Orlando is considered to be in a subtropical climate zone. Summer high temperatures average in the low-to-mid 90s °F (mid-30s °C). Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean in particular allows the Sea Breeze to cool it, but also keeping humidity high, keeping temperatures stable and making temperatures of 100 °F (38 °C) very rare. Its all-time record high temperature is 102 °F (39 °C), last achieved on May 31, 1945. 100 °F (38 °C) was last reached in 1998 for several days and peaking at 101 °F (38.3 °C) on July 2.

Winter temperatures are typically mild, with the jet stream bringing in frequent cold fronts. High temperatures typically fluctuate anywhere from 55 °F (18 °C) to 80 °F (27 °C). Below-freezing temperatures are uncommon, with snow almost a generational event. Orlando's all-time record low is 19 °F (-7 °C), last achieved on January 20, 1985. The last recorded snow event was on December 23, 1989, when light snow and sleet fell and the high temperature only reached 37 °F (2.5 °C) on Christmas Day. January is the only month in which a temperature of 90°F (32°C) has not been recorded.

The average annual rainfall for Orlando is 48.35 in (1198 mm). June through September is its "rainy season", accounted for by its location at the center of the Florida Peninsula, with the Gulf Breeze off the Gulf of Mexico and the Sea Breeze off the Atlantic Ocean colliding over the city in the summer, creating "pop-up" thunderstorms. December through May is considered Orlando's "dry season", with wildfires a danger particularly in May. While hurricanes are common in the area, they are often weaker and somewhat less destructive in Orlando than in coastal areas.