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Fort Myers

Fort Myers travel guide

City in Florida, United States

Best time to visitNovember to December
Nearest airportFMY · 3 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−4
Population86,395

About Fort Myers

Fort Myers is a city in and the county seat of Lee County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 86,395; it was estimated to have grown to 101,581 in 2025, making it the 25th-most populous city in Florida. Together with the larger and more residential city of Cape Coral, it anchors the Cape Coral–Fort Myers metropolitan statistical area, which encompasses Lee County and has an estimated population of 875,607 as of 2025.

Places to visit in Fort Myers

  1. Edison and Ford Winter Estates

    Edison and Ford Winter Estates

    Historic · 3 mi from centre

    The adjoining riverside winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, with extensive botanical gardens, Edison's preserved laboratory and a museum displaying many of his inventions.

  2. Fort Myers Beach

    Fort Myers Beach

    Beach · 14 mi from centre

    A barrier island town on Estero Island with a long, gently sloping sandy beach, calm Gulf water, a fishing pier and sunset views over the water.

  3. Sanibel Island

    Sanibel Island

    Beach · 22 mi from centre

    Reached by causeway from Fort Myers, this island is famed for its shelling beaches, flat bike paths and a relaxed atmosphere with low-rise development and plenty of protected land.

  4. J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

    J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

    Nature · 20 mi from centre

    On Sanibel, this refuge protects mangrove habitat. A wildlife drive and paddling trails offer views of roseate spoonbills, herons and other wading birds, especially around low tide.

  5. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

    Nature

    A boardwalk loop through a cypress wetland where you may spot alligators, turtles, wading birds and otters, with an interpretive center at the entrance. Mornings are best for wildlife.

  6. Lovers Key State Park

    Lovers Key State Park

    Beach · 16 mi from centre

    A park spread across several barrier islands with quiet beaches, kayak trails through mangroves and good chances of seeing manatees, dolphins and shorebirds from the water.

  7. River District

    Neighborhood

    Downtown Fort Myers along the Caloosahatchee River, with brick streets, restored historic buildings, restaurants, galleries and a riverfront walk, plus regular art walks and street events.

Where to stay in Fort Myers

Popular hotels in Fort Myers, out of 150 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Fort Myers

Best time to visit Fort Myers

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Fort Myers is November to December, when average daytime highs are around 78–82°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 54° – 71° 8
Feb 57° – 77° 7
Mar 60° – 81° 11
Apr 64° – 86° 3
May 72° – 92° 14
Jun 73° – 89° 23
Jul 75° – 90° 23
Aug 75° – 90° 26
Sep 74° – 89° 21
Oct 70° – 86° 11
Nov 62° – 82° 2
Dec 58° – 78° 5

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Fort Myers weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 82° 61° 2%
  • Thu 22 Oct 82° 69° 2%
  • Fri 23 Oct 82° 64° 9%
  • Sat 24 Oct 83° 67° 11%
  • Sun 25 Oct 81° 72° 8%
  • Mon 26 Oct 83° 72° 8%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/New_YorkUTC−4
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Fort Myers

These are the airports closest to central Fort Myers. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • FMY Page Field3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
  • RSW Southwest Florida International Airport7 mi (12 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Fort Myers

Getting around Fort Myers

The Sanibel Causeway to Sanibel Island collapsed during the hurricane in 2022.

Fort Myers travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Fort Myers?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Fort Myers is November to December, when average daytime highs are around 78–82°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.

What is the weather like in Fort Myers?

May is usually the warmest month in Fort Myers, with average highs of 92°F (33°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 54°F (12°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 273 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Fort Myers?

Page Field (FMY) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of Fort Myers. Other nearby airports include Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW, 7 mi).

What time zone is Fort Myers in?

Fort Myers uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Fort Myers?

The Sanibel Causeway to Sanibel Island collapsed during the hurricane in 2022.

What are the best places to visit in Fort Myers?

Top sights in Fort Myers include Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island and J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The adjoining riverside winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, with extensive botanical gardens, Edison's preserved laboratory and a museum displaying many of his inventions.

Where should I stay in Fort Myers?

Popular areas for hotels in Fort Myers include Fort Myers, Captiva Island and Fort Myers Beach. Well-reviewed options include Residence Inn Fort Myers Sanibel and South Seas Resort.

How many hotels can I book in Fort Myers?

Destina Holidays currently lists 150 properties in and around Fort Myers, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.