How Far South

Question

How far south in Florida would we have to go around Christmas time to get warm weather? As an alternate to Christmas time, when does the rush of spring break usually start?

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Answer

During Christmas time in Florida, the weather can still be a bit cool in the northern and central parts of the state, especially compared to what many expect for a warm vacation. However, if you're looking for consistent warm weather, you'll need to head further south.

Generally, to ensure warm weather around Christmas (late December), you'll want to be south of Palm Beach County. Locations such as the Florida Keys, Miami, and the southwestern Gulf Coast areas (like Naples or Marco Island) typically offer temperatures in the 70s-80s°F (21-29°C) during this time. These areas are more likely to provide beach-friendly weather, with mild evenings and plenty of sunshine.

Key West: Average temperatures in the mid-70s°F (around 24°C) during Christmas, making it a great option for warm weather and outdoor activities.
Miami: Similar to Key West, Miami is warm, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s°F (24-28°C), especially along the coast.
Southwest Florida (Naples, Marco Island): These areas offer pleasant, warm temperatures around 70-80°F (21-27°C) during Christmas, ideal for beachgoers.

If you're considering when the spring break rush begins, it typically starts in early March. Spring break can last through mid-April, but the busiest time is usually between the second and fourth weeks of March. Popular beach destinations like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Clearwater, and Daytona Beach tend to see a huge influx of college students and families during this period. So, if you're looking to avoid the crowds, planning to visit before or after the peak spring break weeks is a good idea.

Spring Break Starts: Early March, with the busiest weeks generally falling from mid-March to the end of March.
Best Time to Visit to Avoid Crowds: If you want to avoid the spring break rush, aim for late February or early May, after most of the students have gone home.

In summary, if you're looking for warm weather around Christmas, consider the southernmost parts of Florida, particularly Key West or Miami. As for spring break, expect the crowds to begin arriving in early March, with peak activity around mid-March.

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