When to visit Fort Lauderdale: Summer is hot, humid, and stormy, with warm Atlantic waters good for swimming despite frequent afternoon thunderstorms
When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale?
Avg Temp
26–32°C
Rainfall
High, ~230mm/month (South Florida wet season)
Best Time
Summer is hot, humid, and stormy, with warm Atlantic waters good for swimming despite frequent afternoon thunderstorms
Packing Tips (4)
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Swimsuit for beach and canal boat trips
- A compact umbrella for daily afternoon showers
- Strong sunscreen
What does Fort Lauderdale cost?
Typical prices
- Budget meal$16.00
- Mid-range meal$42.00
- Cappuccino$5.00
- Domestic beer$7.50
- Taxi (per km)$2.50
- Public transport ticket$2.00
- Museum entry$16.00
- Mid-range hotel (night)$260.00
Local currency: USD
Food & Drink
Casablanca Cafe
Intracoastal-view restaurant near the beach known for Mediterranean-influenced seafood and sunset happy hour.
15th Street Fisheries
Waterfront restaurant on the New River known for its alligator bites and river-view dining deck.
Coconuts
Casual waterfront restaurant with boat-up dockage, popular for happy hour and Florida seafood classics.
Rustic Inn Crabhouse
Fort Lauderdale institution since 1955 famous for garlic crabs served on paper-covered tables.
Lester's Diner
24-hour classic American diner open since 1967, a local late-night staple.
YOLO
Trendy Las Olas Boulevard restaurant and lounge known for its lively patio scene and modern American menu.
Las Olas Boulevard
Palm-lined boulevard of upscale bars, restaurants, and boutiques that anchors Fort Lauderdale's evening scene.
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale
Riverfront outdoor bar and entertainment venue along the New River with communal tables and live music.
Rooftop at 1WLO
Rooftop lounge downtown with skyline and river views, popular for evening cocktails.
Culture & History
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
Downtown museum with a notable collection of William Glackens paintings and CoBrA art.
Museum of Discovery and Science
Hands-on science museum with an IMAX theater and a Florida Everglades exhibit.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Historic plantation-style estate and gardens along the beach, once home to artist Frederic Bartlett.
Savor Cinema
Historic art-house theater near downtown known for independent film screenings and the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
One of the world's largest boat shows, though held in fall (late October/November), it's a signature city event drawing global visitors.
Las Olas Wine & Food Festival
Culinary festival along Las Olas Boulevard featuring local restaurants and wine tastings.
Nature & Outdoors
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Wide sandy beach along a palm-lined promenade (the 'Riverwalk'), lined with hotels and beach bars.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Beachside state park with a freshwater lagoon, canoe trails, and shaded hammock walking paths.
Active & Fun
Fit Athletic Fort Lauderdale
Large downtown gym with rooftop pool deck, weights, and extensive class schedule.
Hall of Fame Pool (Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center)
Olympic-size public swimming complex near the beach, home to the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Cities in United States
Planning Fort Lauderdale?
Try a ready-made trip first.
Open the demo trip with no sign-up: Barcelona on your own, or Rome, Florence and Venice as a group. Then plan Fort Lauderdale your way.