There is something rather appealing about swapping grey skies, chilly mornings and dark winter afternoons for sunshine, palm trees and a more relaxed way of life. For many people, spending winter in Florida has become an annual tradition, offering the chance to enjoy warmer weather, spend more time outdoors and experience a different pace of life for a few months of the year.
Often referred to as snowbirds, seasonal visitors travel south during the colder months, particularly from November through to April, making the most of Florida’s generally mild winter climate. And it’s easy to understand the attraction. Whether you’re dreaming of long walks along beautiful beaches, afternoons on the golf course, exploring charming coastal towns or simply enjoying a coffee outside in the sunshine, Florida has plenty to offer.
The good news is that you don’t necessarily need to buy a second home or commit to a permanent move to enjoy the experience. With a huge choice of holiday homes, apartments and longer-term accommodation, there are plenty of opportunities to find somewhere that feels like home for a few weeks or even several months.
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Why spend winter in Florida?
Florida has long been one of the most popular destinations for people looking to escape the winter chill. Temperatures are generally much more comfortable than in northern parts of the United States, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the season.
The climate does vary depending on where you stay. South Florida and the Florida Keys tend to be warmer, while northern parts of the state can experience cooler evenings and occasional cold spells. However, compared with much of the US, winter is an excellent time to explore the Sunshine State.
There’s also far more to Florida than its famous theme parks. The state has beautiful stretches of coastline, nature reserves, waterfront communities, farmers’ markets, excellent restaurants and a wonderful selection of outdoor activities.
For those staying longer, there’s the added benefit of getting to know an area beyond the usual tourist attractions. You can discover your favourite local café, find a regular walking route, join a tennis or golf club and enjoy the kind of everyday experiences that make a longer stay feel special.
The best places to winter in Florida
Choosing where to stay is one of the most important decisions when planning a winter escape. Florida is a surprisingly varied state, and the atmosphere can be very different depending on whether you choose a lively coastal city, a quieter beach community or somewhere inland.
Here are some of the best places to winter in Florida, each offering something a little different.
Naples: beautiful beaches and a relaxed lifestyle
Best for: beautiful beaches, golf and a more upmarket winter escape.
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Naples is a particularly popular choice for seasonal visitors. Known for its beautiful sandy beaches, attractive shopping areas and excellent restaurants, it offers a lovely combination of relaxation and things to do.
The historic downtown area around Fifth Avenue South is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon, with independent shops, cafés and restaurants creating a welcoming atmosphere. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, from walking along the beach to exploring nearby nature reserves.
Golf is a big part of life in Naples, too, with numerous courses in the surrounding area. It’s a particularly good choice for anyone looking for a comfortable winter base with plenty of amenities, although accommodation and everyday costs can be higher than in some other parts of Florida.
Sarasota: culture, beaches and outdoor living
Best for: arts, culture, beautiful beaches and an active lifestyle.
Sarasota is another excellent option for a longer winter stay. Situated on the Gulf Coast, it combines a relaxed coastal atmosphere with a surprisingly vibrant arts and cultural scene.
One of its biggest attractions is Siesta Key, famous for its beautiful white sand beaches. The area is also home to galleries, theatres, museums and excellent restaurants, so there’s plenty to keep you occupied when you’re not enjoying the sunshine.
For those who enjoy an active lifestyle, Sarasota has plenty of opportunities for cycling, walking, boating and golf. It’s also a good location for exploring other Gulf Coast destinations, making it a lovely base for anyone who wants to spend a few months discovering more of Florida.
St Petersburg and Clearwater: sunshine and waterfront living
Best for: beaches, restaurants and a lively community atmosphere.
The Tampa Bay area is a great choice for anyone who wants a little more going on during their winter stay. St Petersburg has a lively downtown, a growing food scene, waterfront parks and a thriving arts community.
Clearwater, meanwhile, is particularly well known for its beautiful beaches and spectacular sunsets. Clearwater Beach is a popular destination, but there are quieter neighbourhoods nearby where you can enjoy a more residential feel.
Both locations offer plenty of opportunities to get involved in local activities, meet other seasonal visitors and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle. With Tampa International Airport also within reach, the area is convenient for anyone expecting friends or family to visit during their stay.
Fort Myers: a relaxed Gulf Coast escape
Best for: a slower pace of life, boating and exploring the coastline.
Fort Myers is a popular choice for people looking for a more relaxed winter escape without necessarily paying the premium associated with some of Florida’s more expensive coastal destinations.
The historic River District has independent shops, restaurants and attractive streets to explore, while the surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating and enjoying the sunshine.
It’s also well placed for exploring some of Florida’s beautiful islands and beaches, including Sanibel and Captiva. If you enjoy spending time outdoors and want a winter base that offers a good balance of everyday amenities and coastal activities, Fort Myers is well worth considering.
Winter Haven and Lakeland: a different side of Florida
Best for: lakes, golf and potentially better value accommodation.
Not everyone wants to spend the winter beside the sea. Inland Florida offers a rather different experience, and communities such as Winter Haven and Lakeland are increasingly popular with seasonal visitors.
Both are located in Polk County, between Tampa and Orlando, and offer access to beautiful freshwater lakes, parks and golf courses. Winter Haven is particularly well known for its Chain of Lakes, while Lakeland has attractive parks, a lively downtown and plenty of independent restaurants.
One of the advantages of choosing somewhere inland is that accommodation can be more affordable than in some of the best-known beach destinations. You’re also within reach of Orlando’s attractions and the Gulf Coast, making these towns a good option for people who want to explore different parts of Florida during their stay.
Finding Florida snowbird rentals and monthly accommodation
Once you’ve decided where you’d like to spend winter, the next step is finding somewhere to stay.
There is a huge choice of Florida snowbird rentals, ranging from furnished apartments and condominiums to villas with private pools and larger homes in residential communities. Many properties are specifically marketed towards seasonal visitors, with monthly rentals in Florida often available for stays of 30 days or longer.
For a first visit, renting can be a particularly sensible option. It gives you the opportunity to experience an area before making any longer-term commitments, and you may discover that somewhere you hadn’t previously considered turns out to be the perfect winter base.
When looking for accommodation, think about how you actually want to spend your time. A beachfront apartment might sound wonderful, but if you’re planning to play golf regularly, visit local attractions and go shopping, a property slightly further inland could be more practical and affordable.
It’s also worth considering the following:
- Location: Check how close you are to supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacies, medical facilities and the activities you enjoy.
- Transport: Consider whether you’ll need a hire car or whether you can manage without one. Many Florida communities are designed around driving.
- Facilities: Look for properties with a swimming pool, laundry facilities, parking and reliable internet if these are important to you.
- Rental terms: Check minimum stays, deposits, cancellation policies and whether utilities, cleaning fees and other costs are included.
- Timing: January, February and March are particularly popular months, so booking early can give you a much better choice of properties.
It’s always worth checking the full cost of a rental rather than simply looking at the advertised monthly price. Additional fees, utilities and seasonal surcharges can make a difference to your overall budget.
Should you take your own car to Florida?
If you’re planning to stay for several months, having your own car can make a significant difference to your experience.
Florida is a state where having access to a vehicle gives you considerably more freedom. You can explore different beaches, visit nearby towns, go shopping and make spontaneous day trips without having to rely on taxis or public transport.
For some seasonal visitors, arranging to take their own vehicle rather than hiring a car for the entire winter is worth investigating. The practicalities and costs will depend on where you’re travelling from, how long you’re staying and what arrangements are available.
If you’re considering transporting a vehicle, it’s sensible to research the options and work out the costs in advance. Using a car shipping cost calculator can help you explore potential transport costs and include them in your overall winter budget.
Remember to check the relevant driving, insurance and vehicle import requirements for your circumstances before making arrangements. Anyone travelling internationally should also consider whether their existing driving licence and insurance provide the cover they need for the full duration of their stay.
Your snowbird checklist: what to organise before you go
Spending a few months away from home takes a little more planning than an ordinary holiday. Getting the practical details sorted before you leave means you can relax and enjoy your time in the sunshine.
Here’s a useful snowbird checklist to help you get started.
1. Sort out your accommodation
Book your monthly rental well in advance, particularly if you’re hoping to stay in a popular coastal destination during January and February. Make sure you have a written agreement and understand exactly what’s included in the rental price.
2. Check your travel and health insurance
If you’re travelling from overseas, make sure your travel insurance covers the full duration of your stay and any activities you plan to enjoy. Check the arrangements for accessing healthcare in Florida, too, as medical treatment in the United States can be expensive without appropriate cover.
3. Plan your finances
Work out a realistic monthly budget covering accommodation, food, transport, utilities, entertainment and unexpected expenses. If you’re spending an extended period in the United States, check the relevant immigration and permitted-stay requirements for your nationality before booking.
4. Organise your home before leaving
Make arrangements for mail, regular bills, pets and any maintenance that might be needed while you’re away. It’s also sensible to ask someone you trust to keep an eye on your property.
5. Think about transport
Decide whether you’ll hire a car, use local transport or explore the possibility of shipping your own vehicle. Factor in fuel, parking, insurance and any associated costs.
6. Pack for more than sunshine
Although Florida is generally warm during winter, temperatures can drop, particularly in the evenings and further north. Pack some lightweight layers, comfortable walking shoes and a few warmer items rather than relying entirely on summer clothes.
7. Find your local community
One of the nicest parts of spending winter somewhere new is meeting people. Look into local clubs, walking groups, golf or tennis sessions, community events and activities before you arrive. Florida has well-established seasonal communities, so there are plenty of opportunities to make new friends.
Making the most of your Florida winter
Perhaps the greatest attraction of spending winter in Florida is the opportunity to slow down and enjoy a different routine. Instead of rushing through a week-long holiday, you have time to discover the places that locals love, find new favourite restaurants and enjoy the sunshine without feeling that you need to fit everything into a few precious days.
You might spend your mornings walking along the beach, afternoons exploring a nearby town and evenings enjoying dinner outside. There are also opportunities for day trips, nature experiences, boat excursions and visits to some of Florida’s wonderful parks and gardens.
And if friends or family are able to visit, you’ll have the perfect base from which to explore together.
Whether you choose the beautiful Gulf Coast, the lively atmosphere of St Petersburg or a quieter inland community such as Winter Haven, there’s a Florida winter to suit almost everyone. With a little forward planning, a comfortable monthly rental and the right location, escaping the colder months can become something to look forward to every year.
