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Soak in the Florida sun, play golf on an endless supply of courses, or hit the water for fishing or boating in Fort Myers, Florida. It’s an excellent place to enjoy these outdoor activities, shop at boutiques, and enjoy many succulent dishes.
But to get the most out of this location, you must know the best time to visit Fort Myers. The weather changes dramatically throughout the year.
The winter is when the most crowds visit to bask in the comfortable sun, but you can also score lower prices in the summer heat. Let’s dive into the details so you can figure out exactly when you should plan your visit; let us be your guide!
Why You Should Visit Fort Myers
If you like relaxing near the beach, enjoying warm weather, and visiting a vibrant area with plenty of activities, Fort Myers is a great place. This sunny Florida city is located on the Gulf of Mexico and offers an excellent destination for living or vacationing.
Many people that go to Fort Myers take advantage of the fun on the water. You can enjoy boating, fishing, or lounging on the beach or by the pool.
There’s always some wet fun around. Plentiful restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues can fill your evenings out on the town. Other popular activities in Fort Myers include golfing, shopping, and catching a game during baseball’s spring training season.
The MLB’s Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins have spring training in town and host many games in February and March. Overall, Fort Myers is a top vacation destination.
It’s so attractive that many people visit and stay much longer, with a robust retiree population serving as the main winter crowd. Some people use it as a snowbird location, migrating to Fort Myers during the winter and then returning north to home for the summer months.
Overall Best Time to Visit Fort Myers
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Most people think the best time to visit Fort Myers is winter or early spring. This time of year provides a relatively moderate climate with plenty of people visiting and events going on.
But it’s also one of the busiest times in the area and can cause higher prices on things like airfare and vacation rentals. The weather from about December to April is typically in the 70s during the day and 60s at night.
This comfortable range makes it easy to be outside and helps avoid excessive utility bills or heating and air conditioning needs. You can go where you please without worrying about being hot or cold.
On the other hand, if you want cheaper rates and to avoid crowds, you’re better off going over the summer months. Many snowbirds will flock out of town, leaving behind empty venues and more affordable prices.
The downfall is that summer can bring in hot temperatures and rain, even hurricanes. You can also visit during the fall months to check out unique wildlife, including many bird migrations.
Fort Myers and the surrounding area have many natural wonders, including state parks and nature reserves. The spring is another good time to go for a relatively low number of people but still get comfortable weather.
Cheapest Time to Visit Fort Myers
For those who want to get the most bang for your buck while visiting Fort Myers, the peak summer months from June to August is the time you should consider.
During this time of year, the area is less crowded, leading to lower prices. As people go out, you’ll find almost every aspect of life is cheaper in Fort Myers.
Hotel and rental rates will be significantly lower, along with rental car and airfare prices. It’s easy to get good deals flying to Fort Myers during these summer months as the demand drops.
To get the best deals on flights, look at the summer months, use flexible dates, and purchase in advance. But there is a valid reason for this lack of enthusiasm about the summer months. The weather in Fort Myers over the summer can be difficult to deal with.
Florida is no stranger to sunshine and hot temperatures. During the summer, you can expect the Florida sun to crank up the heat to nearly unbearable temperatures of over 100 degrees.
The humidity can also be sky-high. Not only will you be much more comfortable at places with air conditioning, but it’s also basically a requirement. Pools and the beach can always help too.
Least Busy Time to Visit Fort Myers
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Like the cheapest time, the least busy time in Fort Myers are the summer months, typically ranging from around June to August.
But the weather begins to warm in May and can last to nearly October, so the crowds will generally be lower the entire time. While the weather might be hot and humid, you can still find plenty to do.
Hang out by the poolside and sip on a cold drink to stay cool. Or head to the beach, being mindful of strong currents.
Wake up early to play golf before the worst of the heat rolls in. Or enjoy the comfort of an indoor location with air conditioning. It’s easy to get great deals during the summer in Florida.
On top of better flights and hotel rates, you can even find low prices for tourist activities and adventures. Many places don’t require reservations during the period, but you might want to check to ensure they’re not closed for the season.
If you want to find a better balance between crowds and weather, the shoulder season months in the fall from about October to November and spring from April to May are worth checking out. The weather can be reasonable, with somewhat lower prices and fewer people.
Worst Time to Visit Fort Myers
The worst time to visit Fort Myers depends on your tastes. For those who want to enjoy comfortable outdoor weather, the worst time to visit is anything outside of the peak season from December to April.
But if you want to avoid crowds, then those peak winter months can be the worst time to visit. In many ways, the hurricane season is the worst time to visit, which lasts from June through November.
These giant storms can not only force you to be inside for days on end, but they can also bring severely destructive weather that can interrupt any travel plans significantly.
If you choose to visit during this period, keep an eye out for weather reports and evacuation warnings. On top of that, the hurricane season arrives during Florida’s warmest and most humid months.
Being outside can be unbearable, forcing you to stay close to the poolside or air-conditioned interiors. Sun-related issues are a reality as well. That’s why countless people think the worst time to visit Fort Myers is during summer.
Things to Consider
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Before you head to Fort Myers, there are some essential tips to know. Take note of these crucial things to consider to get the most out of your visit:
- Severe weather: Hurricane season runs from June through November and can be a dangerous time to visit. You might be faced with the reality of evacuation notices, delayed flights, and other weather-related problems.
- Baseball season: Multiple major-league baseball teams do their spring training in Fort Myers and play in what’s known as the Grapefruit League, a series of spring training games that these teams play against one another. These games run from February to March and can be a great way to see all-star players outside the traditional regular season MLB schedule.
- Peak season: The busiest time of the year is December to April, when the weather is the best, offering comfortable temperatures on most days. But it will also be the most expensive and crowded. Visiting during this time can still be well worth the additional expense and crowds because you’re free to enjoy everything Fort Myers has to offer.
- Golf and water fun: To get the most out of your Fort Myers visit, don’t forget to hit the links at least once during your stay. This popular activity is a staple in the area, much like going to the beach or hanging out by the pool. So don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and clubs along, but most courses have some rentals if necessary.
- Car rentals: Unless you want to be stranded or reliant on other transportation methods, renting a car or bringing your own is a wise idea. Fort Myers is a car-centric area, and not having access to one will limit your mobility.
- Nature outings: Besides the beaches and golf courses, you should also set aside time to visit Fort Myers’ wonderful nature reserves, wildlife refuges, and state parks. They can keep you entertained for a long time and are perfect for family-friendly outings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting Fort Myers, Florida:
What is the rainy season in Fort Myers?
The rainy season in Fort Myers happens from June to October. Torrential downpours are common, along with almost-daily rain. During the worst storms, hurricane forces can roll into town, sometimes posing a significant danger.
What months is hurricane season in Fort Myers?
The months from June through November are typically considered hurricane season in Fort Myers, Florida. Not only can hurricanes prevent you from enjoying outdoor activities.
However, they can also be extremely dangerous, with high winds, rising tides, and other harm. Pay attention to weather reports and warnings if you visit during this time.
What is the coldest month of the year in Fort Myers?
The coldest month of the year in Fort Myers is usually January. But it’s still moderate, and you don’t need much to stay comfortable. The temperatures are typically in the mid-70s during the day and low-60s at night, making it incredibly comfortable indoors and outside.
Is it warm enough to swim in Fort Myers in January?
For many people, it is warm enough to swim in Fort Myers in January. People hang out on the beach, enjoying the sunshine and calm water.
Heated pools can make it very easy to enjoy swimming in the peak of winter, such as January. While some days might be a bit chilly, you can usually stay warm while enjoying water activities.
Which side of Florida has warmer water?
Since the Gulf of Mexico doesn’t have as strong of currents, the Gulf of Mexico side of Florida usually has warmer water than the Atlantic Ocean side. Sometimes the difference isn’t that noticeable, but other times it can be. Head to the Gulf side for the warmest weather instead of the Atlantic.
Which side of Florida is warmer in January?
The Gulf of Mexico side of Florida is usually warmer in January. The calm Gulf waters allow for a more consistent temperature, while the Atlantic side can be a bit more turbulent due to the expansive ocean surface. In general, both are still relatively warm compared to other places.
So, When Should You Visit Fort Myers?
Most people agree that the best time to visit Fort Myers is during the peak of winter, from December to April. The weather is comfortable, the sun shines, and the friendly people enjoy all the wonderful amenities this Florida city offers.
If you want to avoid the crowds and get lower airfare and rental prices, then you’ll want to avoid this peak season rush and brave the summer heat instead. So what are you waiting for — book your trip today!