Summer (June through August) is peak season: hot, humid, and crowded. Water temperatures reach the mid-80s°F (around 29°C), the beach is at its busiest, and prices are at their highest. Families dominate, and the whole resort apparatus runs at full capacity.
Spring and fall are better for golf. Temperatures are mild, the courses are uncrowded compared to summer, and package deals from inland cities are genuinely good value. The water is still warm enough to swim in May and September.
Winter is quiet to the point of dormancy. Many restaurants and attractions close or operate reduced hours. The beach is empty and often beautiful, and if you're driving through on a road trip and want a night somewhere cheap by the ocean, you won't find many complaints.
Hurricanes are a possibility from June through November, with peak season in August and September.