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Well, living in Phoenix I use mine year 'round.  But that doesn't answer your question.

You want to clean the inside using a good barbeque degreaser.  Once that is done, remove any visible rust inside and out.  Depending upon the condition of the exterior, you may want to paint it using a paint designed for high heat (Rustoleum makes a paint specifically for barbeques) — DO NOT PAINT ANY INTERIOR SURFACES.  Brush all interior surfaces with a coating of cooking oil.

If the smoker will be exposed to the elements over the winter, you definitely want to cover it — either make a cover or purchase one.  That should do iit.

Is there a reason you won't be using yours over the winter?  A lot of 'que fanatics in winter climes purchase a water heater blanket (basically, a piece of insulation designed to wrap around a water heater — typically sold in cold weather areas).  You wrap your smoker with it while cooking in the cold winter months and voila!  Perfect 'que all year 'round.

Big Dan