When to Go

Tourists visit all year long, arriving in winter or summer, depending on budget, interests, hobbies, and the climate where they live. The winter season, roughly Thanksgiving through March, attracts the biggest crowds and regular "snowbirds" -- seasonal residents showing up when snow starts up north. Concert, art, and entertainment seasons are at their height then, packing restaurants and roadways. In summer, waits at even the top restaurants are likely to be shorter, although some venues curtail hours. Summer can be rainy -- although weather patterns have been less predictable in recent years -- with showers arriving about midafternoon and typically soon gone. Heat and humidity do not quickly subside, and summer moves into fall at a slow, sticky pace. Recent years, notably 2004-2005, have brought hurricanes to Greater Fort Lauderdale in August and September, and hurricane activity offshore has extended beyond the traditional end of hurricane season in November. For golfers, almost any time is great for play, though waits for tee times are longer on weekends year-round. Remember that sun can burn all year long, even in cloudy weather and especially at midday. If you jump in the water to cool off when the sun is strongest, rays reflecting off the water can substantially increase your chance of burning. Plan beach time for early morning and late afternoon, with sightseeing, shopping, or a siesta in between.

CAUTION. Avoid unguarded waters, and be aware that Florida has yet to implement uniform color codes. In Fort Lauderdale, double red flags mean water is closed to the public, often because of lightning or sharks; a lone red flag means strong currents; purple signals dangerous marine life such as men-of-war; green means calm conditions. In Hollywood, orange signals rip currents with easterly onshore winds; blue means dangerous marine life such as jellyfish; red means hazardous; green means good conditions.