girl in a blue long sleeve dress holding flip flops walking at the beach with tons of palm trees in the background

Wondering What to Wear in Florida in Winter? We got You!

ByChelsea

Florida during the winter months is a great time of year to visit because you’re typically going to find mild temperatures and sunny days. This is especially a reprieve if you’re coming from super cold weather up north!

Florida might be known as the Sunshine State, but winter can bring cooler temperatures, especially in the northern and central regions.

Whether you’re planning a beach vacation, a trip to one of the theme parks, or a visit to Florida’s charming historic towns, knowing what to wear during the winter months can make all the difference.

You probably don’t need your winter clothes, but you might be surprised to hear that it’s not always warm in the Sunshine State.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to pack and wear for a winter trip to Florida.

family of four posing in front of the castillo de san marcos in st augustine. a dad holding a toddler and a mom holding a newborn baby


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What You Need to Know About Winter Weather in Florida

I have lived in 4 different states and one thing I have learned is that weather is crazy everywhere. Florida is no different.

I’ve been to St Augustine in 40 degree weather and I’ve gotten way too hot in Key West. Both of these in the winter months. No one can predict exactly what the weather will do, so definitely check the forecast before you get here.

I talk a lot in this article about Florida being chilly in the winter but that’s just because Florida seems to have such a reputation of being hot. While you probably won’t run into the stereotypical summer heat that you associate Florida with, it is definitely possible that it will be hot.

Also keep in mind that Florida isn’t very wide, but it is very long! So the weather you get in North Florida will also vary from South Florida.

In general, though, just don’t assume it will be hot (or cold) and as you’ll see in my first point, layers are key!

toddler walking on a grassy town square in rosemary beach with the historic pearl hotel in the background and historic buildings on the side

Quick Packing List for Winter for Florida:

If you don’t care about my explanations and just want a quick list, here are your essentials:

Layers are key for Florida’s winter season!!

  • Tops: T-shirts, tank tops, long sleeves (such as shirts, a sweater, or cardigan)
  • Bottoms: Jeans, a pair of shorts, joggers, leggings
  • Outerwear: Light jacket
  • Footwear: Tennis shoes, sandals, flip-flops
  • Swimwear: Bathing suit and cover-up (beaches might be chilly but most hotels heat their pools and/or have a hot tub), swimsuit bag
  • Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
  • Chapstick (my lips get chapped being out in the sun)
  • Makeup
  • Electronics: Phone chargers, GoPro, Camera
  • Beach bag to carry everything (if you are going for a beach vacation)
  • Some of my favorite things I always bring along:

I usually recommend bringing an umbrella to Florida, but winter months in Florida are much drier (rainy season is May to October). While that doesn’t guarantee that you won’t have rainy days, you more than likely won’t need an umbrella.

dad walking his toddler on the streets of st augustine. dad holding toddlers hand, historic two story building on one side and a tree on the other side

Layers are Key

Even though Florida winters are generally mild, temperatures can vary greatly throughout the day. And they can vary from day to day!

I know people like to say that Florida doesn’t get cold, but it can get into the 40s, especially in the early morning and later in the evening. It’s possible for it to warm up to the 70s or even low 80s during the day, though. Also keep in mind that the weather in 30A might be significantly different than the weather in the Florida Keys.

So, if you’re coming from somewhere with frigid winters, you won’t need your winter wardrobe. But it would be a good idea to bring layers.

Layering is your best friend, allowing you to stay comfortable as temperatures change. Think of light sweaters, cardigans, or long-sleeve shirts that can easily be layered over t-shirts or tank tops.

Ideas for layering:

  • Lightweight sweaters
  • Long sleeve shirt
  • Cardigans
  • Hoodies
  • Tank top or short sleeved shirt that you can put long sleeves over

It’s always a little funny when Key West experiences a cold snap because you’ll see everyone on the island wearing Key West hoodies from the tourist shops on Duval.

toddler and his dad at the castillo de san marcos in st augustine. toddler is learning to walk on the grass with the castillo de san marcos in the background and a palm tree

Pants and Shorts

Florida’s winter weather often requires a mix of both pants and shorts.

On cooler days, jeans, joggers, or leggings work well. On warmer days, you might prefer to switch to shorts, a skirt, or dress.

If you plan to be active, like exploring nature trails or theme parks, consider packing comfortable joggers or activewear pants that allow for movement and breathability.

  • Recommended Bottoms:
    • Lightweight jeans or chinos
    • Leggings or joggers
    • Shorts for warmer days
    • Casual skirts or dresses (for women)
girl wearing a blue dress walking the streets of ybor city. cobblestone street with historic buildings and palm trees lining the street

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Sandals and flip flops are still great options in the Florida winter. But if you are visiting somewhere you’ll be walking a lot (think Disney or visiting the springs, for example), then don’t forget a pair of tennis shoes.

Florida as a whole is pretty laid back and you won’t need heels but you may want to consider them if you’re going to be going out.

Shoes to pack:

  • Comfortable sneakers if you’ll be walking
  • Sandals or flip flops
  • Heels if you’re planning on going out
girl posing in front of a wooden watch tower on cobblestone brick streets with palm trees and a boat in the background

You Still Need Sun Protection!

Even though Florida has mild winters, the sun will be out (they don’t call it the Sunshine State for no reason!) Regardless of the temperature, you’re going to want to protect yourself from the sun.

Sun Protection Essentials:

  • Sunscreen
  • Hat/cap
  • Sunglasses
girl wearing leggings and oversized turquoise long sleeve shirt with a man wearing off white jeans and blue button up in front of a beach

Swimwear

Whether or not it will be warm enough to get in the beach will depend on a few things.

First, where you’re coming from. What I consider to be warm living in Florida is much different than what my family in Iowa considers to be warm.

Second, as I mentioned earlier, the weather can change so quickly in the winter. So if you have an 80 degree day, you’ll be more likely to be able to swim than if you have a cold snap and it’s only 50 degrees. The water temperatures of the ocean will make a difference, too!

Also, if your accommodations have a heated pool and/or a hot tub, you should be just fine for swimming!

The Springs are likely going to be too cold for swimming in the winter months. But the plus side is that you have a higher likelihood of seeing manatees in the winter!

toddler wearing orange swim trunks with a fish pattern and a white zip up top for a swimsuit at the beach

Outfits for Going Out

Florida tends to be fairly laid back overall, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress up if that’s your jam! If you plan on clubbing in Miami or if you want a nice night out at a nice restaurant, you’ll want to pack some nicer outfits for that.

Final Thoughts on What to Pack in Winter in Florida

A winter vacation to Florida typically brings beautiful weather. Hopefully you will experience perfect weather on your trip!

But the weather can still bring a wide range of temps, so don’t forget to check the weather forecasts before you leave. And remember, the key is to have versatile pieces (have I mentioned layering yet?) Hopefully this helped you with your packing list.