One of the most common questions I hear from people considering a move from Minnesota to Southwest Florida is:
🤔 “Isn’t it just too hot in the summer?”
It’s a fair question. If you’ve spent time in Florida during July or August, you know it’s warm, humid, and often in the upper 80s to low 90s.
After helping many families relocate from Minnesota to Florida—and spending years living in both states myself—I can tell you the answer is probably different than what you’re expecting.
🌴 The Honest Answer
Yes, Southwest Florida is hot in the summer.
But for most people, it’s not nearly as difficult as they imagine.
In fact, many of my Minnesota clients tell me:
💬 “It’s hot, but it’s not much different than a humid Minnesota day… there are just more of them.”
The bigger surprise is that Minnesota summers can be surprisingly uncomfortable too, especially when humidity levels spike.
🌡️ Summer Temperatures: Minnesota vs Southwest Florida
Southwest Florida (Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers)
☀️ June Average High: 89°F
☀️ July Average High: 91°F
☀️ August Average High: 91°F
☀️ September Average High: 90°F
Minneapolis Area
🌤️ June Average High: 78°F
🌤️ July Average High: 83°F
🌤️ August Average High: 81°F
At first glance, Florida definitely looks hotter.
But temperature only tells part of the story.
💦 What About Humidity?
This is where many people are surprised.
Minnesota can feel incredibly humid during the summer, especially after rainstorms when the air becomes stagnant.
Southwest Florida is humid too—but you’re also close to the Gulf of Mexico, and coastal breezes often help make the heat feel more manageable.
The biggest difference isn’t necessarily the humidity.
📅 It’s the length of the season.
In Minnesota, you may have a few weeks of hot and humid weather.
In Southwest Florida, that weather can last from June through September.
🚴 What Do Florida Residents Actually Do During the Summer?
A lot of people imagine Floridians staying indoors for four months.
That’s simply not true.
Most residents adjust their schedules just like Minnesotans adjust theirs in January.
🌅 Morning Activities
Many locals:
✅ Walk or bike before 9:00 AM
✅ Play golf early in the day
✅ Visit the beach before noon
✅ Meet friends for breakfast outdoors
🏠 Midday Activities
When temperatures peak, many people:
✅ Run errands
✅ Go to the gym
✅ Shop
✅ Enjoy lunch indoors
✅ Work from home
🌇 Evening Activities
Once the sun begins to drop:
✅ Outdoor dining becomes popular again
✅ Live music venues fill up
✅ Beach walks return
✅ Community events get busy
✅ Sunset happy hours begin
🏖️ The Beach Is Better Than You Think
Many newcomers assume the beaches are miserable during summer.
Actually, summer is when Gulf water temperatures are at their warmest.
Many residents spend their afternoons:
🌊 Swimming
🚤 Boating
🏊 Relaxing in the pool
🍹 Visiting waterfront restaurants
🌅 Watching sunsets
When you’re near water, the heat often feels much more manageable than people expect.
❄️ The Trade-Off Nobody Talks About
Let’s compare the uncomfortable months.
Minnesota
You may spend:
🥶 December
🥶 January
🥶 February
🥶 March
Dealing with:
❄️ Snow
❄️ Ice
❄️ Wind chills below zero
❄️ Limited outdoor activity
Southwest Florida
You may spend:
☀️ July
☀️ August
☀️ September
Dealing with:
💦 Heat
💦 Humidity
🌦️ Afternoon rain showers
The real question becomes:
👉 Would you rather spend three months adjusting to heat or four months adjusting to snow and cold?
Most of my Minnesota clients find the Florida trade-off works well for their lifestyle.
🚗 A Hidden Benefit of Summer in Florida
One thing many buyers don’t realize is that summer is often when locals enjoy Southwest Florida the most.
Why?
✅ Less traffic
✅ Easier restaurant reservations
✅ More golf tee times
✅ Less crowded beaches
✅ Shorter wait times almost everywhere
Many residents refer to summer as Southwest Florida’s “quiet season.”
😎 My Personal Take
After spending years living between Minnesota and Southwest Florida, I can honestly say that summer heat is usually not the problem people think it will be.
Yes, it’s hot.
Yes, it’s humid.
But you quickly learn to:
✔️ Schedule outdoor activities in the morning
✔️ Enjoy the beach and pool
✔️ Take advantage of indoor activities during the hottest hours
✔️ Get back outside in the evenings
For most people I work with, summer heat becomes a minor inconvenience compared to the benefits of living near:
🏖️ Beautiful beaches
⛳ Golf courses
🚤 Boating and fishing
🎵 Live music
🍹 Waterfront dining
☀️ Sunshine year-round
In fact, I’ve never had a client move back to Minnesota because the Florida summers were too hot.
📍 Thinking About Moving From Minnesota to Southwest Florida?
If you’re considering Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, Punta Gorda, or Cape Coral, I help Midwest buyers understand the pros and cons of each area so they can find the community that best fits their lifestyle.
Steve Comstock
Minnesota & Florida Realtor
🏡 Helping Midwest Families Make a Smarter Move to Southwest Florida
🌐 Visit MNtoFL.com
💡 One Final Thought
Most Minnesotans visit Florida in February when it’s 75° and sunny.
Before deciding whether Florida is right for you, come spend a week in Southwest Florida during July or August.
You may discover that the summer heat isn’t a deal-breaker at all—it’s simply Florida’s version of winter. ☀️🌴😎
What would you rather shovel… snow or sunshine? ❄️➡️☀️