Fort Matanzas is reached by ferry boat, with service operating on normal hours after repairs to the park's dock. Boat trips depart every hour at half past, with the first trip at 9:30 am and the final trip of the day at 4:30 pm, weather permitting. Summers are hot and humid with afternoon thundershowers, winters are cool to mild with some cold spells, and fall and spring are temperate with temperatures around 70F-80F (21C-26C). During danger of lightning, the fort is closed and ferry service is suspended, and June-November is hurricane season.