Florida in July-am I crazy?
 

I am looking to plan a nice relaxing beach getaway to Naples, probably at the end of July, or August. Don't mind the hot weather, but I was checking the weather websites, and it looks like "thunderstorms" every day so far this week. I was just wondering, if anyone lives down there, if this summertime weather usually continues into July and August, and also if, in reality, it just sprinkles for a bit of the day and then clears up, or if it really indeed rains all day. Thanks!

It rarely rains all day. The typical pattern is a hot, hazy-to-sunny day, followed by a drenching T-storm in the late afternoon/early evening, then a clear, if steamy, night.

Kristen is right. Get to the beach by 10, eat at noon and be ready to pack it up at 2. It's kind of cool- go back to your room and watch the storms from 3-5, have a pina colada and dress for dinner, read, etc. One word of caution- if you are flying from one airport to another in Florida in the afternoon, you will fly right through these storms, and it is a hair-raising, gut-wrenching experience! I like Naples in July, very quiet- you have no crowds in the shops and restaurants. Plus, there are great clothes sales then.

My experiences in August a little north of Naples along the beach are that the afternoon storms tend to stay inland. You can lie on the beach or be in the water and see the storm clouds building inland. It can be sunny and beautiful at the beach and raining inland. I am not saying this is a 100% occurence, but it does happen often. And if it does rain, I agree with Linda's post! Have a drink on your balcony or patio and savor the moment!

Just make sure the thunderstorms "building inland" are indeed far inland, if you are standing around on the beach or in the water. Don't underestimate the lightning threat.

Thanks so much for the advice! I think I'm gonna go for it and book a flight. Is anyone in-the-know on any current airfare sales for summer flights to Florida (Boston--Ft. Lauderdale or Ft. Myers)? Thanks!!

Kirsten, I would not limit myself to these routes. If you are renting a car, which I highly recommend, you might get better flights into Tampa or Orlando. From Tampa, Naples is a straight-shot (around three hours) on I-75 from Tampa. Good luck and have fun.

Kristen:<BR><BR>Bring alot of bikinis and get under an umbrella or dip into the water on a regular basis. In May, the temps were 92 degrees and the sun was intense.