Month guide · Fort Lauderdale · United States
Fort Lauderdale in October
What October is really like in Fort Lauderdale: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale · Photo: Chaplin62, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
October is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 29°C (84°F), lows of 23°C (73°F), about 13 rainy days and roughly 11.5 hours of daylight. Rain eases late in the month; the Boat Show fills the city's hotels and marinas.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 29°C (84°F) / 23°C (73°F)
- Rainy days
- About 13
- Daylight
- About 11.5 hours
- Sea temperature
- 28°C (82°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
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Weather in October
October is the 6th-warmest month in Fort Lauderdale: days average 29°C (84°F) against a yearly average high of 28°C (82°F), and nights fall to about 23°C (73°F). Rain falls on roughly 13 of its 31 days. Compared with September (31°C (88°F)), October is cooler; by November highs drop to around 27°C (81°F).
- Sunrise (15 October)
- About 07:19
- Sunset (15 October)
- About 18:53
- Daylight
- About 11.5 hours
- Sea
- 28°C (82°F)
Autumn (September–November). September and early October are the stormiest and quietest weeks; by November dry weather returns along with the Boat Show crowds.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, October rates 3 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in January). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in October
- Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (usually late October or early November)
- Stone crab season opens (mid-October)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in October
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Garden · Coconut Creek
Butterfly World
Inside Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek, about 25 km north-west of downtown, this park has screened aviaries where thousands of tropical butterflies fly around visitors, as well as a hummingbird house and a lorikeet feeding area.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Nature
- Photo spot
Garden · Davie
Flamingo Gardens
Ride the narrated tram tour first for an overview of the gardens, then walk the aviary.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Nature
- Outdoors
Waterfront · Hollywood Beach
Hollywood Beach Broadwalk
A brick-paved promenade of about 4 km beside the beach in Hollywood, with a separate cycle lane and a line of cafés, bars and ice-cream shops.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Food
Museum · Las Olas and Downtown
Museum of Discovery and Science
Use it as your rainy-afternoon or hottest-hour plan; it is on the Riverwalk next to a Water Taxi stop.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Nature
The sea averages 28°C (82°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Fort Lauderdale.
What to pack
For highs near 29°C (84°F), lows near 23°C (73°F) and 13 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is October a good time to visit Fort Lauderdale?
A shoulder-season month, with 2 notable events on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, November–April are better overall. Compare every month.
Fort Lauderdale in other months
Questions travellers ask
+What time does the sun set in Fort Lauderdale in October?
At about 18:53 local time in mid-October, with sunrise at about 07:19: roughly 11.5 hours of daylight.
+How warm is Fort Lauderdale in October?
Average highs are around 29°C (84°F) and lows around 23°C (73°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Fort Lauderdale in October?
Expect rain on about 13 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.