When Does It Get Cold In Florida? What To Expect + Tips (2025)

When Does It Get Cold In Florida? The short answer is that it usually starts to cool down in October-November, but the coldest months are December through February. The time it gets cold, and how cold it gets, depend on where in the state you’re located.

As for the time when the heat starts to lessen, watch for low temperatures to drop below 60 after the sun goes down, so that the ground can cool enough. In most parts of the state this usually happens by November, but in South Florida it may not go below 60 at all (keep reading for more info!).

Winter in Florida officially starts in the beginning of December and lasts until early March, and the coldest month in Florida is January.

Keep reading to learn more about the coldest and hottest months, average temperatures for different parts of Florida, information on snow and rain, the best and worst weather, what to pack if you’re visiting and more!

When Does It Get Cold In Florida? It depends on what temperature you consider to be “cold”

After living in tropical climates for nearly 10 years now, my body has acclimatized to the heat, so what I consider to be cold is not the same as someone from a colder climate.

If you’re from FL, you probably just want to know when it’s going to cool down. If you’re unfamiliar with Florida weather, you may just be wondering how cold it gets, if it ever snows and more questions.

This article is going to cover it all, including things like humidity, cloud cover and precipitation, so let’s get into it!

Most people consider somewhere in the 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit (10-15 degrees Celsius) range to be cold, while for some people, anything below 70°F is chilly (this applies to people from tropical climates and depends on age – senior adults experience being colder at warmer temps because of factors like metabolic rate, thinning skin and a decrease in body fat).

Florida has the mildest winters in the Continental US, on average, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t ever get cold at all. However, the reason Florida stays relatively warm even in the Winter is the tropical easterly winds across the central and southern parts of the state.

When Does It Get Cold In Florida? Look at average temps

The most reliable way to predict when it will start to get cold in Florida (though obviously, it always can be different from year to year) is to look at the average temperatures for the coldest months.

Average temperature ranges for FL state for the cooler months

Here are the average ranges for the entire state of Florida for each colder month, Winter included (keep reading for averages of each part of the state):

October:

Low: 78°F – 54°F / 25°C – 12°C
High: 89°F – 79°F / 32°C – 26°C

❄️🌴 October is one of the best months to visit Florida because it’s starting to cool down but still one of the warmer months with less rain and lower humidity than the summer, plus it’s the end of hurricane season.

In addition, there are less crowds and cheaper prices thanks to shoulder season. This is when the evenings start to be cooler, breezy and more pleasant.

November:

Low: 73°F – 43°F / 23°C – 6°C
High: 84°F – 70°F / 29°C – 21°C

❄️🌴 November is still an excellent time to visit Florida because it’s not actually winter yet, and it’s still a good time to relax on the beach. There are more crowds than in October because of the holidays and people arriving to stay for the winter season for the warmer weather.

There is still less rain in November, as it’s the start of the dry season (though it’s technically still humid – just less than the summer).

December:

Low: 69°F – 39°F / 20°C – 4°C
High: 80°F – 63°F / 27°C – 17°C

❄️🌴 December is starting to cool down even more in Florida, but compared to the rest of the US with colder winters, it’s still relatively warm. It’s a great time to visit for the holiday festivities and for a tropical holiday season!

January:

Low: 66°F – 36°F / 19°C – 2°C
High: 78°F – 60°F / 26°C – 16°C

❄️🌴 January is the coldest month of the year in Florida, though still relatively warm compared to most of the country (especially in South Florida). It’s still the dry season as well, meaning clearer skies and nicer views.

February:

Low: 68°F – 40°F / 20°C – 4°C
High: 81°F – 64°F / 27°C – 18°C

❄️🌴 February in Florida remains cooler and drier than the rest of the year, and is shoulder season, making it a cheaper and ideal time to visit.

March:

Low: 70°F – 45°F / 27°C – 7°C
High: 83°F – 69°F / 29°C – 21°C

❄️🌴 Winter officially ends during the first half of March in Florida, and Spring begins. It’s warming up a bit, but still isn’t summer yet, meaning more pleasant temperatures and drying weather with less humidity than summer.

However, there tends to be more wind and fog during March in Florida, and it can be a bit unpredictable as to when Spring will begin from year to year.

When does it get cold in FL: South Florida average temps

South Florida locations include:

• Arcadia
• Avon Park
• Big Cypress National Preserve
• Bradenton
• Dry Tortugas
• Everglades Park, Royal Palm
• Fort Lauderdale
• Fort Myers
• Fort Pierce
• Hialeah
• Hollywood
• Islamorada
• Jensen Beach
• Key West
• Marco Island
• Miami
• Miami Beach
• Naples
• Palm Beach Gardens
• Pompano Beach
• Punta Gorda
• Tavernier (Key Largo)
• Venice
• Vero Beach
• West Palm Beach

Miami

Miami is representative of average South Florida temperatures, which differ by up to 6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout South Florida locations.

	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar
Low	74°F / 23°C	70°F / 21°C	65°F / 18°C	63°F / 17°C	64°F / 18°C	67°F / 19°C
High	85°F / 29°C	80°F / 27°C	77°F / 25°C	76°F / 24°C	77°F / 25°C	79°F / 26°C

When does it get cold in FL: Central Florida average temps

Central Florida locations include:

• Bartow
• Clearwater
• Daytona Beach
• Kissimmee
• Lakeland
• Melbourne
• Orlando
• Palm Coast
• Plant City
• Sarasota
• St. Petersburg
• Tampa

Tampa

Tampa is representative of average Central Florida temperatures, which differ by up to 6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout Central Florida locations.

	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar
Low	67°F / 19°C	60°F / 16°C	55°F / 13°C	52°F / 11°C	54°F / 12°C	59°F / 15°C
High	84°F / 29°C	78°F / 26°C	73°F / 23°C	71°F / 22°C	73°F / 23°C	77°F / 25°C

When does it get cold in FL: North Florida average temps

North Florida locations include:

• Fernandina Beach
• Gainesville
• Glen St. Mary
• Jacksonville
• Jacksonville Beach
• Jasper
• Lake City
• Live Oak
• Madison
• Ocala
• St. Augustine

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is representative of average North Florida temperatures, which differ by up to 6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout North Florida locations.

	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar
Low	64°F / 18°C	55°F / 13°C	49°F / 9°C	46°F / 8°C	49°F / 9°C	54°F / 12°C
High	80°F / 27°C	73°F / 23°C	67°F / 19°C	65°F / 18°C	68°F / 20°C	73°F / 23°C

When does it get cold in FL: Florida Panhandle average temps

Florida Panhandle locations include:

• Apalachicola
• Crestview
• DeFuniak Springs
• Destin
• Monticello
• Niceville
• Panama City
• Pensacola
• Tallahassee

Pensacola

Pensacola is representative of average Florida Panhandle temperatures, which differ by up to 6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout Florida Panhandle locations.

	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar
Low	62°F / 17°C	53°F / 12°C	48°F / 9°C	45°F / 7°C	48°F / 9°C	54°F / 12°C
High	79°F / 26°C	71°F / 22°C	64°F / 18°C	61°F / 16°C	64°F / 18°C	70°F / 21°C

When Does It Get Cold In Florida? Look at cloud cover

Cloud cover can also make cold weather feel colder, so it’s important to pay attention to Florida average cloud cover during the colder months.

The clearer months in Florida are from June 24-November 11, and the clearest month is September. The cloudiest part of the year is November 11-June 24, with the cloudiest month being February, when the sky is overcast a little over half of the month on average..

Of course, in Florida the rainy season doesn’t necessarily correspond with the cloudy season – keep reading for more!

When Does It Get Cold In Florida? Look at precipitation

Tropical climates like in Florida can feel colder in colder months, even when the same temperature wouldn’t feel as cold in drier climates with less humidity and precipitation.

The rainy season in Florida is from May through October, when most days have afternoon thunderstorms. Coincidentally, this is the hottest part of the year in Florida, so it doesn’t actually make it feel much colder, especially because humidity in summer makes the heat feel hotter (or, at least, harder to deal with).

October-April is Florida’s dry season, so while it can rain, it’s not as common during these months. It gets so dry in mid-to-late winter in Florida that water needs to be conserved at times.

❄️ Does it ever snow in Florida? ❄️

While precipitation is not as common during Florida winters, northern Florida can get snow and sleet occasionally (not every year, and most of the time it doesn’t last long). Snow is most commonly seen from January 6-January 29. January is also the month with the least rainfall in Florida.

Florida gets very occasional freezes. In fact, it has only had 12 recorded major freezes, meaning they were bad enough to kill the citrus trees, which affects the economy negatively.

When Does It Get Cold In Florida? Look at humidity

Florida is more humid than other US states, but winter is also the dry season, so it’s less muggy, which makes it feel more pleasant than the warmer parts of the year in the state. January 30 is the least humid day of the year in Florida.

When Does It Get Cold In Florida? More things to consider

Wind and sunset times are other factors to consider when looking at what the weather will be like, because more wind and shorter days means it will feel cooler outside.

👉 In Florida, the shortest day of the year is December 21, with a little over 9 hours of daylight.

👉 Latest sunrise in FL: November 4, at 7:32am

👉 Earliest sunset in FL: December 8, at 4:27pm

👉 The darkest months of the year in Florida are from November 4-February 10, and the darkest month is December. In contrast, the brightest month is June.

👉 The windiest part of the year in Florida is from November 18-April 24. Wind speed during this time averages over 5mph. February is the windiest month in Florida, with average wind speeds of 6.6mph.

When Does It Get Cold In Florida? Look at water temperature

Florida has the longest coastline of any US state (1,350 miles / 2,170 km, not including the barrier islands), and the water stays relatively warm year-round – not to say it doesn’t get cold.

From June 23-October 2 the water is warmest, and from December 26-April 16, it’s cooler, getting lower than 46°F.

February is the month with the coldest water temperatures in Florida, with an average of 39°F.

👉 Florida is a great place for beginner surfers in the winter, and has the warmest ocean surfing in the US mainland. Surfing season starts in the beginning of August and continues through winter into the middle of Spring, with the main swell season from November through March, when the waves can be up to 10 feet / 3 meters.

What are the nicest months in Florida?

The nicest months in Florida, and the best times to visit, are mid-June through mid-September, and August is the best month to visit, particularly for the beach and warm-weather, activities.

What is the hottest month in Florida?

The hottest month in Florida is July. Average high temperature is 82°F, and low is 62°F. The warmest weather in Florida is May 29-September 16.

What to wear when it gets cold in Florida

Here are my suggestions for what to pack and wear in Florida for when it gets cold. The main things to think about are layering for unpredictable temperatures, being prepared for possible (though unlikely) rain, and blocking wind (especially in the evenings).

Jackets for Florida Winter:

👉 A leather jacket is my go-to for being stylish and staying warm without feeling bulky. It’s perfect for weather in the 50s-60s.

👉 A Denim Jacket is great, especially with layers, and if you know it won’t get too cold:

👉 A Hoodie or sweatshirt is great, but if it’s going to get too cold or windy, think about adding a coat:

👉 A fleece-lined jacket for any weather can be a great way to be prepared for rain or snow if it’s a possibility when you’re visiting!

More things to pack & bring for Florida when it gets cold:

👉 Fashionable and good quality walking shoes for all weather: Tennis shoes can actually get cold in the winter if they’re too breathable – plus, if it gets rainy or snows, it can be even worse! I recommend Dr. Martens Chelsea boots, so they’re good for your feet and unpredictable weather – plus they look good on everyone!

Fingerless Gloves: These are perfect for keeping arm when it’s not too cold in Florida, and you can still use your phone. I love ones that have mitten covers you can pin back for when my fingers get cold, too!

👉 Hat: A hat is a fabulous way to keep your head warm and protect yourself from the sun in Florida. When it gets cold, the most important areas to keep warm are your head and your feet – so warm socks are smart to pack, too!

👉 Pants: you’re most likely not going to pull out the shorts if it’s below 50 (or even in the 60s for many people), so it’s good to bring jeans and even lighter-weight pants since Florida doesn’t get too cold most of the time!

👉 Umbrella: It’s always good to bring an umbrella since it does occasionally rain, and it can get windy + rainy. I suggest bringing a packable one that doesn’t take up too much space so it can be easily put into a bag if it becomes unusable. It also needs to be windproof, like this one:

👉 Sunscreen: Sunscreen is always important when you’ll be outdoors, and the sun is stronger in Florida because of its lower latitude. I use Badger sunscreen because it only has four ingredients and is safe for sensitive skin!

Places to Stay In Miami, FL On Any Budget

If you’re headed to Miami, here are the top-rated and best located places to stay on any budget!

✅ Budget Option: Generator Miami

The Generator Miami is a 3-star boutique hotel & hostel in Miami Beach, and it’s the top-rated budget hotel in Miami Beach! The rooms are air conditioned and have private bathrooms and WiFi, and there’s a nightclub, 24-hour front desk & more amenities!

🌟 Check out this 5-star review by Matthew:
“The place is located a 2 minute walk from the beach, staff are very friendly and the food at the bar is really good. They also provided beach towels for free. The beds were pretty comfy and had storage and plugs/lights. Room was very clean and the shower was pretty nice. Really good place to stay on a budget.”

🛌 Check Availability at Generator Miami Here

✅ Mid-Tier Option: Mondrian South Beach

Mondrian South Beach is the top-rated place to stay in its price range and has raving reviews! It’s centrally located near downtown, South Beach, Miami Design District, Wynwood and more photo-worthy spots in Miami, too. It was designed by Dutch designer Marcel Wanders and has a lot of amazing photo ops and amenities.

🌟 Check out this 5-star review by Stephen:
“Coming from England I had some of the nicest and amazing staff I’ve ever experienced. From calling the phone before my booking to how they treated me when I got to the Hotel, I had a great experience.”

🛌 Check Availability at Mondrian South Beach Here

✅ Luxury Option: 1 Hotel South Beach

1 Hotel in South Beach is the top-rated luxury hotel in Miami Beach, and it’s Instagrammable all around, from the rooftop pool to it’s other pools, private beach, decor and more! It also uses clean energy and is sustainable in multiple ways!

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Giorgia:
“I truly love this hotel. Everything was just fantastic. Room, grounds, pool and restaurants all top notch 🙂 Can’t wait to come back.”

🛌 Check Current Prices at 1 Hotel South Beach Here

🛏️ VRBO is a great place to find vacation rental houses for yourself or a whole group to have the entire place to yourself.

Getting to and around Florida

👉 Flights: WayAway is a flight aggregator that helps you find the cheapest flights. Use the code MUKI-TRAVELS for 10% off WayAway Plus.

👉 Rent a car in Florida: Discover Cars is a great tool to use to find the best deals.

👉 Lyft & Uber: Florida has both of these services, which can be good if you’re running late, have a lot of luggage or when the weather is bad!

🛂 National Parks Passport

New York has a lot of National Parks! America’s National Parks Store is where you can get National Park passports, clothing and more. They also donate a portion of their proceeds to the National Parks System!

🥾 Visit America’s National Parks Passport Store Here

FAQs: Florida weather throughout the year

👉 What is Florida winter like?

Florida winters are generally mild and pleasant, characterized by cooler temperatures, less humidity, and relatively sunny skies, with average temperatures ranging from the 50s-70s Fahrenheit (10-25 degrees Celsius).

👉 What is the nicest month in Florida?

The nicest months in Florida are October-November and April-May. These months typically offer pleasant weather with lower humidity, comfortable temperatures, and less rainfall, making them excellent choices for outdoor activities and tourism.

👉 What month has the worst weather in Florida?

August is often considered the month with the worst weather in Florida. It is known for its high temperatures, high humidity levels, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, which can make outdoor activities less enjoyable.

👉 What’s the coldest part of Florida?

The coldest part of Florida is typically the northern part of the state, especially the Panhandle and parts of North Florida. In these areas, temperatures can occasionally drop below freezing during the winter months, and they are more likely to experience frost and even rare instances of snowfall.

👉 Which side of Florida is cooler?

The western side of Florida, along the Gulf of Mexico, tends to be slightly cooler than the eastern side along the Atlantic Ocean. This is because the Gulf of Mexico moderates temperatures, resulting in milder winters and less temperature variation throughout the year compared to the Atlantic coast.

👉 What is the climate by region in Florida?

• North Florida: Has a more temperate climate with cooler winters compared to the rest of the state. Summers are warm and humid.
• Central Florida: Features a subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers.
• South Florida: Has a tropical climate with warm to hot temperatures year-round and high humidity. It’s the warmest part of the state.
• The Florida Keys: Experience a tropical climate with very mild winters and hot, humid summers. They have the warmest winters in the continental United States.
• Panhandle: Often has a mix of subtropical and temperate climates, with cooler winters and milder summers than the southern parts of the state.
• Coastal Areas: Tend to be milder than inland areas due to the moderating influence of the ocean or Gulf of Mexico.
• Interior Areas: Experience more extreme temperatures, with hotter summers and colder winters compared to coastal regions.

👉 Is North Florida cooler than South Florida?

Yes, North Florida is generally cooler than South Florida. North Florida experiences slightly cooler winters and less intense heat and humidity during the summer months compared to the consistently warm and humid climate of South Florida.

👉 Is Central Florida colder than South Florida?

Central Florida is not significantly colder than South Florida, but it does experience slightly milder winters with occasional cold snaps. Overall, both regions have a warm and humid climate, with South Florida being slightly warmer year-round.

👉 What part of Florida has the best climate?

The part of Florida often considered to have the best climate is the Central Florida region, including areas like Orlando and Tampa. It enjoys mild winters, warm and sunny weather for much of the year, and relatively lower humidity compared to South Florida, making it appealing to many residents and visitors.

👉 Which is hotter, Orlando or Miami?

Miami is typically hotter than Orlando. Miami’s location in South Florida results in consistently higher temperatures and higher humidity levels throughout the year compared to Orlando, which is in Central Florida.

👉 Which state is hotter Florida or Texas?

Texas is generally hotter than Florida. Texas has larger areas with a desert climate, especially in the western parts, leading to more extreme heat compared to the relatively milder coastal and subtropical climate of Florida. However, the specific temperatures can vary depending on the region and time of year.

👉 Is Arizona or Florida hotter?

Arizona is typically hotter than Florida. Arizona’s desert climate, especially in places like Phoenix and Tucson, leads to scorching summer temperatures, often exceeding those in most parts of Florida.

All In All: When Does Florida Start To Get Cold?

Understanding when it gets cold in Florida involves recognizing the state’s unique regional variations. While South Florida remains relatively warm throughout the year, North Florida experiences cooler temperatures, especially during winter. Central Florida strikes a balance, offering milder winters compared to the north but still retaining some tropical warmth.

Overall, the onset of Florida’s “cold” season typically begins in November, with temperatures dropping into more comfortable ranges, making it an inviting destination to seek respite from harsh northern winters. Whether you’re planning a winter getaway or looking to embrace the cooler months, Florida’s diverse climate has something to offer for everyone.

Summary Info:

👉 Florida is a long state (447 miles / 721 km long, to be exact), so the climate changes from North to South, as well as from the coastline to the inland areas – which means it does get colder in some parts of Florida than others.

👉 Northern and Central Florida share a humid subtropical climate, while Southern Florida has a tropical climate.

👉 In addition, Florida locations along the coast generally stay relatively warm because of the tropical ocean current, which keeps the water warm year-round, bringing in a warm ocean breeze (but it does cool down compared to summer months – keep reading for specific temperatures!).

🌡️ The USDA Hardiness Zones for Florida range from 10-15 degrees F in the northwestern panhandle to 45-50 degrees F in the lower Florida Keys.

🌡️ Southern Florida, away from the coast, usually has lows in the 60s during the cooler months, but sometimes gets colder. It’s the warmest part of the state…

🌡️ Central Florida gets average lows in the 50s during the colder months. Occasional cold fronts bring freezing weather to central Florida every few years, on average.

🌡️ Northern Florida and the Panhandle are the coldest parts of the state with average lows in the 40s in the colder months, and even occasional snow (keep reading for more information on snow in Florida).

👉 The best time to visit Florida during the cooler months is from October through December, when temperatures are cooler but steadier. January and February are the coldest months, but the temperature can also be really unpredictable. During these early months of the year, one day can be 40°F and the next can be up to 80°F!

🌡️ Lowest wintertime day max temps: Pensacola, Panama City, Jacksonville Beach and Fernandina Beach

🌡️ Highest wintertime day max temps: Pompano Beach, Hialeah and Miami

🌡️ Coldest wintertime night max temps: De Funiak Springs, Niceville, and Fountain

🌡️ Warmest wintertime night max temps: Key West, Tavernier and Miami

For more Florida guides, check out these posts:

👉 93+ Best Photography Spots In Miami (With Map)
👉 75 Best Tampa Photography Spots (With Map)
👉 71 Best Photography Spots In Orlando (With Map)