Climate and monthly weather forecastFort Lauderdale, FL

The climate of Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, resonates with a typical tropical monsoon climate, also known as Am under the Köppen Climate Classification. This sea-side city benefits from its geographical location along the Atlantic coast of the United States, resulting in moderate temperature variations but high rainfall throughout the year.

Throughout the year, average temperatures range between a mild 64.2°F (17.9°C) and a peak of 87.4°F (30.8°C), demonstrating the amicable characteristic of Fort Lauderdale's tropical climate. Monthly rainfall fluctuates between light showers of 0.39" (10mm) and intense downpours of up to 2.68" (68mm). No month is completely rain-free, emphasising the monsoon nature of the city's weather. Relative humidity remains fairly consistent, ranging from 69% to as high as 75%.

Commonly observed are the varying daylight hours, fluctuating from 10.5 to 13.8 hours per day, alongside noticeable shifts in the sea temperature from a soothing 74.2°F (23.4°C) at the start of the year to a warm 86.3°F (30.2°C) by mid-year. The city also records wind speeds that vary between 7.8mph (12.6km/h) to 11.3mph (18.2km/h), with gustier conditions at a maximum of 15.9mph (25.6km/h).

The best time to visit Fort Lauderdale

Visitors looking to explore Fort Lauderdale will find the most favourable weather conditions from February to May. During this period, the temperatures are comfortably warm, averaging from 66.9°F (19.4°C) to 73°F (22.8°C), combined with a moderate rainfall range of 0.55" (14mm) to 1.65" (42mm). Additionally, longer daylight hours of 11.3 to 13.4 hours provide ample time to delve into outdoor activities and explore the city's many attractions.

The worst time to visit Fort Lauderdale

On the contrary, the peak monsoon months from August to October may pose challenges for travel plans. Weather reports depict high rainfall, spiking at 2.68" (68mm) in August, coupled with temperatures frequently climbing to 82°F (27.8°C) and above. While the city embraces this weather, it may not be visitor-friendly, especially for outdoor explorations, water sports or beach visits.

Spring weather in Fort Lauderdale

March to May characterize spring in Fort Lauderdale. Temperatures exhibit a gradual rise from 75.6°F (24.2°C) in March to 82°F (27.8°C) by May. This delightful weather pairs with a relative rise in rainfall from 0.51" (13mm) to 1.65" (42mm). Correspondingly, daylight hours increase, offering sunlight for up to 13.4 hours per day by May, while the refreshing sea temperature records an increase from 75.8°F (24.3°C) to 80.8°F (27.1°C).

Summer weather in Fort Lauderdale

Summers in Fort Lauderdale spans June to August. The climate during this period is predominant with high temperatures, averaging between 85.1°F (29.5°C) to 87.4°F (30.8°C). High rainfall, peaking at 2.68" (68mm) in August, and increasing humidity levels, up to 74%, characterise the monsoon impact on the summer months. Visitors, however, can still enjoy the warm sea temperatures, with an average of 86.3°F (30.2°C) in August.

Autumn weather in Fort Lauderdale

Autumn in Fort Lauderdale, from September to November, sees a retreat from summer highs, with temperatures cooling to between 85.8°F (29.9°C) and 78.1°F (25.6°C). Rainfall remains high at 1.73" (44mm) in September, before reducing significantly to 0.94" (24mm) by November. Correspondingly, daylight hours start to decrease, averaging from 12.3 hours in September to 10.9 hours by November.

Winter weather in Fort Lauderdale

The winter season in Fort Lauderdale, from December to February, is characterized by comfortable temperatures, ranging from 64.2°F (17.9°C) to 75.4°F (24.1°C). Rainfall is relatively low, with December recording 0.67" (17mm), making these months drier than the rest of the year. Despite the shorter daylight hours, ranging from 10.5 to 11.3 hours per day, the gentle sea temperatures between 74.2°F (23.4°C) to 76.1°F (24.5°C) in these winter months offer a charming setting for vacationers.

Weather in January

January typically sees a fall in temperatures, with an average high and low of 73°F (22.8°C) and 64.2°F (17.9°C) respectively. These conditions signal a relatively cooler climate compared to the later months, resulting in less rainfall. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Moving into February, Fort Lauderdale experiences a slight increase in temperature from the previous month. The region prepares for wetter days, with increased rainfall compared to January. While the humidity levels stay consistent at 73%, the sea temperature maintains warmth. Weather in February »

Weather in March

The weather in March starts to reflect a tangible shift towards the warmth of summer. This increasing warmth is accompanied by an increase in rainfall, which continues into the ensuing months. Fort Lauderdale's sea temperature, daylight hours, and sunlight duration all ramp up in March, inviting beach-goers to the city's sandy coastlines. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April transitions into full-fledged summer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with climbing temperatures and increasing sunshine hours. As summer progresses, rainfall becomes more prevalent, remaining a consistent characteristic throughout the season. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May is considered the advent of the true summer season, carrying forward the trend of rising temperatures from the preceding month. The highest rainfall of the year occurs during this month, a consequence of the increase in heat and humidity. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June is characterized by its high temperatures and consistent humidity levels in Fort Lauderdale. It paves the way for the peak summer months, with gradually increasing daylight up to 13.8 hours a day. While there's an apparent increase in rainfall from the prior months, sea temperatures remain stable and inviting for beachgoers. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July, with an average maximum temperature of 86.9°F (30.5°C), is the height of summer in Fort Lauderdale. A combination of high humidity and temperature brings about a peak in rainfall this month. As summers go, July is the month with the shortest days relativity speaking, but the longest sunlight hours. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August experiences the hottest average minimum temperature of 82°F (27.8°C) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The level of rainfall decreases slightly when compared to the peak in July, but stays relatively high compared to the rest of the year. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Fort Lauderdale steps away from the usual trend, indicating a change as season transitions into fall. The average high and low temperatures take a slight dip compared to August. Rainfall continues to stay high but begins to slow down, moving towards the drier part of the year. Weather in September »

Weather in October

In October, despite the noticeable decrease in temperature, Fort Lauderdale remains relatively warm in comparison to earlier months, making it an attractive escape for those seeking milder autumnal weather. With rainfall receding significantly in October to an average of 1.5" (38mm), the weather veers towards the dry side. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November sees further decrease in both temperatures and rainfall in Fort Lauderdale. The weather starts to become cooler, while humidity levels stay relatively unchanged. With 12.3 days showcasing vivid sunshine and an average of 12.5 days of rain, a balance of different weather conditions is expected. Weather in November »

Weather in December

The end of the year in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, brings a noticeable drop in temperature, distinctively marking the onset of winter. Contrasting with this, rainfall decreases as well, ending the year on a drier note. As the humidity hits 75%, the highest of the year, it creates a unique fusion of a cooler but humid climate. Weather in December »