I've visited our CYV (Eastern and Southern exposure) in October, November, December, April, and June in the last 4 years. Moving down for the season in a few weeks, finally becoming snowbirds. I'm a lanai/porch lover, but can only stand the heat in summer before about 7:30 am (helps that I'm a morning person) and during an evening rain after dark.
I think you didn't see anyone out on lanais because you visited in summer. Maybe we also use them more in CYV neighborhoods because they're so private. I'm there in my jammies with my morning coffee just about every day of my visit, reading the paper, checking my email and planning my day. Don't think I'll ever get tired of it.
Before mid May and after mid October, I use it most mornings, and usually eat out there for breakfast and dinner. I'm guessing that on mild winter days, I'll use it more mid-day, although I also think it's nice to go out with a comfy afghan with my fee up and read a book.
We have a builder-planted oak tree that is nicely shaped and has grown about 6-8 feet in just over 4 years. It is kind of southwest of our lanai and we think it will really make things pleasant in a couple of years, already starting to see some benefit.
We do notice a difference for the time of year - added a roll-down screen on the east side as it gives us more morning shade starting about April, maybe March. In the winter, the sun is a lot lower and makes it pretty comfortable in the afternoon/early evening unless it's really chilly. I'm guessing since winter doesn't last for 6 mos, but only at most a week or so at a time (I know, except for the last 2 winters) that I might even get excited about that and make a pot of chili or chicken noodle soup!
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