With sunny, breezy weather, beautiful beaches, and world-class shopping, dining, and golf, Naples is a great vacation spot any time of year. But if you’re looking for cooler weather, fewer crowds, and fun festivals — Fall is a fantastic time to visit. Fall is a shoulder season in Florida as summer vacations are ending but winter “snowbirds” haven’t yet arrived.
Don’t worry; the fall season in Florida is still sunny and warm enough to enjoy the beaches or lounge by the pool in your private vacation home.
Let’s dive into the details of what fall in Naples is like to help you plan your getaway!
Fall Weather in Naples
Fall in Naples has warmer, wetter weather early in the season, followed by cooler, drier conditions from mid to late fall. As summer winds down, September still sees some high temperatures in the upper 80s and lower 90s with some rain showers.
October and November usher in cooler temperatures ranging from the high 60s to low 80s but mostly linger in the mid-70s with plenty of sunshine.
Best Things to Do in the Fall in Naples
There are lots of things to do in Naples and with cooler weather and fewer crowds in the fall, you can enjoy more time to yourself on the beaches, nature trails, and golf courses.
1. Enjoy the Beaches
Naples and Marco Island are famous for their pristine beaches with miles of shoreline covered in sugar-white sand and turquoise waters. And while the rest of the country is creeping into sweater weather for fall, you can still enjoy soaking up the sun, swimming, and snorkeling in the dreamy blue-green Gulf waters in Florida.
2. Hit the Golf Course
With beautifully manicured greens designed by golf legends like Arnold Palmer, Naples is one of the top golf destinations in Florida. Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned pro, you’ll find dozens of golf courses to choose from. And with the slightly cooler fall weather, you can enjoy more time on the back nine.
3. Try the Local Cuisine
Naples is foodie heaven boasting nearly every type of cuisine imaginable. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, Italian, sushi, or Mexican, you’ll find a local spot serving up exactly what you’re looking for – from casual cafes to elegant eateries. And for great food on the go, Naples also has a vibrant food truck scene worth checking out.
4. Go Shopping
From high-end luxury brands to one-of-a-kind handmade goods, Naples is a premier shopping destination in Southwest Florida — and the cooler fall weather is perfect for exploring all the outdoor shopping malls.
Stroll the posh boutiques and art galleries of Naples’ trendy Fifth Avenue South, browse luxury brands at the Village Shops and Mercato, or hunt for handmade treasures at the delightfully quirky Tin City.
5. Explore Nature Sanctuaries, Rivers, and Trails
Naples is home to numerous parks, preserves, gardens, and nature trails to explore, and the fall weather is great for outdoor activities. Whether you want to ride your bike along the beach, hike the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, or explore the Everglades, there’s lots to do for nature lovers in Naples.
Check out the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary where you can stroll the boardwalk and spot wading birds, turtles, and gators. Admire thousands of species of exotic plants and flowers, at the Naples Botanical Garden. And get up close and personal with wildlife at the Naples Zoo where you can feed the giraffes.
Of course, no trip to Florida is complete without visiting the Florida Everglades. This vast wetland wilderness is home to hundreds of native species, including its most famous resident — the American alligator. There are many different ways to explore the Everglades, but two of the closest (about an hour from Naples) are Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve.
Fall Events in Naples
From crustacean celebrations to cinema appreciation, you’ll find plenty of fall fun in Naples!
Stone Crab Festival
Seafood lovers unite — the annual Stone Crab Festival in Naples takes place in October and it’s a can’t-miss! Enjoy three days of food, music, and fun while you get your fill of this famous crustacean. In addition to the endless stone crab being served up, you’ll also get to try other mouthwatering seafood dishes from local restaurants and shop for unique goods from local vendors.
Can’t make it to the festival? Don’t worry; October also kicks off stone crab season in Florida so you can still get your fill at local restaurants, fish markets, and grocery stores.
Naples International Film Festival
A must-attend for film buffs, the Naples International Film Festival features independent film screenings, documentaries, “meet and greets” with filmmakers, live music, and food and drink. The festival typically takes place in October, over a four-day span, and draws visitors from around the world.
Paradise Coast Fall Festival
A celebration of the spooky season, the Paradise Coast Fall Fest takes place at the end of October and features live music, costume parades, hayrides, scavenger hunts, and trick-or-treating. It’s perfect for visiting families and those who want to get into the spirit of Halloween.
Southwest Fall Open Fishing Tournament
If you’re an angler, you won’t want to miss the Southwest Fall Open Fishing Tournament, taking place in October. Teams of four head out into the bay to see who can reel in the top catch. Whether you want to participate in the competition or just watch as the fish roll in at the end of the day, the Southwest Fall Open is always a good time for those who love to fish.
In addition to these events, many local businesses in Naples get into the fall spirit by hosting Halloween costume contests, pop-up pumpkin patches, and fall farmer’s markets.
Packing for Your Fall Getaway
Ready for your fall trip to Naples? Here are some autumn essentials for visiting the Paradise Coast.
- Beachwear: It may be fall, but it’s still a perfect time to visit the beaches in Naples, so don’t forget those swimsuits, flip-flops, and beach totes!
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are all a must — especially when visiting the beach, hiking, or hitting the golf courses.
- Mix-and-Match Separates: You’ll want a mix of low-key casual separates for daily wear and a few dressier pieces to mix and match for when you want to go out for co*cktails, dine at upscale restaurants, or stroll the trendy boutiques.
- Sportswear: If you’re planning to partake in outdoor recreation be sure to pack a few coordinating essentials. For golf, this might mean polo shirts and proper shorts or slacks (some courses have dress codes). For hiking, you’ll want some light, comfortable, athletic wear. If you’re planning on boating, fishing, or watersports, a long-sleeved sun shirt or rashguard is always a good idea.
- Outerwear: While fall in Florida is still plenty warm, you can get the occasional cooler evening so bringing a light jacket or sweater is always a good idea. If visiting in early fall, a rain jacket or umbrella may also come in handy.
Don’t worry if you don’t quite have a Florida-friendly wardrobe or you forget to pack something, Naples is a mecca for shopping. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to pick up anything you’re missing.
Enjoy Your Fall Trip to Naples, Florida
Whether you’re looking to spend time at the beach, on the golf course, or enjoying your fill of crab claws during the stone crab season, fall is a great time to head to Naples, Florida!
Enjoy the best of the Paradise Coast in fall by staying in a Naples Florida Vacation Home with full furnishings, luxury amenities, and just minutes from the all best attractions in Naples.
