by Maureen Keller

Created on: May 31, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

I took up residence in Naples for approximately four years. The truth is, the temperature does not differ too much from one season to the next, with the exception of the summer months. Summer is exceptionally hot and humid. Air conditioning is everyones greatest ally. In the summer people are rarely outdoors. They will leave home, hop in an air conditioned car, and arrive at their air conditioned destination. Summer is also hurricane season. Do not take this lightly. I lived there during Hurricane Charley. The devastation was surreal. In the summer in rains nearly everyday for at least an hour. The prime time is between 4:00pm and 5:00pm.

Autumn is the best month in Naples. The temperature drops into the eighties, which is just comfortable enough for the outdoor activities that draw people to Florida in the first place. This is the time of year when all of the fisherman, golfers and water sport fanatics are in full thrall. Of course palm tree leaves do not change color, so if you are a Northerner, you may miss this. Seasons in Florida just seem to blend into one another.

Winter the temperature plummets even more. The norm in the winter in Naples is a balmy 75 degrees. I have been known to spend Christmas Day at the beach and actually in the Gulf of Mexico. No snow for Naples! Ever!

Spring is a segue into summer. The temperatures have been known to be teetering on the 90 degree mark as soon as March.

The biggest tourist time in Naples is October through April. Traffic is brutal and you will wait in line everywhere that you go. Good thing for air conditioning. After hurricane Charley, we took refuge at the mall and at the local Steak and Shake. Our power was out, and the days and nights were alarmingly hot.

In the off season, the same activities reign. Golf, water sports, and fishing are being enjoyed by the locals who are used to the suffocating heat. If you don't mind the heat, humidity, visit in the off season. If you don't mind the crowds, the season is the best time to visit.

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