Weather in Cape Coral, Florida
Flowers spill across the islands. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Partly Cloudy—89°69°
- SundayMay 17Heavy Drizzle34%93°71°
- MondayMay 18Heavy Rain73%92°71°
- TuesdayMay 19Showers85%93°72°
- WednesdayMay 20Showers60%91°72°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast44%93°72°
- FridayMay 22Overcast40%92°74°
- PM 2.5
- 8.7 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 12.2 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 1.8 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 88.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:57 AM
- Moonset
- 12:25 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Flowers spill across the islands
Cape Coral at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 8°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: January 26 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Peak growing season
As of May 17, the growing season is at its peak — frost is months away. Continue succession-planting beans and summer squash. Start fall brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, kale) from seed indoors for transplanting in late summer.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| March | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | — |
| April | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | — |
| May | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | — | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
August brings Cape Coral's peak heat with average temperatures around 83°F, while January delivers the coolest weather at roughly 65°F. Rainfall follows a different pattern — August sees the heaviest downpours at 10.4 inches, while November stays relatively dry with just 1.8 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 65° | 2.4″ | 3 |
| February | 67° | 1.8″ | 3 |
| March | 70° | 2.1″ | 3 |
| April | 75° | 2.4″ | 4 |
| May | 79° | 3.5″ | 5 |
| June | 82° | 9.7″ | 12 |
| July | 83° | 9.4″ | 13 |
| August | 83° | 10.4″ | 14 |
| September | 82° | 9.0″ | 11 |
| October | 78° | 3.1″ | 5 |
| November | 72° | 1.8″ | 3 |
| December | 67° | 1.9″ | 3 |
Regional context
Cape Coral falls within the humid subtropical climate region, sharing temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with other nearby cities in this climate zone.
Similar climates: Miami, FL, Tampa, FL, Orlando, FL, Jacksonville, FL, Palm Bay, FL.
Naturalist notes
May brings the return of painted bunting males to Cape Coral, their brilliant red, blue, and green plumage appearing at backyard feeders after winter migrations.
Fiddler crabs emerge from their burrows in late spring tides, males waving their oversized claws in territorial displays across local mangrove mudflats.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Cape Coral?
- Cape Coral typically sees its last spring frost around mid-February, while the first fall frost usually arrives around mid-December.
- What is the rainy season in Cape Coral?
- August receives the most rainfall with approximately 10.4 inches on average, contributing to the city's annual total of roughly 57 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Cape Coral?
- August typically records the highest temperatures, with averages around 83°F.
- What is the coldest month in Cape Coral?
- January brings the coolest temperatures, averaging approximately 65°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Cape Coral?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-February, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Cape Coral get?
- Cape Coral experiences approximately 77 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Cape Coral?
- Cape Coral's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; the USDA's online lookup tool using the city ZIP code provides the current zone designation.
Climate
Cape Coral, Florida experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. Winter temperatures in January hover near 65°F, while summer heat in July averages 83°F — creating a 19°F seasonal swing.
Annual rainfall totals about 57 inches across roughly 77 rainy days throughout the year.
Geography shapes Cape Coral's weather patterns through its latitude at 26.6°N, proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These factors determine what grows locally, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.