Weather & Environment: Hurricane Season, Monthly Weather and Local Wildlife

This section covers the weather and wildlife you actually run into down here, from the afternoon storm that rolls in on schedule all summer to the man o' war that wash up on Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach sand after a few days of onshore wind. You'll find when hurricane season starts and when it peaks, what West Palm Beach feels like month by month, where manatees gather when the water cools, and what to do when a cane toad turns up in the yard where your dog plays.

Each guide gives the answer first, then the steps and what you need on hand. For anything that shifts with the season or a storm track, we tell you where to confirm it, such as the National Hurricane Center or your county's emergency management office.

Heading out to the water? Our beach and park guides cover where to swim and spot wildlife, and county services and offices explains who to call about evacuation zones, flooding and storm debris pickup.