Discover

Fort Myers & Sanibel

Holidaying in Fort Myers and Sanibel is a great way to experience the natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle of Southwest Florida. Visitors can relax on pristine beaches, explore wildlife preserves and state parks, and sample delicious seafood cuisine. Additionally, the area is known for its historic sites, museums, and galleries, making it a great destination for history and culture lovers.

What you’ll love most about Fort Myers & Sanibel

Visit the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island to see a variety of native wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and over 200 species of birds
Spend a day at the beach on Sanibel Island or Fort Myers Beach, known for their clear water and soft sand
Take a historic walking tour of downtown Fort Myers, where you can see the winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford
Visit the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel Island to learn about the diverse collection of shells found in the area
Take a sunset cruise or eco-tour to see the natural beauty of the area from a different perspective
Sample delicious seafood cuisine at one of the many restaurants in the area, featuring fresh fish, crab, and shrimp dishes

Holiday Highlights

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

22℃J
24℃F
25℃M
28℃A
30℃M
31℃J
32℃J
32℃A
31℃S
29℃O
26℃N
25℃D

4J
3F
3M
3A
5M
12J
14J
15A
12S
5O
3N
3D

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

January

Fort Myers begins the year with a gentle pace. Mild days and low humidity attract snowbirds escaping colder climates. It’s a great time for nature lovers to explore the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge or enjoy peaceful strolls along Sanibel’s shell-dotted beaches.

February

Art and culture take centre stage this month. The Edison Festival of Light celebrates the city’s connection to Thomas Edison with parades and events, while boat tours through the Caloosahatchee River continue to draw visitors.

March

Spring training for Major League Baseball is in full swing, with both the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins hosting games locally. March’s warm, sunny days - often peaking around 25°C - are perfect for beachgoers and kayakers.

April

With humidity still manageable, this is one of the best months for visiting Fort Myers. Biking along trails or visiting the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve offers an ideal way to soak up the weather before the heat climbs.

May

As the temperatures begin to rise, averaging highs in the low 30°Cs, beach lovers flock to the Gulf coast. Early morning is best for paddleboarding or dolphin spotting, while late afternoons invite breezy waterfront dining.

June

Summer arrives with longer days and the start of the wet season. Afternoon showers are common but short-lived, so mornings are perfect for exploring Lovers Key State Park or hopping aboard a shelling cruise.

July

This is peak heat and humidity, with daytime highs often touching 32°C. It’s a popular time for family holidays, thanks to school breaks and 4th of July celebrations. Indoor attractions like IMAG History & Science Center offer a cool respite.

August

August shares similar conditions with July, making it ideal for early beach visits or shaded nature boardwalks. Rainfall peaks, but sunsets after tropical showers are often spectacular, especially from the Fort Myers Beach Pier.

September

Hurricane season continues, so travel requires flexibility. That said, crowd levels are lower, and those who come can enjoy off-season hotel rates and uncrowded stretches of sand.

October

With drier air moving in and humidity retreating, October brings a return to more pleasant conditions. Local seafood festivals and al fresco dining return to full swing, and the Gulf waters remain warm enough for swimming.

November

Fall in Fort Myers feels more like an extension of summer. Highs hover around 26°C, and the city comes alive with farmers markets, outdoor concerts, and prime conditions for wildlife viewing at nearby islands.

December

Festive lights sparkle around downtown and along the riverfront. With warm days and cooler evenings, it’s an ideal time for boat parades, evening walks along the marina, or enjoying sunsets from rooftop bars without the intense summer heat.

Our Ratings

Most Recommended
Recommended
Highly Recommended
Not Recommended

Loading recommendations...

Have you considered...

Use our Find an Agent search tool to find travel agents near you who can help book your next trip. You can filter agents by holiday type, class of holiday, agent location, and the destinations they specialise in.

More info

Sunshine and warm Gulf waters define Bradenton. Swim, paddleboard, or explore nearby nature preserves and rivers. Then unwind at boutique resorts or quaint coastal cafés. This Floridian escape combines outdoor adventure with laid-back charm for every beach lover.

More info

Orlando offers more than just theme parks. Explore nature at Wekiwa Springs, immerse in art at local museums, and indulge in diverse cuisine. Ride the Orlando Eye, discover Winter Park’s historic charm, and enjoy scenic boat tours along the Chain of Lakes.

More info

Sarasota blends coastal beauty with a vibrant arts scene and laid-back charm. Relax on Siesta Key’s powdery white sands, explore The Ringling’s cultural treasures, kayak through mangroves, or discover lively markets and cafés in this sun-soaked Gulf Coast escape.

More info

St. Pete Clearwater boasts sun-kissed beaches, vibrant arts scenes, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for unwinding. Enjoy white-sand shores, sparkling waters, and charming coastal towns while exploring cultural gems, great dining, and plenty of outdoor adventures.

More info

Top Holiday Offers

We’ve hand-picked a range of enticing offers to incredible destinations. If you want value for money on your next trip, start by reviewing our dedicated Top Holiday Offers page.