Late May Everglades/ Cypress

Question

We've planned most of our 2 week trip (coming from the UK) but I'm still unsure how much time we should spend around the Everglades/ Cypress given the likely heat/ wet/ mozzies. We'll be driving up from Key West towards Naples/ St Pete, so couldn't easily do as a day trip from Miami.

I know the NPS tours are more or less finished for the season but there are commercial tours (eg 10,000 island boat trip) and self guided options, I guess mostly short hikes. It doesn't sound like kayaking will be comfortable, but maybe a faster boat would be OK?

I'm wondering whether we just spend a day driving through and stopping at key points that interest us or whether it's worth taking a couple of days, and booking a tour....possibly staying in Everglades City.

It's not about a check list of animals, we just want to see as much as we can but not if it's too uncomfortable!

Answer

Visiting the Everglades and surrounding cypress areas in late May comes with a mix of rewards and challenges. By this time, Florida is moving into its wet season, which means temperatures can be high (often in the upper 80s to low 90s °F / 30–35°C), humidity is significant, and mosquitoes are very active, especially around water and marshy areas. The heat and bugs can make long hikes or slow boat tours less comfortable, so planning shorter, targeted experiences often works best.

Since you'll be driving from Key West towards Naples and St. Petersburg, a full-day trip is feasible, but you may find it rushed if you want to enjoy the scenery without feeling stressed. Staying overnight in or near Everglades City gives you more flexibility to explore the area at a comfortable pace and catch morning or late afternoon tours when wildlife is more active and temperatures are slightly lower.

Options for visiting the Everglades in late May include:

Self-guided drives along the Tamiami Trail (US-41) with short stops at key points like Shark Valley or Big Cypress National Preserve visitor areas. Short boardwalk hikes (e.g., at Anhinga Trail) offer good wildlife viewing with minimal exertion.
Commercial boat tours in the 10,000 Islands region or Everglades City area. Airboat rides or faster motorboat tours allow you to cover more ground quickly, which helps avoid the midday heat and mosquitos.
Short guided kayak or canoe trips can be done, but in late May the heat and mosquitoes might make this uncomfortable; consider early morning departures if you want to try paddling.

If your priority is seeing as much as possible without discomfort, spending one full day driving with strategic stops is a practical choice. However, if you want a more relaxed experience and the opportunity to take a guided tour without rushing, an overnight stay in Everglades City or nearby is recommended. This allows for early morning tours, which are cooler and often better for wildlife sightings.

Additional tips for comfort:

Bring lightweight, breathable clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
Use strong insect repellent and consider a head net for boat rides if mosquitoes are particularly bad.
Plan boat tours for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat of midday.
Carry water and snacks, as amenities are limited in more remote areas.

In summary, for late May, a single day with key stops is doable, but a two-day stay with a guided tour offers a more relaxed and rewarding experience, especially if you are concerned about heat and mosquitos. The Everglades are beautiful but can be physically taxing in the summer months, so plan for comfort over trying to see everything.

Late May Everglades/ Cypress

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