We went in August of last year and it was awful. Previously, we'd always been at Easter and had loved it (despite sometimes being unbearably hot). I wasn't worried too much about it being hot, I was concerned that it rained more. Having been told it only rained usually for a few minutes, I relaxed. HOWEVER, beware of Hurricanes. Even when they're not directly over Florida, then can affect the weather considerably. We had Fay, Gustav, Hannah and Ike all within that area - one after the other and the weather was cold and raining for days on end. It wasn't warm rain, like they tell you, it was hard, painful, soaking wet rain - just like we get here! For a first timer, I really would suggest April/May if you can.