Guides · Clermont, Florida
Visiting Clermont in Hurricane Season: What to Know
The hills of Clermont were carved by citrus and are now climbed by athletes. Hurricane season is the green hinge between those two identities. It's also the quietest time to see the town.
Why Hurricane Season Is Clermont's Quietest, Greenest Stretch
From June through November, the crowds thin and the landscape goes lush. The summer rains rolling in off the Gulf keep the hills — the steepest ground in peninsular Florida — saturated and intensely green. A stark contrast to the dry, brown stretches of spring. Citrus dominated Lake County's economy into the mid-twentieth century; suburban development has taken over since. But the empty groves and rolling terrain are still there to be seen, especially when the weather keeps most visitors away. For the traveler willing to watch the radar, this is the season to see Clermont without the crowds.
The Hills That Made Clermont: From Citrus to Champions
Clermont was established in 1884, incorporated as a town on 9 June 1891, briefly disbanded, and reincorporated as a city on 28 December 1916. The name comes from the French hometown of A.F. Wrotnowski, who managed the Clermont Improvement Company. The topography that made the town distinctive — those hills — also made it vulnerable. Orange groves thrived here into the mid-twentieth century, then dwindled fast under repeated freezes and suburban development. The hills that once held the groves now serve a different kind of endurance: the National Training Center, established in 2001, made Clermont a destination for triathletes and cyclists, and the city adopted the slogan Choice of Champions in 2014. The freezes took the citrus. The hills stayed. The athletes came.
The Citrus Tower: A Relic That Outlived the Groves
Built in 1956, the Florida Citrus Tower still stands over a landscape whose groves have largely gone. It was one of Florida's earliest roadside landmarks, built to celebrate an industry about to collapse under freezes and development. Now it functions as a kind of historical irony in steel and glass: a vantage point built to show off the citrus, offering views over empty fields and new suburban sprawl. See it not for what it celebrates, but for what it outlived.
Lake Minneola and Waterfront Park: Rain or Shine
Waterfront Park sits on Lake Minneola with swimming, fishing piers and a playground. During hurricane season, treat the weather as part of the plan. When storms pass, the lake clears and the swimming is fine. When the rain rolls in, the piers and playground are less useful — but the lake itself is still worth watching. The water turns dramatic under a low sky. The key is flexibility: the park works best when you can time your visit to the gaps between fronts.
Pig on the Pond: The Late-Season Gathering
As hurricane season winds down, Clermont holds its biggest event. Pig on the Pond runs three days at Waterfront Park and is the largest event in south Lake County, drawing more than 20,000 people. It is run by Project Scholars, a non-profit, and the 2026 edition will be the 27th. It marks the shift from storm-watching to community celebration — and a good reason to plan a visit for the tail end of the season.
Storm Season Logistics: What to Know Before You Go
Is it safe to visit during hurricane season? Depends on the storm. The season runs from June 1 to November 30, so book flexibly, monitor forecasts, and have a plan for indoor alternatives. When the weather intervenes, nearby towns offer day trips: Mount Dora (21 miles) has the Mount Dora Arts Festival and Craft Fair, Altamonte Springs (25 miles) has Red Hot & Boom, Dade City (35 miles) has the Kumquat Festival, Sanford (36 miles) has Sanford Porchfest, and Oviedo (38 miles) has Great Day in the Country. The numbers tell the story of a town in transition: a population of 44,984, a median age of 42.4, a median household income of $79,789, and a median home value of $368,600. Of the 18,718 housing units, only 558 are held for seasonal or recreational use. This is a working town, not a resort — and hurricane season is when that fact is most visible.
| Month | Typical Conditions |
|---|---|
| June | Season opens; frequent afternoon thunderstorms, high humidity, crowds still moderate |
| July | Peak heat and humidity; daily storm chances; lake swimming at its warmest |
| August | Height of hurricane activity historically; watch the tropics closely |
| September | Still active; often the most intense storms; crowds thin out |
| October | Season winding down; drier days return; cooler mornings; Pig on the Pond |
| November | Late-season storms rare but possible; cool, clear weather; quietest month |
Common questions
- Is Clermont safe to visit during hurricane season?
- Hurricane season runs June through November, and Clermont is inland, which reduces storm surge risk. However, heavy rain and wind can still cause flooding or power outages. Check local forecasts and have a flexible plan.
- What is there to do in Clermont if it rains?
- Waterfront Park on Lake Minneola has covered picnic areas, but for indoor options, consider driving to Mount Dora, 21 miles away, for its arts festivals and craft fairs. Always confirm event schedules, as weather can cancel outdoor activities.
- Are there any hurricane shelters in Clermont?
- The provided facts don't list specific shelters. For accurate shelter locations and openings, contact Lake County emergency management or check local news during an active storm. Do not rely on unverified sources.
- Can I still visit the Florida Citrus Tower during a storm?
- The tower, built in 1956, is a landmark, but its hours and closures aren't specified here. During hurricane season, call ahead or check its official site for weather-related closures. It may close for safety during high winds.
- What's the best way to stay updated on weather while in Clermont?
- Use a reliable weather app or NOAA radio for real-time alerts. Since Clermont's population is 44,984 and median age is 42.4, many locals rely on standard alerts. Also, monitor Lake County emergency social media for local advisories.
- Are there any annual events in Clermont during hurricane season?
- Pig on the Pond, a three-day event at Waterfront Park drawing over 20,000 people, typically happens in spring, not hurricane season. The 2026 edition was the 27th, but no fall events are listed in the provided facts.
Every business named above is one we hold a listing for, and every date traces to a source on our sources page. We do not describe menus, interiors or service we have not verified. Details change — confirm before you travel.