You think you know Florida weather. Heat, palm trees, maybe a stray alligator in a canal after a downpour. But the weather in Lauderdale Lakes isn't just a carbon copy of Miami or even nearby Fort Lauderdale. Being tucked slightly inland in central Broward County changes the vibe. It’s a place where the humidity doesn’t just sit on you—it hugs you like a damp towel until about October.
Honestly? It's kind of intense. If you’re planning to move here or just visiting, you’ve got to look past the "Sunshine State" postcard. There is a specific rhythm to the sky here that dictates everything from when you cut your grass to whether or not you'll be sitting in three inches of water on State Road 7.
The Two-Season Reality
Most people talk about spring, summer, fall, and winter. In Lauderdale Lakes, we basically have two: "The Steam Room" and "The Sweet Spot."
From June to October, the humidity is relentless. It’s that thick, heavy air where your sunglasses fog up the second you step out of the AC. Highs hover around 90°F ($32°C$), but the heat index—what it actually feels like—frequently screams past 100°F. August is the heavyweight champion of misery here. It is the hottest month, with average highs of 90°F and lows that barely drop to 78°F. You don't really "cool off" at night; you just simmer.
Then everything flips.
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Around November, the "Sweet Spot" begins. This is why people live here. The air thins out. The dew point drops. Suddenly, you’re looking at highs in the mid-70s to low 80s and nights that are actually crisp—sometimes dipping into the 50s. January is the coldest month, but "cold" is a strong word. We’re talking an average low of 60°F. You might see a local in a North Face jacket, but they’re just being dramatic.
Rain Isn't Just Rain—It’s a Schedule
Rain in Lauderdale Lakes is weirdly predictable. During the summer, you can almost set your watch by the afternoon thunderstorms. The sky turns a bruised purple around 2:00 PM, the wind picks up, and for forty minutes, the world ends. Then, the sun comes back out, and the water on the pavement turns into steam.
- Wettest Month: September (averaging about 9 inches of rain).
- Driest Month: March (the grass starts looking a little crispy).
- Annual Rainfall: Around 63 inches.
That sounds like a lot because it is. We get nearly double the US average. This isn't drizzly London rain, either. It’s "I can’t see the hood of my car" rain. Flash flooding is a real thing. Because Lauderdale Lakes is flat and full of small lakes and canals, the drainage systems sometimes just give up. If you see a massive puddle on Oakland Park Boulevard, don't be a hero. Your sedan isn't a boat.
The Hurricane Elephant in the Room
We have to talk about hurricane season (June 1st to November 30th). It's the one part of the weather in Lauderdale Lakes that keeps everyone on edge. While the city is inland enough to avoid the worst of the storm surge that hits the coast, the wind and rain are no joke.
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The peak is usually around September 10th. Most years, it’s just a lot of "spaghetti models" on the news and buying extra cases of water at Publix. But when a real one like Irma or Wilma comes through, the town changes. You’ll see shutters going up on the houses in Cypress Chase and the shopping plazas boarding up.
A lot of newbies think the danger is just the wind. It's not. It's the power outages. Sitting in a house with no power and 90% humidity for three days is a special kind of Florida purgatory.
Quick Prep Checklist:
- Gas up: Do it three days before the storm hits. The lines at the 7-Eleven on 441 will be a nightmare otherwise.
- Water: One gallon per person per day. Minimum.
- The "Cloud": Back up your documents. If a tree takes out your roof, you don't want your birth certificate floating in a puddle.
Humidity: The Invisible Factor
Dew point is a better measure of comfort than temperature. If the dew point is over 70°F, you’re going to be sticky. In July and August, the dew point in Lauderdale Lakes regularly hits 75°F. That's why your hair looks crazy and why you're tired after walking to the mailbox.
By contrast, in February, the dew point drops to around 58°F. That’s the magic number. It’s dry, comfortable, and perfect for the "Lakes Literacy Day" or any of the outdoor festivals the city puts on.
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What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception? That it’s "always sunny."
Actually, Lauderdale Lakes is one of the cloudier parts of the country during the summer. July is the cloudiest month, with the sky being overcast or mostly cloudy about 67% of the time. You’ll get plenty of Vitamin D, sure, but expect a lot of grey, moody afternoons.
Another myth: "It never gets cold." Every couple of years, we get a "Cold Snap." The temperature might drop to 40°F for a night or two. The iguanas lose their grip on the trees and fall down (they aren't dead, just frozen). It’s a weird local phenomenon you have to see to believe.
Living With the Forecast
If you're moving here, buy a good raincoat, but honestly, an umbrella is useless in a real Florida wind. You’re better off just waiting out the storm inside a shop. If you're visiting, aim for February to April. That’s the peak. You’ll pay more for a rental, but you won't be melting.
Check your tires, too. The first ten minutes of rain after a dry spell makes the roads in Lauderdale Lakes slick as ice because of the oil buildup. It’s a recipe for fender benders on the Turnpike entrance.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your AC filters: In this humidity, your HVAC works overtime. Change filters monthly to avoid a $400 repair bill in July.
- Download the "CodeRed" app: The city uses this for emergency weather alerts. It’s better than waiting for a text from your neighbor.
- Plan outdoor work for the morning: If you’re gardening or hitting the walking trails, be done by 10:30 AM. After that, the UV index is a literal health hazard.
- Watch the canals: If the water levels in the local canals look unusually high after a storm, stay off the side streets.
The weather here is a beast, but you learn to love the drama of it. There is nothing quite like a Florida sunset right after a massive thunderstorm—the sky turns a shade of pink you won’t find anywhere else. Just make sure you're watching it from somewhere with working air conditioning.