Central Florida’s wet season runs roughly late May through mid-October, when afternoon thunderstorms are common. They often build mid-afternoon and fade by evening, so a sunset proposal usually still works — but always choose a covered backup spot nearby. If severe weather hits, we reschedule at no charge.
If you’re planning a proposal between June and September in Orlando, you’ll probably hear thunder at some point that week. That’s fine. With a little planning, summer proposals come out beautifully — some of our moodiest, most dramatic skies came right after a storm.
How Orlando’s summer weather works
Central Florida’s wet season runs from about late May to mid-October. The typical pattern: a clear morning, clouds building in early afternoon, thunderstorms mid-to-late afternoon, then clearing toward evening. It isn’t guaranteed — some days storm late, some don’t storm at all — but it’s why sunset sessions tend to beat afternoon ones in summer. Hurricane season also runs June 1 to November 30, so we keep an eye on the tropics in the week before your date.
Build a plan B before you need it
- Pick a covered spot within a few minutes’ walk — a pavilion, a covered porch, an arcade, a gazebo or a hotel entrance (with permission). We plan the backup when we plan the main spot.
- Keep your timing flexible. A 30–60 minute window lets us slide around a passing cell.
- Check the radar, not just the forecast. A “60% chance of rain” in Orlando often means one storm somewhere in the county. The morning of, we look at the radar together and make the call.
- Have a text-me plan. Keep your phone on so I can tell you “go” or “wait 20 minutes” without tipping off your partner.
Lightning is the one thing we don’t negotiate
Central Florida gets some of the most lightning in the country. We follow the National Weather Service rule: when thunder roars, go indoors. If you can hear thunder, you’re close enough to be struck, so we move to shelter and wait until 30 minutes after the last thunder. Standing under a lone tree or by the lake isn’t shelter. A delayed proposal is a good story; the alternative isn’t.
Light rain can be a gift
Drizzle and the soft light after a storm can make gorgeous photos: glowing skin, reflections, a clear umbrella, dramatic clouds. If it’s light rain and no lightning, we decide together whether to go ahead.
What happens if we have to reschedule
If severe weather makes the session unsafe, we reschedule at no charge. For setup packages, we plan the rain backup in advance, since florals and décor need time to move.
Summer checklist
- Plan for a sunset time, not mid-afternoon.
- Choose a backup covered spot nearby.
- Bring a towel, a clear umbrella and bug spray.
- Wear breathable fabrics — it’s still in the 80s at sunset in July.
- Keep the ring somewhere dry and zipped.
