Best time to visit Southwest Florida
The best time to visit Southwest Florida is usually April, May and October, when a typical day grades A, A and A. January and August are the weakest (B and B). The quietest months are August and September, and storm risk peaks in September.
Pick a month
Southwest Florida month by month
| Month | Typical day | High | Water | Rain chance | Waves | Crowds | Storm risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | B | 72°F | 66°F | 24% | 2.1 ft | Very busy | Very low |
| February | B+ | 75°F | 67°F | 22% | 1.9 ft | Very busy | Very low |
| March | A- | 80°F | 73°F | 29% | 1.8 ft | Packed | Very low |
| April | A | 83°F | 77°F | 32% | 1.6 ft | Busy | Very low |
| May | A | 87°F | 85°F | 45% | 1.3 ft | Moderate | Very low |
| June | A- | 87°F | 87°F | 77% | 1.1 ft | Moderate | Very low |
| July | B+ | 89°F | 89°F | 77% | 1.1 ft | Moderate | Low |
| August | B | 89°F | 89°F | 76% | 1.2 ft | Moderate | Moderate |
| September | B | 87°F | 87°F | 73% | 1.2 ft | Quiet | High |
| October | A | 84°F | 80°F | 34% | 1.6 ft | Moderate | Low |
| November | A- | 80°F | 75°F | 26% | 1.6 ft | Busy | Very low |
| December | A- | 76°F | 70°F | 18% | 1.7 ft | Busy | Very low |
Typical-month numbers from Veabird's year-ahead outlook for the 16 resorts here (median resort). Grades weigh seaweed, temperature, rain, sun, water, waves, wind, UV, crowds, storm risk and travel safety.
Best beaches in Southwest Florida
Resorts with the best typical April, and their grades for the next few days.
- The Ritz-Carlton Naples Apr ASatA-SunA-MonA-TueA-WedA-
- Naples Grande Beach Resort Apr ASatA-SunA-MonA-TueA-WedA-
- LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort Apr ASatB+SunA-MonA-TueB+WedA-
- Edgewater Beach Hotel Apr ASatA-SunA-MonA-TueA-WedA-
- JW Marriott Marco Island Apr ASatB+SunA-MonA-TueA-WedA-
- Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort Apr ASatB+SunA-MonA-TueA-WedA-
- Marco Beach Ocean Resort Apr ASatB+SunA-MonA-TueA-WedA-
- Bonita Beach Resorts Apr ASatB+SunA-MonA-TueB+WedA-
Grades for the next few days from Veabird's beach forecast, updated Oct 3, 18:00 UTC. Higher is better: A+ to F.
Questions
- When is the best time to visit Southwest Florida?
- The best time to visit Southwest Florida is usually April, May and October, when a typical day grades A, A and A. January and August are the weakest (B and B). The quietest months are August and September, and storm risk peaks in September.
- When is the cheapest and least crowded time to visit Southwest Florida?
- Crowds are usually lightest in August and September and heaviest in February and March (College & school spring break and Semana Santa / Easter). Quieter months usually mean lower hotel rates.
- When is hurricane season in Southwest Florida?
- Storm risk runs from about July to October and peaks in September.
- When is the water warmest in Southwest Florida?
- The sea is warmest in July and August (about 89°F) and coolest in January and February (about 66°F).