Knowing when it gets cold in Florida is essential if you plan to retire in the state. This is especially true since we become more sensitive to the cold as we age. While its humid climate is one reason it’s among the top states to retire in, it doesn’t mean the temperature level doesn’t drop.
So, when does it cold in Florida? Like most states in the US, it gets cold in Florida during the winter season. It might not get as cold as the winters of states that experience snow regularly, but you will feel the cool breeze, especially if you’ve already gotten used to the state’s usual climate.
Let’s learn more about Florida’s cold season by answering related questions like “How cold does it get in Florida?” and “When does it start getting cold in Florida?“
Florida Temperature By Month
Knowing the average temperature range in the state will help us answer several essential questions, such as “When will it get cold in Florida?” and “When will it get cold in Florida?“
Here’s a table summing up the expected highest and lowest temperatures in each month of the year in North, Central, and South Florida:
Months | North | Central | South |
---|---|---|---|
January | 45F to 61F | 52F to 71F | 63F to 76F |
February | 48F to 64F | 54F to 73F | 64F to 77F |
March | 54F to 70F | 59F to 77F | 67F to 79F |
April | 60F to 76F | 64F to 82F | 70F to 82F |
May | 68F to 83F | 70F to 88F | 74F to 85F |
June | 74F to 88F | 75F to 90F | 77F to 88F |
July | 76F to 89F | 76F to 90F | 77F to 88F |
August | 76F to 89F | 76F to 90F | 78F to 89F |
September | 71F to 86F | 74F to 89F | 77F to 88F |
October | 62F to 79F | 67F to 84F | 74F to 85F |
November | 53F to 71F | 60F to 78F | 70F to 80F |
December | 48F to 64F | 55F to 73F | 65F to 77F |
When Does It Get Cold in Florida?
Based on the table above, it starts to get cold throughout Florida in December, with North Florida being the coldest region.
What Is the Coldest Month in Florida?
The coldest month in the Sunshine State is January, with the lowest temperature ranging from 45F to 63F, depending on where you’re currently residing or staying.
What Months Are Winter in Florida?
In countries with four seasons, each meteorological season lasts for three months. That said, the winter season across Florida is from December to February.
What Is Winter Like in Florida?
Also known as Florida’s dry season, residents will enjoy cool and dry air accompanied by cool wind breezes. Expect mornings to be warm and sunny because the humidity level can still be high or moderate, especially in South Florida. That said, North Florida has the highest number of colder days in the state.
So, when does it get cold in Florida during the day? Well, it only starts to get cooler later in the afternoon.
During the winter months, you’ll also expect rainfall to be at the minimum or none at all. In fact, the average monthly precipitation in the state during the winter season is only from two to three inches. However, in the past three years (2020, 2021, and 2022), the state has been experiencing warmer and drier winter months.
Why Florida Is So Warm in the Winter
The primary reason it’s generally warm across the state during the winter months is Florida’s location and geography. The bodies of water surrounding it are warmer than the land, so the air also becomes warmer.
Also, since the Gulf stream runs through Florida, tropical easterly winds sweep across the south and central portions of Florida, so the temperature is milder compared to states with cold winters.
You must also note that during La Nina, winter in the Sunshine State becomes warmer and drier than its usual climate. That said, winter becomes wetter and colder during El Nino, but it still isn’t as cold as most will expect during winter.
Does It Ever Get a Little Colder in Florida?
Yes, Florida also experiences near-freezing and freezing temperatures, especially at night. It usually happens when a cold front travels down the peninsula or when a strong high pressure follows an intense low pressure.
However, cold winters are uncommon occurrences and only happen every few years.
What to Do in Winter in Florida
Winter is usually a time when most residents and even tourists enjoy snow-related activities. However, in Florida, things are different because of, well, the winter climate or weather is different.
But you really won’t run out of fun things to do in the state, whether alone or with a loved one, friends, or family members. Here are a few of them:
Enjoy Holiday Boat Parades
The Sunshine State is known for its several holiday boat parades, such as the Winterfest Boat Parade and the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes Christmas Boat Parade. Spectators can enjoy watching these boats with different colors, decorations, animated characters, lights, and more from the shore.
Visit Theme Parks
Busch Gardens, Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Orlando are just among the many fun and exciting theme parks in the state that adults and kids can enjoy visiting. While you can visit any of them anytime, especially if you have already moved to the state, the winter months will be among the best times to do so.
Not only are these theme parks less crowded than usual, but they also host several holiday events, festivities, or activities.
Check Out Wild Manatees
Also known as sea cows, these lovely mammals head toward warmer bodies of water during the winter season. They’re endangered species, so you don’t want to miss out on seeing them, especially if you’re with your grandchildren or simply an animal lover.
Even better, you don’t have to make a wild guess about where you can find them because you’ll find several parks, viewing centers, and sightseeing areas.
If you want to enjoy a kayak or boat ride without harming or scaring them away, you can visit any of Florida’s wildlife refuge centers. Some will even allow you to snorkel to see and swim with the manatees under the water!
Experience Safari
If you and your grandchildren love manatees, consider going to Wild Florida. In this one-hour drive-thru experience around the 85-acre park, you’ll see giraffes, zebras, bison alligators, and more. Those who want a closeup encounter with the animals can go for an airboat ride.
Have a Beach Camping or Picnic
During the winter months, the beach is the place you won’t think about visiting. In Florida, it’s one of the best times to go to the beach and enjoy less humid and a bit cooler weather.
Whether or not you want to swim, you can find beaches in Florida with campsites. You can bring your own RV, book a cabin, or put up a tent to have camping with your loved ones. Or, you can simply have a picnic to enjoy good food while being close to nature.
When you plan to do so, don’t forget to bring your portable, foldable camping chair (view on Amazon) and a multipurpose outdoor mat (view on Amazon) to be more comfortable, especially while watching the sunset.
Pick and Enjoy Florida Citrus
The Sunshine State is known for producing sweet and juicy citrus varieties, including lime, lemon, kumquat, grapefruit, orange, pomelo, and tangerine. They are in season from October to June, so visiting any of the groves is highly recommended if you want a fun and productive winter.
Even your young grandchild will surely enjoy touring around the grove and then picking some fruits they can later devour. Apart from that, some groves offer citrus-made products, such as candies, honey, and ice cream, that you and your friends and family will surely love.
Clothing for When It Starts to Get Cold in Florida
Based on the temperature, precipitation, and other climatic factors provided above, we can say that snow boots and winter coats aren’t necessities. That said, you’ll notice that the Sunshine State’s weather is a bit moody, so what you wear in the morning won’t do any good in the evening.
The layering of clothes is always the best way to go, especially if you’re out all day. With that in mind, here’s what we recommend:
Morning and Afternoon
With warm mornings and early afternoons, residents and tourists can wear sleeveless tops, shorts, and summer and spring dresses. After all, you don’t want to overheat because it’s still a bit humid and warm.
Also, don’t forget sun protection. It might not be as hot as Florida’s summer and spring seasons, but the sun is still out. So, wear a hat, a cap, and sunglasses, and apply sunscreen.
Wearing light and thin jackets, especially in the late afternoon, will also help you feel more comfortable. Remember that as you age, you’ll be more sensitive to cold. Thus, even if it’s a bit warm in the state during winter, make sure you’re prepared for the afternoon coolness.
Having a raingear or umbrella ready is also advisable when you’re outside throughout the day because rain isn’t uncommon during winter.
Early Morning and Evening
As noted, it starts to get cold in Florida during the night, so wear pants, long sleeves, pullovers, and a cardigan. Wearing socks to keep your feet warm is also recommended not only to make you feel comfortable but to ensure you don’t get sick. The early mornings are also often colder than later in the day, so the same set of clothes would be ideal.
When you go out in the evening, adding a cardigan or windbreaker is advisable to protect you from the cold winds. Don’t forget to add a beanie hat (view on Amazon) or any headgear to protect your head from the cold font. Some of you may also want to layer up with a scarf if you need more warmth, especially during the coldest month in Florida.
Yes, It Does Get Cold in Florida!
The icy cold and sometimes snowy winter is one thing other retirees or the aging population dread, and for a good reason. While some adventurous individuals would still enjoy typical winter activities, others would want to live their retirement years in a state with a milder winter climate.
Florida is one of the best choices if you belong to the latter population because even if it starts to get cold in the winter, you won’t expect below-zero or even below-40F temperatures. Plus, you won’t be bored with the many activities you can enjoy and places you can visit. You can even sit outside or near your home windows and watch migratory snowbirds flying across the state.
References:
- https://www.thecrossingsatriverview.com/what-is-winter-like-in-florida/
- https://www.votgseniorliving.com/blog/what-its-like-to-live-in-orlando-florida-during-the-winter/
- https://www.tripsavvy.com/weather-in-orlando-2546241
- https://www.floridasmart.com/seasons-in-florida
- https://floridatrippers.com/florida-in-winter/