Winter in Florida: Timing, Temperatures, and Regional Variations
Mild, Short, and Variable
Florida's winter (meteorological: Dec 1 – Feb 28) is the mildest in the continental US.
Typical Dates
- Start: Late December / early January (first sustained cool fronts).
- End: Late February / early March (last freeze risk).
Temperature Ranges
| Region | Avg Low | Avg High |
|---|
| North (Tallahassee, Jacksonville) | 40–45°F (4–7°C) | 60–65°F (16–18°C) |
| Central (Orlando, Tampa) | 50–55°F (10–13°C) | 70–75°F (21–24°C) |
| South (Miami, Keys) | 60–65°F (16–18°C) | 75–80°F (24–27°C) |
Cold Snaps
- Occasional Arctic fronts push lows to 20s°F (–6°C) in north, 40s°F (4–9°C) in south.
- Freeze warnings trigger crop protection (citrus, strawberries).
- Snow/ice: rare, brief, north of I-4 corridor only.
Drivers
- Gulf of Mexico & Atlantic moderate temperatures.
- Peninsular geography → maritime influence.
- El Niño = wetter/cooler; La Niña = drier/warmer.
For visitors: pack layers, light jacket; for residents: winter is "open windows" season.
Wanderlust World