What’s the best time of year to visit Greater Fort Lauderdale? The answer may surprise you

Any time is a great time to visit Greater Fort Lauderdale, but there is a sweet spot between October and May when the weather is mild—neither too hot nor too cold, but just right. And while everyone else is packing it in for the colder months, we’re getting the fun started with a full lineup of events, activities and excitement for everyone under the sun.

October: Begin Fall-ing in Love with Greater Fort Lauderdale

South Florida may not be known for layers and cozying up by the fireplace, but it is the place for blue skies, bluer waters and plenty of time spent outdoors. And once October rolls around, there’s no better place to welcome the fall season than Oakland Park’s Oktoberfest, presented by Funky Buddha Brewery. Typically held in the first week of October, this annual event is a festive tribute to all things German. Enjoy classic fare, such as bratwurst and pretzels, in the Biergarten. Pair your meal with a cold pint, featuring special Oktoberfest releases. Get in on the action with games like the stein race and strudel-eating contest. And don’t miss the crowd-favorite dachshund dash.

The excitement continues with the Brazilian Festival of Pompano Beach, Florida’s most iconic community celebration. This dynamic event showcases internationally renowned artists, samba dancers and local performers while promoting multicultural unity and environmental awareness. Enjoy a true taste of Brazil with delicious food, children’s rides and a range of exhibits. Every year, the festivities evolve, leaving an unforgettable mark on Greater Fort Lauderdale.

Looking to add a little boating action to your vacation? Head to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in late October, where you’ll experience the world’s largest in-water display of boats and marine exhibits. With hundreds of exhibitors across multiple locations, FLIBS boasts the largest collection of boats and the latest models on display, making it a must-see event for boating enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

No trip to Greater Fort Lauderdale is complete without a visit to one of its most vibrant neighborhoods; Wilton Manors, the heart of the area's LGBTQ+ community. Each year on Oct. 31, the city hosts Wicked Manors, South Florida’s largest Halloween street party, celebrating the creativity and spirit of this inclusive and colorful community.

December: Deck the Hulls

Start the holiday season in a different kind of winter wonderland at the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, dubbed the "Best Show on H2O." This dazzling, one-of-a-kind parade features a fleet of boats—large and small—decked out in festive lights and decorations, gliding along a 12-mile route through Fort Lauderdale’s stunning Intracoastal Waterway.

Another November staple is the Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine & Music Festival at the Pompano Beach Amphitheater. John Offerdahl and fellow Miami Dolphins legends team up for this fundraising event that’s all about food and drink, live music, BBQ competitions, and corn hole. 

January: New Year. New Adventures.

When your New Year’s Resolution is to have the best vacation ever, a trip to the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival is a must. Indulge in Greater Fort Lauderdale’s finest bites and sips during a weeklong celebration featuring renowned and emerging chefs, restaurateurs, mixologists and local hotspots. Plus, a portion of all proceeds benefits Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, making this indulgence even sweeter.

Want to start the year with an experience you won’t forget anytime soon? Revel in Native American culture and arts at the Seminole Tribal Fair in Hollywood. The event features wildlife shows, a drum competition, exhibition dancing and more throughout the weekend. At the heart of the festival is the Pow Wow, where Native American tribes come together to dance, sing and preserve their rich heritage.

February: For History Lovers

Take a trip back in time at the annual Florida Renaissance Festival, held throughout February and March in Deerfield Beach. Browse the wares of hundreds of artisan vendors. Behold blown glass, hand-tooled leather, and impressive weaponry modeled after those of the 16th century. Toast to heroic knights with a cold ale, hard cider, mead, or wine. Try your hand at ax throwing or revel in a heart-pumping jousting match. 

But that is not all the history Greater Fort Lauderdale has in store! In late February, celebrate the cultural heritage and remarkable achievements of people of African descent at the Sistrunk Historical Festival & Parade. This incredible gathering kicks off with its iconic parade, followed by an energetic street celebration  with performances by national and local artists, as well as food, art and entertainment from a diverse lineup of vendors and sponsors.

The hits keep coming in February with Miramar’s Afro-Carib Festival, a vibrant celebration of music, culture and cuisine from the African and Caribbean diasporas. With past musical headliners like Koffee, Jacob Forever and Fireboy DML, this event is always a blast, featuring unforgettable performances and a lively atmosphere.

March - May: Not Just for Spring Breakers

It’s not just the Irish who are lucky at Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival. This spirited event draws thousands for a unique celebration of all things Irish. The parade showcases decorative floats, bagpipers, marching bands, street performers, classic cars and more. Afterward, the festival gets underway with live music, a children’s zone, exhibitors, interactive games, cultural activities, and plenty of Irish food and drinks.

Want to paint the town green in a different way? Help keep our waterways and communities clean during the Broward County Waterway Cleanup, the county’s largest and longest-running environmental event presented by the Marine Industry Association of South Florida. Then, celebrate your hard work at the Official Waterway Cleanup Trash Bash, featuring food, drinks, live music and raffles.

Keep the cause alive with an unforgettable beach weekend experience that pairs music with meaning at Rock the Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival. Raising awareness for marine conservation, this three-day, multi-stage music celebration is held in April on the white sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach Park and features the biggest names in country, rock and roots music.

Spring in Greater Fort Lauderdale reaches its peak with the biggest thrill of the season—the Fort Lauderdale Air Show at Fort Lauderdale beach. This annual event features breathtaking aerial performances from precision flying teams to military demonstrations, captivating spectators with daring displays of aviation skill and adrenaline-pumping stunts.

Feeling the fear of missing out (FOMO)? Don’t wait—mark your calendars and plan ahead. These are some of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s most exciting outdoor events, and the cooler temperatures make them the perfect way to enjoy the season.