12 Warmest Florida Beaches in December/January/February

Looking for the warmest beaches in Florida? We’ve got you covered! From Dry Tortugas to Miami Beach and Palm Beach, there are endless options, honestly.

There is no denying that December, January and February bring the cooler weather, so naturally, water temperatures drop too. But who doesn’t love going to the beach in the winter season?

While you’ll see no snow on the beach in Florida, the water can still get chilly. So here we are suggesting the best beaches during winter in Florida. Check them out!

Of all the warmest beaches in Florida, Bahia is one of the best with its bright blue waters, white sands, and coast lines filled with people: a women in a red bathing suit and white hat stands in the water in this photo.

1. Dry Tortugas National Park

The average winter water temperature at Dry Tortugas National Park is 76 degrees Fahrenheit. While weather websites classify this as “warm”, us Florida girlies know it is actually cold for us!

Nevertheless, this 100-square mile park is mostly open water, so you’ll have to get in. Access it via seaplane or boat, explore the seven small islands, and enjoy one of the warmest beaches in Florida in winter!

A women in a red swim suit and a white hat looks over the fort at Dry Tortugas National Park, the water at her feet bright blue.

2. Delnor Wiggins State Park, Naples

The average winter water temperature at Delnor Wiggins State Park is 71.1 degrees– so much cooler! But the pristine stretch of beach at this stunning park offers so much.

The barrier island vies are stunning, and since the Cocohatchee River and Gulf of Mexico are accessible from this park, people tend to visit here all year round. Factoring in that dogs are allowed and there are fun activities with picnic tables and snorkeling, and you’ll see why this is one of the places for the best winter beach vacations in Florida!

Of all the warmest beaches in Florida, Delnor Wiggins Park has soft sand and clear water, as well as natural trees and mash on the coastline perfect for exploring.

3. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

The average winter water temperature at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is 80 degrees! This historic site, also known as Fort Taylor, is a historic landmark located near the most southern tip of the Keys. So, it makes sense that it stays fairly warm!

For the warmest Florida beaches in February, make sure to visit here. And don’t forget to explore the Civil-War fort, cook out on the BBQ grill, bring your dog, and just enjoy the warmer, blue waters.

The bright blue water foams against the tan sand as the waves crash at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park: a rigid of dark rock can be seen in the distance.

4. Fort Lauderdale Beach

During December, the average winter water temperature at Fort Lauderdale Beach is 74 degrees Fahrenheit. With over 24 miles of smooth sand, there is tons of space to soak up the sun and go for a splash here.

While this beach is not the warmest Florida beaches in January or December, it is still fairly warm. Guests love the clear blue waters and soft sand. Relax and enjoy the Atlantic whether you swim, kayak, fish or sunbathe!

One of the warmest beaches in Florida is Fort Lauderdale Beach, and as seen in this photo, this beach has white sand and blue water and huge stretches of it too! SO much room.

5. Marco Island

The average winter water temperature at Marco Island is 71 degrees Fahrenheit. The beaches on Marco Island are some of the best beaches during winter in Florida to visit. South Marco and Tigertail Beach are public beaches are are so fun to explore.

Marco Island links the mainland and Naples and is fun of marinas and golf courses. The Sandy beaches and resorts keep people coming, as does a tidal lagoon and the option to kayak and Paddleboard. You can have fun no matter when you go!

An arial shot of Marco Island shows tall resorts and hotels that tower near the coast: the white sands are dotted with people and the blue water is beautiful.

6. Miami Beach

The winter water temperature in Miami ranges between 71 degrees but can get as warm as 82 degrees. On average, it sits at about 76 degrees, however, meaning that this is one of the warmest Florida beaches in January!

These white, sandy beaches and turquoise waters are a must see. Factor in the cultural and social life of the surrounding area, and these shores are packed with people and palm trees. Best part about visiting in winter? Less crowds! See ya, spring break.

One of the warmest beaches in Florida is Miami, meaning you don't have to go during busy season! In the winter, the water is still teal and bright blue, and guests still jump into the wave caps surrounded by the city scape of Miami. — Photo Credit: xbrchx via Shuttestock.om

7. Bahia Honda State Park

The average winter water temperature at Bahia Honda State Park is 77 degrees Fahrenheit. With the three sand beaches, kayak rentals, access to snorkeling, snack bars, and a marine sanctuary, there is no denying that this is a great place to visit.

Now the time of the year doesn’t have to matter too! This is one of the warmest Florida beaches in March, meaning you can go at any time. Visit this state park– but remember admission is $4.50!

A women in a red swim suit walks toward a bridge and overlooks it as blue water laps at her knees at Bahia Honda State Park.

8. Palm Beach

The average winter water temperature at Palm Beach is 71 degrees Farenheit. While this is is a stark contrast to the 86 degrees in August, this is a great option for visiting the beaches in those winter months.

Famous for its upscale estates, galleries, boutiques and restaurants, Palm beach is perfect for a vacation. Of all the warmest Florida beaches, you can definitely spend time on and off the sand in this area.

An arial shot shows a quiet beach at Palm beach, one of the warmest beaches in Florida. Aside from a few people enjoying the sand, the water is empty, but the city is built beyond the coast and is ready to explore.

9. Juno Beach

The average winter water temperatures for Juno beach ranges between 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Last year, their coldest day was in the middle of February, surprisingly!

Juno is a town in Palm Beach county, and is home to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center. Many sea turtles nest here each summer, so if you visit in the winter you may miss the thousands of eggs that are laid on the sandy shores. But that’s okay because there is still so much to do!

This overhead view of the pier at Juno beach shows off the stunning blue waters, the tan sands, and the greenery behind the pier.

10. Delray Beach

For the month of January– prime time winter season– the average water temps at Delray Beach is 71 degrees Fahrenheit. The small city of Delray Beach is located on the Southeast coast, and is famous for its public art galleries.

Visit the Cornell Art Museum or the Morkiami Museum. Take calligraphy workshops and walk raised boardwalks to see turtles here. All we know is this area has the warmest water and the best things to do around!

Delray Beach is one of the warmest beaches in Florida and is noted by the bright blue waters, smooth sand, and little lifeguard shacks as seen in this photo: the latter leads to a hut with a surfboard resting on the edge.

11. Crandon Beach Park

The average winter water temperatures of Crandon Beach Park hover around 75 degree Fahrenheit. Located in Miami, this beach is an 800-acre oasis on Key Biscayne.

Visitors get to see a picturesque beach here, as well as other amenities such as golf courses, tennis centers, nature centers and marinas. You can spend a whole vacation here, even in the winter!

This photo sows an empty Crandon Beach State Park: the white sand stretches around the curve of the ocean, and green plans provide shadows on the beach.

12. Siesta Key

Siesta Key’s water temperature sits around 68-70 degrees during December, January, and February. Sometimes the cold water even filters into March! But the paradise of this barrier island is a must see during those months. It truly is one of the warmest beaches in Florida in winter!

The sandy beaches, shallow waters, nearby playgrounds and access to Point of Rocks– which is a limestone outcroppings that have today pools perfect for exploring– is so wroth the visit. Nearby Turtle Beach also has boat ramps and picnic areas!

An arial shot of Siesta key shows the green-blue water as it pushes toward the white sand, and the tons of beach rentals crowded on the sand beyond hotels. This is one of the warmest beaches in Florida.

What is the Warmest Beach to Visit in Winter in Florida?

Logistically, the further south you go, the warmer the waters will be. When you are closer to the Equator, you know it’ll be more toasty! Thus, anything in the Florida Keys will be warmer. The more south of the state you are, the more guaranteed you are for warmer temps, so avoid places like the Panhandle.

A footbridge connects the mainland to the beach at the keys: blue waters are seen in the distance and palms hover over the bridge itself.

Which Coast of Florida is Warmer in December/January/February?

This is an easy one! The Gulf Coast! The Gulf Stream provides a strong current of warm water that influences water temps. This means the temps are warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, especially compared to other southeastern states.

A sign at the keys labels all the near by locations, pointing out the distance of famous cities and beaches as it overlooks the bluest beach water and white sands with a rocky jetty at one of the warmest beaches in Florida.

Can You Swim in Florida in January?

The short answer? Yes! Now, it all depends on you. If you are from a different state– say, Massachusetts– those 75 degree averages won’t seem so bad for you. But if you are a Florida friend, then it may be a bit too chilly. The furtherer south you go, the higher chance you have of being able to get in the water and stay in it!

A women runs into the crash of the waves at a beach, enjoying the spray of the foam and the green-blue water in front of her.

And there you have it, folks. 12 of the warmest beaches in Florida! Your paradise vacations don’t have to be limited to those sticky summer months, so visit a beach in winter soon!