Jacksonville experiences a humid subtropical climate
characterised by mild winter weather (December to February) and hot
summer weather (June to August). Average daytime temperatures in
summer hover between 64°F (18°C) and 91°F (33°C), and thunderstorms
are common during summer afternoons, due to the high humidity in
Jacksonville. Winters can be cold, with temperatures ranging
between 41°F (5°C) and 68°F (20°C), and hard freezes during the
night are not uncommon, but extreme temperatures are usually
short-lived. Snow is extremely rare in Jacksonville. Despite the
city's location on the edge of the hurricane belt, Jacksonville
does not experience the full force of passing hurricanes, though
tropical storms are common throughout the hurricane season, between
August and October.
Jacksonville International Airport
Location: The airport is situated 14 miles (23km) north of downtown
Jacksonville.
Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from mid-March to the first Sunday
in November).
Getting to the city:
All ground transportation services, including rental car
agencies, taxi, and limousine services, are located on the lower
level of the terminal building, adjacent to baggage claim. Some
hotels offer pick-up services, and shuttle companies offer a
door-to-door service to nearby destinations. These services should
be booked in advance, if possible.
Car Rental:
Car hire companies represented include Avis, Alamo, Budget,
Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, and Thrifty.
Airport Taxis:
Gator City Taxi is the official taxi company serving the
airport. It is a good idea to book a taxi at the desk in the
terminal and enquire about rates beforehand, as the drivers have
been known to overcharge tourists.
Facilities:
The airport has numerous ATMs, bars, cafes, restaurants and
shops. There is a nursing room, a spa, an art gallery, a pet relief
area, and a meditation room available at the airport. There are
also fax and photocopy facilities available.
Parking
Parking in all lots is charged at $2 per 30 minutes. Daily rates
start from $22 in the Hourly Lot, $18 in the Daily Lot, $11 in the
Daily Surface Lot, and $6 in Economy Lots 1 and 2.
Although many visitors do choose to hire a car, it is possible
to get around Jacksonville using public transport. The elevated
Skyway provides free transport around downtown Jacksonville on
weekdays from 6am-9pm. The charming Riverside Trolley is also
useful for tourists, and departs roughly every 20 minutes weekdays.
Taxis and rental cars are also available and those hiring cars will
find that Jacksonville is easy to navigate and provides plenty of
public parking.