Florida in January – Outfits and Weather

January is another of Florida’s slightly cooler months. While you can expect a break from summer-level sweltering heat, you should be prepared for any kind of weather, whether that means an unexpected 20-minute shower or unexpected warmer temperatures.

Overview: If visiting central or north Florida, layers are your best friend. If visiting South Florida, an extra sweater and pair of long pants may come in handy, but pack for shorts for warmer weather as well. Non-negotiable items in your suitcase should include an umbrella, poncho, hat, and sunscreen. More tips later!

That was just a quick overview. Make sure to read our complete guide with essential outfit and packing tips:

💡 Visiting later? Please read our February Guide for Florida

This January guide covers:

• Weather Overview for January
• Outfit Guide | Packing Tips
• Essential Clothing Items
• Personal Experiences and Unique Tips

Our writer, who has lived in Florida for over ten years, provides you with unique tips!

 

Bonus: For more season tips, visit our guide to Florida in the winter.

Weather Overview

This month has crisp air and cooler temperatures.  However, as it’s still warm and pleasant, January weather gives visitors a great chance to escape the freezing temperatures up north.

The average high temperature ranges from 62°F to 74°F (17-23°C). The average low temperature is 57°F (14°C). It is the middle of the dry season, with higher winds and cooler weather, but still warm enough. Rainfall is highly unlikely, with a monthly average of 2.2 inches.

The weather this month allows visitors to be comfortable outside most of the day without it being too hot or humid and makes it easier to enjoy physical activities.

Average highs in January for the most popular cities and places:

• Miami: 74°F (23°C)
• Tampa: 71°F (21°C)
• Orlando: 72°F (22°C)
• Jacksonville: 66°F (19°C)
• Destin: 62°F (17°C)

If you plan to visit in December as well, read our complete guide about the Florida weather and things to do in December.

Rainfall

January is in the middle of the dry season in Florida and sees very little rainfall this time of year. You will almost never see snow, only on occasion in the northern regions, and most days are sunny and bright. You shouldn’t worry this month about rain affecting your vacation.

While it is the dry season, we have experienced nights in January with the occasional storm.

Miami/Local Opinion: While Miami is one of the warmest places in Florida during January, cloudy and cool weather can still happen here on about 4-6 days on average. However, rain is normally not a big problem, typically not all-day rain in winter.

The average rainfall in January in Florida is 2.2 inches, making it the driest month of the year and a highly unlikely chance of rain.

Heat/Humidity

Florida is close enough to the Caribbean to have high humidity levels all year round. Most of the year this is obvious and there is a noticeable difference when the seasons shift. However, even with the humidity being present, it isn’t too noticeable this time of year.

In Florida, the average humidity in January is anywhere between 53-87% and tends to be higher in the morning hours. Humidity isn’t too much of a problem during this month, and visitors should be able to enjoy the outdoors without getting too hot.

Daily Weather Progression

January is considered to be the driest month of the year, and also the coolest month of the year to visit the sunshine state. Mornings start off cooler, but temperatures warm up by mid-afternoon.

Mornings tend to be foggy with the lowest temperatures of the day.

Evenings: It is cooling off in the later evening after the sun goes down.

Here is a Daily Progression of a southern location, Miami:

• 8 AM: 66°F
• 11 AM: 72°F
• 2 PM: 75°F
• 9 PM: 68°F

Packing Tips | January Outfit Guide

Florida offers visitors a subtropical climate all year. It is still rather warm in January, especially for it being winter in the rest of the country.

However, there are some regions, as well as morning and nighttime hours, that can get right down cold. Thus, you need to pack and dress accordingly.

In southern Florida, you can often wear shorts and T-shirts in January.

For the northern regions and colder mornings and evenings, bring long-sleeved clothing items, sweatshirts, and sweaters. Wear clothing that can be layered easily and can be taken on and off as needed throughout the day.

💡 More tips later!

During the month of January, the list of clothing items in your suitcase should include:

• Shorts (if going further south)
• T-shirts (long sleeves for layering)
• Long loose pants/leggings
• A summer sundress (just in case)
• Bathing suits/cover-ups, swim trunks
• Sweatshirt or sweater
• Sweatpants (nighttime hours)

Dressing for Florida weather can be difficult when going in the middle of winter during January. That’s why layering is key.

A Typical Day

The typical day will depend on how far north or south you are in Florida. Regardless, plan on wearing a variety of layers to be prepared for whatever the weather brings.

9 AM

North Florida: As the morning will be particularly cold, you will want to wear long pants or jeans and a hoodie or sweater with a long-sleeved shirt layered underneath.

South Florida: While early morning temps won’t be summer-level warmth or humidity, you should be comfortable enough to walk around in shorts and a T-shirt. especially if you come from a snowy climate around this time of year. Plan on breathable jeans or shorts if you feel comfortable, and a T-shirt with a jacket layered over it.

12 PM

North and South Florida: By lunchtime, especially if you are walking around to explore the sights, you should be feeling much warmer than you were in the morning. You might be comfortable peeling off your outermost layer, especially if you are located further south.

3 PM

North and South Florida: Daytime temperatures normally peak at this time. If you are still walking around with all your layers, you will definitely be warm enough to go down to your base shirt. If you’re further north, you may still want to keep a light sweater or jacket tied around your waist or in your bag for any possible chills.

6 PM

North Florida: You will be feeling the chill come back on as the sun sets in North Florida. Now is the time to put all your layers back on, or if going back to your hotel to change for your evening activities, plan on wearing trousers and long sleeves layered with jackets, or thick stockings if you plan on wearing a dress.

South Florida: If you are further south, your style of attire will not have to change too much from loose or short-sleeved clothing. If you get cold easily, plan on wearing pants instead of shorts. Regardless of how you feel in the outdoor weather, bring a jacket or sweater for your time indoors.

9 PM

North and South Florida: Wherever you are in the sunshine state, you will want to be wearing a warm outer layer for the late night temperatures.

Should I Bring Jeans?

While visiting the northern part of the state will require a few pairs of jeans and pants, packing your suitcase for South Florida will require more discretion.

If you’re spending time in a very southern city like Miami or Fort Lauderdale, jeans can be a good option for the morning, but keep in mind that you may grow uncomfortable during the higher afternoon temperatures, especially if you come from a snowy climate.

That’s why I recommend bringing lighter summer jeans:

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You will likely be more comfortable with a suitcase full of T-shirts and shorts for South Florida, but plan on bringing at least one or two pairs of jeans/pants for when temperatures are cooler in the evenings.

Rain Protection

Rain is not likely during this time of year, but it is still possible, and you want to be prepared so it doesn’t put a damper on your trip! Especially in South Florida, you should expect the unexpected when it comes to showers. Keeping a small umbrella handy is always a good idea.

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If visiting the theme parks, we recommend bringing your own poncho. This will keep you and your belongings nice and dry in case of showers. While you can buy a poncho at the park, you will find it much cheaper to buy one outside of the park and bring it in.

Comfortable Shoes

You should wear comfortable shoes most of the time. Don’t underestimate the amount of walking you’ll be doing. In particular, in theme parks like Disney, it’s likely that you will be walking over 10 miles.

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💡 Without comfortable walking shoes, you end up with blisters and hurting feet at the end of the day. Please don’t wear flip-flops in the theme parks, as these also run a risk of flying away on the rides.

Additional items to pack:

• Sunglasses
• Small backpack for day trips
• Comfy walking shoes
• Beach bag
• Hat
• Water shoes (for water sports or boating)
• Water bottle for hydration
• Sunscreen
• Cooler
• Mickey Mouse ears for Disney.

Restaurant tip: When staying in Florida, we always keep a sweater or light jacket handy throughout the day for dining out in indoor restaurants. Florida sees warmer temperatures compared to the northern states, and some facilities have a/c running even in January. If you get cold easily, this is a great tip to keep in mind.

Long Sleeves Can Be Safer Than T-Shirts

We recommend packing more long-sleeved shirts than T-shirts thanks to their versatility, especially if you are in central or northern Florida. These work well for a bottom layer because they will keep you warm in the afternoons when it’s a little chilly but you don’t want to wear a jacket over your clothes.

Even if you feel rather warm after you peel off all your layers, you can roll your sleeves up or down as much as needed to remain comfortable.

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If you’re visiting South Florida, long-sleeves are great for the mornings and the early afternoons in the winter.

However, keep in mind how much time you will be spending outside if you are in the southern part of the state. If you plan on being outdoors all day without a break to go back to your hotel and change, a long-sleeved shirt in the morning will feel fine, but will turn warm and even uncomfortable well into the afternoon.

Prepare for Anything

While the humidity isn’t terrible during the winter months, it can make you very uncomfortable if you are not used to it. Many people who come from cold or dry climates severely underestimate the humidity.

💡 Florida’s tropics are always something to consider when you plan to spend the day walking around, going on rides, or resting in the sand.

We suggest always bringing some medicine and electrolytes to treat and prevent headaches and dehydration. People who especially aren’t used to the weather will likely do some sweating, and replacing the salt and minerals your body is losing in your sweat is very important to stay healthy.

Sun Protection

Just because you are visiting in the winter does not mean you don’t need to worry about sun damage! Florida’s sun is always strong year round. As the southernmost state in the country apart from Hawai’i, the sun’s rays strike Florida at a higher angle, which increases its ability to heat in both the summer and winter.

This means that even if you’re in a cooler northern city, protecting your skin with sunscreen or long sleeves and pants is a must. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent burning. Also, keep a hat and sunglasses handy!

Tip: Applying sunscreen in the morning before your Florida excursions won’t be enough if you plan on being out all day. Reapply at least every two hours, especially if you are sweating or getting your skin wet.

Essential Items

T-shirts

T-shirts are fundamental for layering since they can provide a great breeze when you start to get warm and need to peel some layers off. They can also give you more coverage than a tank top and protect sensitive areas like your shoulders and back from the sun.

Sweaters and Long Sleeves

Whether you’re planning for only slightly chilly weather or strong winter temps in your Florida destination, packing at least one sweater or jacket and a few long-sleeved shirts is essential.

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It will keep you safe rather than sorry if you run into cold weather or indoor temperatures.

Trousers or Jeans

Whether it will be comfortable to wear long pants during the day will depend on which part of the state you are visiting. In any case, trousers or jeans can be a great option for nighttime when temperatures go down.

Shorts or Capris

Like with long pants, how many pairs of shorts you should bring will depend on your location. Shorts are a must if you’re spending time in South Florida.

Tip: Diversity in your suitcase is key. If you plan on being warm most of your trip, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pack any jacket or long pants, and vice versa.

Skirts or a Casual Dress

Loose skirts and sundresses are a great option if visiting South Florida because they can keep you cool but are also versatile enough that you can add layers to keep warm.

If visiting northern Florida, opt for longer dresses or sweater dresses, or pack stockings to layer up.

Sneakers and Boots

Sneakers aren’t your only option for comfortable footwear if you want some variety. There are plenty of boots that are comfortable and can be used in the day or evening time, especially if visiting a very northern part of Florida.

For South Florida visitors, sandals can be an option, but we recommend you opt for sneakers thanks to their versatility for walking and keeping your feet a bit warmer.

Swimwear

While the water of some northern beaches might be too cold for some people to tolerate, the southern beaches are great to swim in year-round. If you’re planning to swim, pack more than one bathing suit so you always have a dry one ready to go!

Beach tip: If you visit the beach and have plans in the area afterwards, most places by the beach are swim-attire-friendly. Make sure to double-check official policies, but you shouldn’t have any problems if you want to grab lunch in a swimsuit and cover-up or T-shirt and swim trunks.

Jewelry

Don’t overdo it with the jewelry if you have a full day of activities planned ahead. Stick to simple chains with a secure clasp, especially when going in the ocean or on theme park rides. Avoid rings, earrings, or other pieces of jewelry that can get lost or caught on something.

Prepare Well for Your Night Out

We recommend wearing comfortable shoes when going out. If opting to wear high heels, pick a pair with a thicker base or lower heel so you can feel comfortable wearing them all night.

You should bring a pair of thick socks in your bag if you’re wearing very high or uncomfortable heels. These will give you the option to retire your heels and keep you from walking around barefoot if you aren’t able to keep a spare pair of shoes handy.

This is especially true if you’re doing a lot of walking in the evening, like bar hopping or going to a concert.

Personal Experiences

Pack a spare outfit for your day trip: Packing an extra pair of shoes and clothes saved my feet and my sanity when we went to the beach in Hollywood. My group was planning on having breakfast downtown and then spending some time at the beach.

I had packed sneakers and an extra outfit in my bag just in case. This turned out to be a lifesaver when everyone decided to spend the rest of the afternoon walking around the city before our dinner plans.

Thankfully, I didn’t have to walk around in raw feet and flip flops and clothes soaked with saltwater! Being dry and comfortable kept me in a much better mood than I would have been otherwise.

While my spare clothes took up some extra space, it was worth it not to be damp or blistered while I was trying to enjoy the sights.

It’s the little things: If there’s one thing I would tell someone to bring that they likely overlooked in their luggage, it’s a small, portable fan!

I went for a trip to visit family and walk around their local attractions, and even though the high temperature each day was not very high at all, it was muggy enough that I was beginning to feel overly warm only an hour or so into being outdoors.

Bringing a mini-fan I bought on Amazon kept me from being grouchy while making it through a busy day. It wasn’t as strong as air conditioning, but even a little breeze helped me feel better.

A spare sweater is non-negotiable: Halfway through our day at Universal Studios Orlando, we decided to sit inside a restaurant inside the park to eat. After walking around most of the day, I was very sticky and sweaty, even though it was a mild January day and not hot at all.

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I wasn’t used to the humidity, so I was loving the air conditioning as soon as we stepped inside. But after a few minutes, I cooled down as much as I needed to and immediately began to feel like I was freezing. And being damp with sweat didn’t help!

I had packed a thin sweater in my backpack just in case someone in my group got soaked on a water ride or something, and it made sitting through lunch so much more bearable.

 

Conclusion

January is another of Florida’s slightly cooler months. While travelers can expect a break from summer-level sweltering heat, they should be prepared for any kind of weather, whether that means an unexpected 20-minute shower or unexpected warmer temperatures. If visiting central or north Florida, layers are your best friend. If visiting South Florida, an extra sweater and pair of long pants may come in handy, but pack for shorts weather. Non-negotiable items in your suitcase should include an umbrella, poncho, hat, and sunscreen.