Florida - Advice needed for Christmas and New Year plans in Southern Florida

Hi,

I would like to spend Christmas and New Year in South Florida, about two weeks with my wife and 4 yr old son. We are not into the Orlando stuff, but might consider if the weather is right.
Is the weather good, can we still enjoy beach? We have been here in May and July when it is nice and warm.
Where is the most chance to have good weather 75+. My budget is set low for accomodation. Approx. 60-65$ a night.
Which area is better Naples, Tampa, Fort Pierce? The best I think would be Key largo, but hotels are too expensive for me. Is Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach too north up?

Any suggestions?
Thanks!

That time of year the further south the better. Naples area will be good for beaches. If you are not into theme parks then consider a state park trip. I'm not syre how good they are but some of the parks have cabins you can rent. I would think you need to be reserving now for the holidays.

http://floridastateparks.org/staythenight/cabins/

It can be cool to cold in Tampa over Christmas/New Years. Canadians and Europeans will be on the beach and in the water. Locals have coats on....LOL

A budget of $60-65 a night will not get much. Look away from the attractions and be ready to drive. Winter is high season in Flroida.

If you are trying to find the warmest possible temps.....Start at Key West and work your way north. The beach may be good on warmer days (75+) (Examples: fishing, walking, playing in the sand, relaxing, shelling, sun tanning, and boating), but getting into the cooler water is another story.:eek:

Your budget is on the low side for "High Season" in Florida, but you should be able to find something that will work. The cabins at Bahia Honda State Park would be a good choice (in the Florida Keys), but the price is more than your budget. Florida is a big place, so focus on South Florida (for possible warmer temps) and see what you find.

Hi,

I would like to spend Christmas and New Year in South Florida, about two weeks with my wife and 4 yr old son. We are not into the Orlando stuff, but might consider if the weather is right.
Is the weather good, can we still enjoy beach? We have been here in May and July when it is nice and warm.
Where is the most chance to have good weather 75+. My budget is set low for accomodation. Approx. 60-65$ a night.
Which area is better Naples, Tampa, Fort Pierce? The best I think would be Key largo, but hotels are too expensive for me. Is Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach too north up?

Any suggestions?
Thanks!

You can probably get good hotel deals in Florida through about the 27/28th. But as New Years approaches hotel rates skyrocket so you may need to rethink New Years. Generally, temperatures in South Florida (The Keys,FLL, Miami, Naples) are beach warm but it can get cold. I went to South Beach last year for Christmas and people were in winter coats not bathing suits.

If you go further north to Daytona Beach the more chances that you will have temperatures that are comfortable to be in (50s and 60s) and but really beach temperatures.

Lived in South Florida for 27 years, definetly a crap shoot at that time!

Worldspan

Is Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach too north up?


For most folks, the ocean water up here at that time of year will be uncomfortably cool. The Gulfstream is farther offshore here than down in the Miami area. On a nice sunny day you can walk on the beach, and maybe take a dip in a heated pool and be comfortable drying off as long as you are in the sunlight.

I would agree with the folks who suggest that for the dates you mention, the farther South you can stay, the better the chance it will be warmer.:cool: