By now, everyone is ready to run up north for winter to escape the heat that seems to have permanently settled over Florida. In fact, Florida is experiencing record highs for November.
Do not give up hope on cooler weather just yet, though. Florida is known to drag its feet when making the transition from endless heat to winter cool, but it always gets there eventually. When it finally does arrive, everyone is in for more than a few perfect days.
Florida’s cold weather is a bit weird, though, and dressing properly for the average winter day here can be a bit tricky. One week might present nights in the 20s and high temperatures barely hitting 50 degrees (which is frigid for locals). Another week might give us nightly temperatures barely dropping under 70 degrees, so variety in your winter wardrobe is crucial.
On extremely cold days (highs in the 50s and low 60s), a tank top with a sweater over it and a big coat are warranted. For people from colder climates, 50 degrees may sound perfect, but here, the clingy, humid, cold air combined with blustery conditions is miserable, especially in the morning before the sun has warmed things up.
On more mild days when the highs reach 60 degrees or above, layering is important, as it might still be uncomfortably cold in the morning but absolutely comfortable by noon. On days like this, a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt with a coat or sweater that can be easily shed once the sun has warmed things up should be suitable. Also, a skirt or dress could be worn if it is paired with high socks or tights and a pair of boots, or a short sleeved shirt, as long as you have a warm jacket to throw over it all.
A few must have winter items for Florida are a leather jacket (to help keep out the cold damp air), warm, comfortable socks (probably not wool as they tend to be a bit too warm), lots and lots of jeans, long-sleeved cotton shirts, scarves, and boots (not anything with wool or fur lining or that is meant for snow).
An average morning in Florida’s version of winter, the temperature will be in the mid-40s on the lower end, with a high anywhere from a 60-75 degree range. This drastic change in temperature can make for an extremely uncomfortable day if you are not careful when choosing your clothing.
If you pay attention only to the low temperature, you will die of a heat stroke by mid-morning. If you notice only the high temperature, you will freeze instead. This is not just the Floridian in me talking; 50 degrees in Florida feels colder than freezing temperatures in a dry climate, which is due to the endless humidity that sticks around even in winter.
Because of this huge fluctuation, it is important to dress very appropriately each morning. When choosing your clothes, be sure to check the weather first, as it is common to have huge variations in temperature from hour to hour and from day to day. It is always a good idea to double-check the weather before dressing, even if you checked the day before.
These temperatures resemble the most common winter days in Florida, which usually start in mid-November and go up until late February or early March. Even though dressing for winter in Florida can be a bit tricky, with a little planning you can be comfortable all day. Once the sun is out, the average winter day will be perfect and you will find yourself spending every possible moment outside enjoying an amazing day in your well-chosen outfit.
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