I suppose this is a very personal choice, but I disagree. When we rented we had an east facing lanai, which means the front of the house faces west into the long hot afternoon and setting sun. I wanted a south facing lanai (which we got). In the cool months it maximizes the sun exposure, and we like to alternate between the lanai and the front porch where we can sit, read, and wave to the neighbors.
We leave in mid-May for northern climes, but we notice that by the time we leave, the sun is high enough in the sky that the south facing lanai doesn't get as much sun as it does in the winter months.
That was our preference. Yours may be different.
Style of house and arrangement of lanai and front seating options would make a difference too. We have a Gardenia with an expanded lanai which provides screening and ventilation on three sides, so in warmer, breezier weather it's pretty delightful. Not all lanais are like that.
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