On the tee
- Full sun can add up to 15°F to the heat index, which assumes shade.
- Heat stroke is a medical emergency: call 911.
- An early tee time and steady sips of water do more than any gadget.
A summer round in Orlando means four or five hours in the sun, much of it on open grass that reflects heat back at you. NOAA’s normals put the average high above 90°F from June through August, and the humidity makes it feel hotter still. Most golfers handle it with water, shade and an early start. But heat illness can build quietly over a round, and knowing the warning signs matters as much as knowing the yardage.
Why the heat index matters more than the temperature
The National Weather Service’s heat index measures how hot it really feels when humidity is added to the air temperature. Humid air makes it harder for sweat to cool you. The weather service gives an example: with an air temperature of 96°F and relative humidity of 65 percent, the heat index is 121°F.
There is a second point that matters for golfers. The weather service notes that heat index values were devised for shady, light wind conditions, and that full sunshine can increase them by up to 15°F. A fairway at noon in July is about as far from shade as you can get. So when the forecast heat index is already high, the number you are actually playing in may be higher.
Tip: Look at the heat index in the forecast, not just the temperature, when you decide whether to take an early or a late tee time.
Three kinds of heat illness
The weather service, drawing on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, describes three stages. They do not always come in order, but each is a signal to stop and act.
| Condition | What you may notice | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Heat cramps | Painful muscle cramps and spasms, usually in the legs or abdomen; heavy sweating | Firm pressure or gentle massage on the muscle; sips of water unless the person feels sick. Get medical help if cramps last more than an hour |
| Heat exhaustion | Heavy sweating; weakness or tiredness; cool, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; dizziness, nausea or vomiting; headache; fainting | Move to a cooler place, ideally air-conditioned; loosen clothing; cool, wet cloths; sips of water. Get medical help if the person vomits or symptoms worsen or last more than an hour |
| Heat stroke | Throbbing headache; confusion; slurred speech; body temperature above 103°F; hot, red, dry or damp skin; rapid, strong pulse; loss of consciousness | Call 911 at once. Move the person somewhere cooler and lower their temperature with cool cloths. Do not give fluids |
Heat cramps can be the first sign that trouble is coming, and the weather service says they may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency, and the weather service warns that delay can be fatal. Confusion is an important clue: a playing partner who suddenly cannot keep score, repeats themselves or seems unsteady needs attention, not another bottle of water and a push to finish the round.
A note about fans
A cart fan or a clubhouse fan feels good, but the weather service has a specific warning. When heat index temperatures are above the 90s, blowing air at someone may actually make them hotter. For a person with heat illness, a cooler, air-conditioned room and cool, wet cloths are better choices than a fan on a very hot day.
Before the round
- Pick the time. The first tee times of the day are the coolest. If you can, finish before early afternoon.
- Pick the course. Nine holes is a perfectly good round in July. The Courses can filter for short courses.
- Dress for the sun. Light colors, breathable fabric and a hat help. Check the course’s dress code before you go, since many require collared shirts.
- Start hydrated. Drink water before you arrive rather than trying to catch up on the back nine.
During the round
Drink regularly, not just when you feel thirsty. Use shade wherever the course gives it: stand under trees while others play, as long as there is no thunder around, and park the cart in the shade when you can. Wet a towel and keep it on your neck. If you are walking, consider a cart on the hottest days or a pull cart instead of carrying your bag.
Pay attention to the people you are playing with as well as yourself. Heat illness can affect anyone, and it is easy to dismiss early signs such as a headache or dizziness as the result of a bad hole.
After the round
Cool down properly: get into air conditioning, keep drinking water and give your body time to recover before the next activity. If you felt unwell during the round, take it seriously, and seek medical care if symptoms do not settle.
Heat and storms together
Summer afternoons in Orlando often bring both the highest heat and the most thunderstorms. That makes early tee times doubly useful. If a storm does arrive, the rule for lightning still applies, even if it means waiting inside for a while. Read Lightning on the Golf Course: What to Do When Thunder Rolls in Orlando for what to do when you hear thunder. For the full seasonal picture, see Orlando Golf Weather by Month: When to Play and What to Expect.
None of this should put you off summer golf in Central Florida. Many locals play all year. They simply respect the heat, plan around it and stop at the first sign that something is wrong. This guide is general information and not medical advice; if you have a health condition or take medicines that affect how you handle heat, ask your doctor before playing in extreme conditions.