Fort Lauderdale, often called the “Venice of America,” is a year-round travel destination known for its beaches, boating canals, and vibrant nightlife. However, the experience you’ll have can vary greatly depending on the month you visit. Understanding Fort Lauderdale weather by month will help you plan the perfect trip—whether you’re chasing sunshine, avoiding crowds, or looking for the best travel deals.
This complete guide breaks down temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and travel tips for every month of the year.
Overview of Fort Lauderdale’s Climate
Fort Lauderdale has a tropical rainforest climate, which means:
Warm temperatures all year
A dry season from roughly November to April
A rainy and hurricane-prone season from June to October
Average annual temperatures range from 70°F to 90°F (21°C–32°C), making it a popular escape for cold-weather travelers.
Fort Lauderdale Weather by Month
Month
Avg High (°F)
Avg Low (°F)
Weather Notes
January
76°F
60°F
Cool, dry, peak tourist season
February
77°F
62°F
Sunny, mild, great outdoor weather
March
80°F
65°F
Warm, dry, spring break crowds
April
82°F
68°F
Pleasant, fewer crowds
May
86°F
72°F
Hotter, rising humidity
June
88°F
75°F
Start of rainy & hurricane season
July
90°F
77°F
Very hot, humid, frequent showers
August
90°F
77°F
Peak heat, hurricane risk
September
89°F
76°F
Rainiest month, best deals
October
86°F
73°F
Improving weather, fewer storms
November
81°F
67°F
Dry season returns, pleasant
December
78°F
63°F
Mild, sunny, holiday crowds
January: Cool, Dry, and Comfortable
Average high: ~76°F (24°C)
Average low: ~60°F (16°C)
Rainfall: Low
January is one of the most pleasant months to visit. The air is dry, humidity is low, and evenings are cool. This is peak tourist season, especially for snowbirds.
Best for: Beach walks, sightseeing, outdoor dining Downside: Higher hotel prices
February: Mild Temperatures, Peak Season
Average high: ~77°F (25°C)
Average low: ~62°F (17°C)
February continues the dry-season trend with lots of sunshine. It’s ideal for outdoor activities like boating and snorkeling.
Best for: Couples, festivals, outdoor adventures Downside: Crowds and premium prices
March: Warm Days, Low Rain
Average high: ~80°F (27°C)
Average low: ~65°F (18°C)
March brings slightly warmer temperatures and remains relatively dry. Spring break crowds start arriving mid-to-late month.
Best for: Beach vacations, spring events Watch out for: Busy beaches during spring break
April: Transition to Warmer Weather
Average high: ~82°F (28°C)
Average low: ~68°F (20°C)
April is a shoulder month with fewer crowds and still-manageable humidity. Rainfall begins to increase slightly toward the end of the month.
May marks the start of summer conditions. Expect warmer ocean temperatures and rising humidity, along with occasional afternoon showers.
Best for: Water sports, early summer deals Downside: Increasing heat
June: Start of the Rainy Season
Average high: ~88°F (31°C)
Average low: ~75°F (24°C)
June introduces heavier rain, usually in short but intense bursts. Hurricane season officially begins on June 1, though major storms are still uncommon.
Best for: Budget travelers Watch out for: Humidity and rain
July: Hot, Humid, and Rainy
Average high: ~90°F (32°C)
Average low: ~77°F (25°C)
July is one of the hottest months. Rain showers are frequent, but they often clear quickly, leaving sunny skies afterward.
Best for: Indoor attractions, poolside relaxation Not ideal for: Those sensitive to heat
August: Peak Heat and Hurricane Risk
Average high: ~90°F (32°C)
Average low: ~77°F (25°C)
August is extremely humid and sits in the heart of hurricane season. Travel prices drop, but flexibility is important.
Best for: Travelers seeking deep discounts Risk: Tropical storms
September: Rainiest Month of the Year
Average high: ~89°F (32°C)
Average low: ~76°F (24°C)
September typically sees the most rainfall and the highest hurricane activity. Many businesses offer steep discounts.
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers Not recommended for: Fixed itineraries
October: Gradual Improvement
Average high: ~86°F (30°C)
Average low: ~73°F (23°C)
October is a transition month. Rainfall decreases, temperatures become more comfortable, and hurricane risk slowly declines.
Best for: Value travelers who want better weather
November: Dry Season Returns
Average high: ~81°F (27°C)
Average low: ~67°F (19°C)
November brings drier air and pleasant temperatures. It’s a great time to visit before the winter crowds arrive.
Best for: Outdoor activities, relaxed travel
December: Sunny and Mild
Average high: ~78°F (26°C)
Average low: ~63°F (17°C)
December offers classic South Florida weather—sunny days and cooler nights. Holiday travel increases demand and prices.
Best for: Winter getaways, holiday vacations
Best Time to Visit Fort Lauderdale
Best overall weather: January to April
Best value: May and October
Cheapest months: August and September (with weather risks)
Fort Lauderdale Weather FAQs
1. What is the best month to visit Fort Lauderdale?
The best months are January through April, when the weather is warm, dry, and comfortable with low humidity.
2. What is the coldest month in Fort Lauderdale?
January is typically the coldest month, with average lows around 60°F (16°C).
3. What is the hottest month in Fort Lauderdale?
July and August are the hottest months, with daytime highs around 90°F (32°C) and high humidity.
4. Does Fort Lauderdale have a rainy season?
Yes, the rainy season usually runs from June to October, with the most rainfall in September.
5. When is hurricane season in Fort Lauderdale?
Hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity from August to September.
6. What month has the least rainfall in Fort Lauderdale?
February is usually the driest month of the year.
7. Is Fort Lauderdale warm enough to swim year-round?
Yes, ocean temperatures are generally comfortable year-round, especially from April to November.
8. What is Fort Lauderdale like in the winter?
Winter is mild and dry, with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 78°F, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
9. Is Fort Lauderdale humid all year?
Humidity is present year-round but is much higher from May through October.
10. What month is the cheapest to visit Fort Lauderdale?
September often has the lowest prices due to high rainfall and hurricane risk.
11. Is Fort Lauderdale good to visit in summer?
Yes, but expect heat, humidity, and frequent afternoon rain showers.
12. Does it rain every day during the rainy season?
No, rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts, often in the afternoon, followed by sunshine.
13. What should I pack for Fort Lauderdale weather?
Pack light clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a rain jacket, especially in summer months.
14. Is October a good time to visit Fort Lauderdale?
Yes, October offers lower crowds and improving weather, though some rain is still possible.
15. What month has the best beach weather?
March and April offer warm temperatures, low rain, and comfortable ocean conditions.
16. Does Fort Lauderdale get cold at night?
Nights can feel cool in winter, especially in December and January, but freezing temperatures are extremely rare.
17. Is Fort Lauderdale weather better than Miami?
The weather is very similar, as the cities are close, with Fort Lauderdale sometimes slightly less crowded.
18. Are there weather risks tourists should know about?
The main risks are extreme heat in summer and tropical storms during hurricane season.
19. When does the dry season start in Fort Lauderdale?
The dry season typically begins in November and lasts through April.
20. What month has the most sunshine in Fort Lauderdale?
March and April are among the sunniest months, with long daylight hours and minimal rainfall.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Fort Lauderdale weather by month helps travelers choose the perfect time to visit based on budget, activities, and comfort level. Whether you prefer cool, dry winter days or don’t mind summer heat in exchange for lower prices, Fort Lauderdale offers something for every type of traveler—all year long.
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I'm Thanh Tung and I'm an avid nature enthusiast with an insatiable curiosity for the wonders of the natural world, I spends their time exploring the beauty and diversity of national parks. From majestic mountain ranges to serene desert landscapes, they are dedicated to uncovering the stories, history, and ecosystems of these protected areas
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