SW Florida: Best and Worst Months? (Naples: condo, living in, restaurants)

[tmozer]

I don't see us living in our Naples condo full time anytime in the near future. But we do have a lot of options as to when we can be there. Therefore I want to make sure we don't miss the best months to enjoy.

For a retiree who likes to bike, walk, play tennis and enjoy the sun at the beach or pool and who, at present, does not golf, boat or fish, which would you say would be the best two or three months to be in SW Florida? Which two or three months would be the least desirable?

Things to consider: weather, crowds and traffic.......

[Coconut1]

Weather wise best: January, February, March
Weather wise worst: July, August, September

Crowd and traffic best: July, August, September
Crowd and traffic worst: January, February, March

It's a trade off. The traffic and crowds are worse during the winter because it's season and the weather is fabulous. In the summer it's much hotter and more humid, but the crowds and traffic are also much less.

The winters are like a beautiful Jersey summer. Warm days, not too much rain and lots of sun.

[old_cold]

Our choice has been not when Florida is best but when NYS was the worst.
Obvious answer...Jan, Feb and March

[tmozer]

Good advice. If we sell our NJ house, we will be bouncing between FL and SC. We have already spent last July, August and September in SC and, while hot and humid, it was not bad. It is definately too cold in SC January through March to enjoy the outdoors much, so FL will be where we are...... Now how to devide up the other 6 months.......

[Coconut1]

I would stay in FL from December through May and SC June through November.

[tmozer]

Originally Posted by Coconut1

I would stay in FL from December through May and SC June through November.

Probably the plan we will adopt. It would work for me..... Not sure about the wife.

[kristin4]

I guess it is an individual thing.

I prefer June, July, August, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec

I like it hot and humid. I really did not care for the weather this winter. Too cold and damp.

Traffic is much better in the summer. Beaches are empty too. Lets not forget the gulf is warm, all summer long! Pool temps are warmer too. I know you said you do not fish, but fishing is much better. The grass is green, flowers blooming. The natives are here, the visitors all went home. Everything is normal again. Malls are emptier, restaurants run specials. I live for summer! I love the sun, the heavy rain, the sun....Nature at its fullest.

[Coconut1]

Oh, I agree with the swimming part. I can't swim in the oceans during the winter months in SoFla. Too cold! But considering there's heated pools and hot tubs, it's a minor inconvenience. Plenty of people do go swimming at the beach, but I'm a cold water wimp.

[melannewis]

I rather enjoy late summer early fall months. October, November and early December are delightful weather wise (most of the time). The weather is a little cooler and the humidty begins to ease up. The traffic is not that bad either as most of the snowbirds take over in Jan & Feb.

[JudiPatooti]

I'm with the poster above me--those are probably the best months if you're looking for good weather & lighter traffic. October is #1 in my book! And, the second half of March and all of April are a pretty good bet, too.