Before You Go
Yes, we do have seasons: From November to April, weather tends to be cool, dry, and minimally humid, which is to say gorgeous. Temperatures start to climb in May, but the rain usually holds out for June, July, August, and September, when you might see afternoon thunderstorms. But great travel deals make summer a great time to visit. Storms dissipate almost as quickly as they form, and in their wake, you’ll find cooler air, lovely breezes, and sunsets that will leave you breathless.
Getting around: Locals can fillet a fish with our eyes closed, we know ibises from egrets, but public transportation is not a Southwest Florida strength. If you want to visit large swaths of the area, a car of your own, rental or otherwise, is helpful. Rideshares are readily available from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to anywhere in Lee County, but finding a rideshare on some of the barrier islands can be tricky, especially late at night or early in the morning, so reserving ahead is helpful. On Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva, you can rent bikes, trikes, golf carts, scooters, and almost anything else with wheels. They’re a great way to get around; just be sure to follow local regulations as to where, when, and who can ride such things.
What to pack: Sunglasses, sunscreen, a bathing suit, flip flops, maybe a coverup of some kind if you’d like to sit inside a restaurant. This is the Southwest Florida uniform, and it’ll get you pretty much everywhere.