What to Pack for Florida in the Winter

Last Updated: September 2024

I had the most challenging time figuring out what to pack for Florida when traveling there in February, so I decided to write my own post about what to pack for Florida in the winter!

The weather can change a lot this time of year and sometimes fluctuates from morning to night. While I was in Florida, it was around 70 degrees for the majority of February.

Florida’s winter temperatures range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on whether you’re in South Florida or the Gulf. However, it’s always pretty humid and will most likely feel warmer than it really is.

Winter nights can also get chilly, so be prepared for that. You’ll also want to be sure to pack for any fun activities you will do, whether it’s Disney World, theme parks, water activities, or a hot night out in Miami! I happened to get to swim with manatees, dive with sharks, take a road trip down the Gulf Coast, and enjoy Miami and the Florida Keys, so I made sure to plan for some adventure. So, if you’re wondering what you should be packing for Florida in the winter, I’ve got you covered below.

Heading to Miami? Here’s a specific packing list for Miami.

Here’s a packing list of what I think would be best to wear in Florida in the winter! While we’re at it, let’s be friends on Instagram and Tiktok!

What to Pack for Florida in the Winter

What to Pack for Florida in the Winter: Clothes

Light Jacket

You won’t need a huge coat, but it can get cold on some days and at night. It can also rain in the winter, so I recommend bringing a jean jacket, a light rain jacket (I have this one and love it for travel), or a trench coat.

Light Sweater, Sweatshirt or Cardigan

I run cold, so I always like to pack a light sweater or cardigan that I can bring with me in case I’m in a restaurant or shop with the AC cranking. I’d bring something like this, this, or this. A pashmina scarf works well, too!

Leggings

I bring leggings just about everywhere I go, but I only wore these on the plane to Florida. Because of the humidity and the fact I was there at the end of February, I didn’t need them as much. However, it was a great option for the long plane ride and a good option if you don’t want to wear jeans around. These are my favorite leggings of all time.

Jeans

I think jeans are a good option to bring just in case, but they aren’t necessary! They are definitely a good option if you look at the weather beforehand, and it says it’s in the 50s- 60s. If you pack jeans, try packing lighter and looser kinds like these (my favorite jean brand).

Swim Suits

No trip to Florida is complete without a few swimsuits for ocean and pool adventures! I try to pack a one-piece and a couple of bikinis. 

Shorts/Romper

I wore shorts quite a bit because it started to get pretty balmy. These shorts are fantastic. So, I paired shorts or a romper with a sweater or jacket, which was perfect.

Dress/Maxi

I wore my maxi dress a lot because it covered my legs, and in the cool mornings, it was perfect! Some days are hotter than others, so I recommend bringing a few different options.

Tank Tops/T-shirts

I love packing basics, so I can layer and add accessories. Here are some good basics to bring for tanks and short-sleeve shirts. Some people bring long sleeves, so you don’t need a jacket, and while I didn’t pack them, it would be a good idea! You could even bring button-down shirts like an oversized chambray to go over your tank tops for a more layered look.

Read Next: St. Petersburg FL: What to See, Eat & Do in the Sunshine City

What to Pack for Florida in the Winter: Shoes

Sandals

Depending on your activities, you will most likely wear sandals a lot of the time. I recommend beachy sandals, flip-flops, strappy wedges for going out, and outdoor sandals like these for water activities.

Walking shoes

I love my pair of these Allbirds and only needed these and a few sandal options! They are so comfortable for walking and still stylish.

What to Pack for Florida in the Winter: Accessories

Sun Hat

Even in the winter, the sun is blazing down in Florida. Bring a sun hat (this is my favorite one I own) or a cap similar to my this.

Sunglasses

This brand and these sunnies are my favorites right now!

Beach bag or Dry Bag

I brought this dry bag that I love and a similar beach bag, which are perfect for a day at the beach!

Purse

I love these types of purses for Florida!

Other

• Water bottle – This is my favorite one right now.
• Re-usable straw – These are awesome to use if somewhere you’re grabbing a drink tries to give you a plastic straw; you can just ask for it without a straw and use these!
• Turkish towel – I love traveling with these because they aren’t too bulky and are great for the beach.
• Camera – My favorite travel camera right now!

Fun Florida-Specific Accessories: 

What to Pack for Florida in the Winter: Toiletries

Makeup with sunscreen – No matter what day, it seems like the sun is always shining, so cover your bases with a tinted moisturizer with SPF! This Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer is my all-time favorite.

Sunscreen – I love this brand of face sunscreen, and this is great for body sunscreen.

Bug spray – We got eaten alive at the beach at night, so be sure to bring some bug spray. This is a good natural kind.

Dry shampoo – I brought this kind because it’s hot/humid during the day, and this is actually like washing your hair!

What to Pack for Florida in the Winter: Adventure Gear

There are so many things to do in Florida and most of the adventure gear you need can be rented. Things like snorkel gear, golf clubs, tennis racquets and scuba wet suits probably don’t need to be packed with you. But, if you have your own it never hurts to bring them as well!

I hope this list has helped you determine what to pack for Florida in the winter. Visiting Florida in the winter is one of my favorite things to do and whether you’re road-tripping, swimming with manatees, going to theme parks, or just chilling after a busy holiday season, I hope this list helps you. Any other ideas for me? Please add them to the comments!

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