7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Florida This Winter
As winter approaches, the search for the perfect winter getaway is also starting!
While some people cozy up at home and others hit the slopes, winter sun chasers are looking for warmer places and if you’re anything like us, Florida is probably at the top of your list.
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Of course, we may be biased since Florida is our home but there are many reasons to visit the Sunshine State in the winter.
Warm weather and beautiful beaches top the list but Florida offers much more than this. If you’re still on the fence about whether you should visit Florida in the winter, we’ll look at 7 reasons why it is the perfect winter getaway.
7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Florida This Winter
1. Pleasant Weather
One of the biggest draws of Florida during winter is its pleasant weather.
While much of the country shivers under a blanket of snow, Florida still enjoys mild temperatures, typically ranging from the mid-60s to the high 70s F, depending on the part of the state you’re in.
The more South you go, the warmer it gets. Places like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and the Florida Keys will be much warmer than for example Destin or Pensacola.
This beautiful weather is perfect for enjoying all the outdoor activities that might be too intense in the summer heat, be it chilling on the beach or exploring the State’s popular National and State Parks.
2. Stunning Beaches
Florida’s beaches are famous for a reason, and in winter, they become even more enjoyable.
They are less crowded, offering a more peaceful and personal experience and the water remains warm enough for swimming in many parts of the state, and the sunsets are just as breathtaking.
Prefer walking along the shore, collecting seashells, or simply enjoying ocean views? You’ll still be able to enjoy all these in winter!
Places like Clearwater Beach, Siesta Key, and Sanibel Island retain their charm but with a quieter and more relaxed vibe! No wonder they make it to our list of warm places to visit in Florida in December!
Winter is also a great time for water sports like paddleboarding or kayaking, with the gentler weather making for a perfect day out on the water. Yes, you can still even swim if you go to one of these warm beaches in Florida.
3. It’s Less Humid
One of the less talked about but highly appreciated aspects of Florida in winter is the lower humidity.
Florida’s summers are known for their high humidity levels, and let’s face it, it can become overwhelming!
If you’ve heard of the saying, “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity that will get you.”, then you know what we’re talking about! In fact, Florida is the most humid state in the USA with almost 75% humidity according to Florida Climate Center.
However, the air is refreshingly drier in winter making the warm temperatures even more enjoyable. This decrease in humidity (to less than 60%) means more comfortable days and cooler evenings, perfect for all sorts of outdoor activities.
Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Miami, taking a leisurely walk in one of the many state parks, or simply relaxing outside, the absence of oppressive humidity makes the experience much more pleasant.
4. Hurricane Season Is Over
Winter in Florida comes with a sigh of relief as it marks the end of the hurricane season.
There is always a chance of a hurricane from June to November, but once winter arrives, these worries fade away which makes Florida even more attractive to tourists.
This means that you can plan your trip without the anxiety of potential storms disrupting your plans.
5. It’s The Best Time to See and Swim with Manatees
Winter in Florida offers a unique and magical experience: the chance to see and even swim with manatees.
These gentle giants migrate to Florida’s warmer waters when temperatures drop in other parts of the country, especially to places like Crystal River and Blue Spring State Park as they need warm waters of about 72° F to stay comfortable.
For wildlife enthusiasts, this is a great opportunity to observe these creatures closely in their natural habitat.
There are many places in Florida to see Manatees but if you want to swim with them ethically, Crystal River, located just 68 miles north of Tampa is the place to go.
They even offer this guided tour to swim with manatees while being accompanied by a knowledgeable guide to fully learn about them.
6. Plenty of Holiday Festivities
This might come as a surprise to many people since they mostly associate Christmas with snow, grey skies, and winter clothes, but a sunny Christmas in Florida is equally enjoyable.
The state is famous for its inventive holiday events, from boat parades that light up the intercoastal waterways to outdoor Christmas markets and parades under palm trees.
Christmas towns and cities like St. Augustine with its Nights of Lights and Orlando with its theme park holiday spectaculars make a trip to Florida during winter worthwhile.
These festivities also often include live Christmas music, local food, arts and crafts, and unique spectacles like a Christmas tree completely made of sand, famously known as Sandi in West Palm Beach.
New Year’s Eve is another highlight with beachside parties and fireworks over the ocean!
7. Countless Outdoor Adventure and Sports
The cooler and less humid weather makes it perfect for a wide range of outdoor activities in Florida.
Golfers will find golf courses throughout the state, from the challenging layouts in Ponte Vedra Beach to scenic ones in Naples.
For those who prefer the water, fishing in Florida’s extensive coastline and inland waterways is exceptional during winter.
Hiking and biking are also more enjoyable in the milder temperatures, with places like the Everglades National Park and Ocala National Forest offering breathtaking trails and wildlife sightings.
Adventure sports like zip-lining and parasailing are also popular for those looking for an adrenaline rush against the backdrop of Florida’s stunning landscapes.
Of course, one could urge that they can still do these in summer but we don’t know about you, but biking or hiking in the scorching heat is not ideal for us, so come winter, we hit the trails.
Final Thoughts on Why You Should Visit Florida This Winter
If you were still on the fence, we hope we’ve shown you why Florida is the perfect winter getaway, especially if you want to ditch your winter boots and ear muffs.
Contrary to the rest of the year, winter reveals another side of Florida where you can enjoy outdoor activities without sweating like crazy and sunbathe like it’s the middle of the summer without the humidity that comes with it.
Read More:
- These 2 Islands in Florida Are Considered to Be The Most Beautiful
- 5 Major Reasons Why Retirees Are Fleeing Florida
- 5 Cities in Florida That Look Like Europe
But before you go, consider sharing these reasons why you should visit Florida this winter if you found the article helpful!
