Orlando gets about 8 inches of rain across 22 rainy days in August, and about 1.7 inches across 7 rainy days in December, according to the National Weather Service office in Melbourne. Roughly 61 percent of the year’s rainfall falls between late May and mid-October. The rest of the year is close to dry by comparison. That swing changes what a home in Clermont, Davenport, Kissimmee, Winter Garden, Celebration, Groveland, Windermere, or Orlando actually needs between cleanings, and it changes twice a year, not once.
Here’s what shifts when wet season turns to dry season, and back again, room by room and task by task.
When Wet Season Actually Starts in Clermont
The median onset of wet season in the Orlando area is May 27, with dry season typically setting in around October 15, per NWS Melbourne’s climate data. The date moves a couple of weeks earlier or later most years, so it’s worth treating late May as a planning point rather than a fixed switch. Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 according to NOAA, which means it overlaps almost the entire wet season. Afternoon storms, not just named systems, are the daily reality for five months straight.
What Wet Season Does to a Home Between Cleanings
- Entryways take the worst of it. Daily afternoon storms mean mud, grass clippings, and standing water get tracked in far more often than in dry season, especially near lanai doors and garage entries.
- Gutters fill faster. Heavier, more frequent rain moves leaves and debris into downspouts quickly, and a clogged gutter during a named storm sends water toward the foundation instead of away from it.
- AC condensate lines clog sooner. Central air runs longer and harder in wet season, which means more condensate moving through the line and a higher chance of a clog or algae buildup mid-summer.
- Lanais and screened porches stay damp longer. Humidity plus standing rainwater on screened surfaces is exactly the setup mildew needs, and it moves fast in Florida heat.
The Wet Season Checklist (Late May Through Mid-October)
- Wipe down entryways daily during active storm stretches, and keep a mat or boot tray at every door that opens to a lanai or yard.
- Check and clear gutters monthly, and again before any named storm is forecast for Central Florida.
- Flush the AC condensate line monthly. A cup of distilled vinegar poured into the access point once a month keeps algae from building a clog during peak AC season.
- Sweep and hose down lanais and screened porches weekly rather than biweekly, since standing moisture on screens turns to mildew faster in wet season heat.
- Run bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans for a full cycle after every shower and after cooking, since indoor humidity climbs fastest when outdoor humidity is already high.
What Changes Once Dry Season Sets In
Dry season in Central Florida, roughly November through April, brings lower humidity and far less rain, but it isn’t maintenance-free. February through May is peak oak pollen season in Florida, and oak accounts for the bulk of the state’s airborne pollen load, according to UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions. That pollen settles on windowsills, screens, patio furniture, and anything left outside, right as most households are opening windows and using outdoor space more because the weather is finally pleasant.
The Dry Season Checklist (November Through April)
- Wipe windowsills and screens weekly from February through May, when oak pollen is at its heaviest.
- Reverse ceiling fans for winter and dust the blades while they’re stopped, since dry-season dust settles more than it clings.
- Clean gutters twice, once in late fall and once in early spring, even though the pace of debris slows considerably.
- Check the AC condensate line quarterly instead of monthly, since the system runs less and clogs form more slowly.
- Deep clean lanai furniture and screens once, typically in late winter, ahead of pollen season and the return of wet season humidity.
Wet Season vs. Dry Season, at a Glance
| Task | Wet Season (Late May-Mid Oct) | Dry Season (Mid Oct-Late May) |
| Entryways and door mats | Wipe daily during active storms | Weekly is usually enough |
| Gutters and downspouts | Check monthly, clear before named storms | Clear twice, fall and early spring |
| AC condensate line | Flush monthly | Check quarterly |
| Lanai and screened porch | Sweep and hose weekly | Biweekly, plus one deep clean in late winter |
| Windows and screens | Rinse after heavy storms | Wipe weekly, February through May pollen peak |
When It Makes Sense to Bring in a Professional Crew
A lot of this holds up fine as a DIY routine. Where households and small businesses in Clermont, Davenport, Kissimmee, Winter Garden, Celebration, Groveland, Windermere, and Orlando tend to bring in help is at the seasonal turning points, the deep clean in late spring before pollen and humidity both peak, and the pre-storm-season check in May, when gutters, lanais, and entryways all need attention at once.
Clermont City Clean provides insured, vetted residential and commercial cleaning across all of those cities, with online booking and quotes available 24/7 in about 60 seconds. If anything is missed, report it within 24 hours and the team returns to re-clean it at no charge.
Get a free quote or book a seasonal cleaning anytime at clermontcityclean.com/book.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does wet season start in Clermont, FL?
The median onset is May 27 in the Orlando area, though it can shift a couple of weeks earlier or later depending on the year, according to NWS Melbourne climate data.
Do I need to clean more often during hurricane season?
Yes, particularly entryways, gutters, and the AC condensate line. Hurricane season runs June through November and overlaps almost the entire wet season, so storm debris and heavy rain are a near-weekly consideration rather than an occasional one.
Why does pollen get so bad in Central Florida in the spring?
February through May is peak oak pollen season in Florida, and oak trees produce a large share of the state’s total airborne pollen. It settles on windowsills, screens, and outdoor furniture faster than most households expect.
Should I still run a dehumidifier during dry season?
Most homes need it less, but interior closets and bathrooms with poor airflow can still hold humidity above 60 percent even in dry season, especially close to the Chain of Lakes. Spot-checking those rooms is worth it either way.
How often should gutters be cleaned in a Florida climate like Clermont’s?
Monthly during wet season, plus before any named storm, and about twice during dry season, once in late fall and once in early spring.
Does dry season mean less cleaning overall?
Less exterior and moisture-related cleaning, yes. Pollen season from February through May adds its own workload, so dry season shifts what needs attention rather than removing the need for a routine altogether.
Can Clermont City Clean handle a seasonal deep clean instead of a regular schedule?
Yes. One-time seasonal deep cleans and recurring schedules are both available through the same online booking and quote process at clermontcityclean.com/book.