique subtropical ecosystem teeming with life. The dry season, from December to April, is when we love to visit, as the receding waters concentrate wildlife, making sightings of alligators, wading birds, and even the elusive Florida panther more frequent and simply unforgettable.

Gate Times

The main entrances, such as the Ernest Coe Visitor Center entrance near Homestead and the Shark Valley entrance, are generally open 24 hours a day, though visitor center hours vary seasonally. We recommend checking the official park website for current visitor center timings, especially if you plan to pick up maps or speak with a ranger. A park entrance fee is required, typically valid for seven days, and we advise purchasing it online in advance to save time.

Tipping

Tipping customs here differ significantly from traditional African safaris. For guided tours, such as airboat rides, kayak excursions, or private bird-watching walks, we recommend tipping your guide around 15-20% of the tour cost, or $10-20 per person for shorter group tours, if you feel they provided excellent service. Park rangers, however, are government employees and do not accept tips.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for United States

Travel advisory for United States

Everglades National Park FAQs

How does the 'Dry Season' (December to April) specifically enhance the wildlife viewing experience in Everglades National Park?

During the Dry Season, water levels recede significantly, concentrating wildlife like alligators, crocodiles, and wading birds around remaining water sources, making them much easier to spot. The cooler, less humid weather also makes outdoor activities and exploration more comfortable for visitors.

Given the presence of alligators and crocodiles, what are the essential safety precautions visitors should take while exploring Everglades National Park?

Always maintain a safe distance from alligators and crocodiles, never feed them, and keep pets on a leash. It's crucial to stay on marked trails and boardwalks, and avoid swimming or wading in unsupervised waters to ensure your safety in their natural habitat.

Beyond general guided tours, what are some of the most unique and immersive ways to experience the Everglades' subtropical savanna and mangrove forests?

Consider taking an exhilarating airboat tour for a unique perspective of the sawgrass prairies, or explore the serene mangrove tunnels by kayak or canoe for a more intimate encounter. Ranger-led programs often offer in-depth insights into the park's unique ecosystem and its diverse inhabitants.

What practical steps should travelers take to mitigate the moderate malaria risk mentioned for Everglades National Park?

While the risk is moderate, it's advisable to use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, especially during dawn and dusk. Wearing long sleeves and pants can also provide an extra layer of protection against mosquito bites.

What are the typical entry fees and accessibility options for visitors arriving at Everglades National Park, considering its vast area?

A 7-day vehicle pass typically costs around $30-$35, while an individual pass is about $15-$20. The park has multiple entrances (e.g., Homestead, Miami, Everglades City), each offering access to different sections and activities, so plan your entry point based on your desired exploration.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.