What to Wear in Florida in Winter: December and January Outfits
Heading to Florida this winter? December and January are some of the most popular months to visit, and packing can be tricky: days are often warm, but mornings and evenings can feel cool, especially in North and Central Florida. The answer is light dresses plus an easy layer. Here's what to wear in Florida in winter, from Orlando theme parks to Key West, with Florida vacation outfits for women in S-XL and plus size 1X-3X.
What to wear in Florida in December and January
- Light dresses: a kaftan, maxi dress or midi dress for warm afternoons.
- A layer: a denim jacket, cardigan or wrap for cooler mornings, evenings and air-conditioned restaurants.
- Closed shoes and sandals: sneakers or loafers for cooler days, sandals for the beach.
- Something dressy: a satin kaftan for holiday dinners and New Year's Eve.
South Florida vs North and Central Florida
South Florida, including Miami and the Keys, usually feels warmer in winter, so beach outfits work on most days. North and Central Florida, including Orlando, can feel noticeably cooler, so plan on a layer and closed shoes. Always check the forecast before you pack. Visiting Miami? Read our Miami kaftan and resort wear guide.
What to wear in Orlando in December and January
Orlando is in Central Florida, where winter mornings and evenings can feel cool. For theme park days, wear something you can walk in for hours: a printed kaftan or a tunic top with leggings, comfortable sneakers and a crossbody bag. Pack a denim jacket or cardigan for early mornings and evening shows, and check the forecast before you go.
What to wear in Key West in December and January
Key West is at the southern tip of Florida and usually feels warmer, so pack beach clothes: a beach cover-up, a light kaftan or a maxi tube dress, flat sandals and a sun hat, plus a light wrap for the evening.
Florida winter outfit ideas
1. Kaftan + denim jacket
A cotton kaftan is soft and easy for sightseeing. The dusty rose floral cotton kaftan (one size 1X-3X) pairs well with a denim jacket and sneakers.
2. Sleeved midi dress + loafers
The green floral cotton midi dress (S-XL) has 3/4 sleeves and a tie belt, just right for a mild day. See more ideas in our midi dress outfit guide.
3. Beach day
On warm days, pull a beach cover-up on over your swimsuit, and keep a wrap in your bag for the evening breeze.
4. Holiday dinner or New Year's Eve
Our best-selling black satin kaftan or the blue ornamental satin kaftan (both one size 1X-3X) look elegant with gold jewellery and a light wrap. More ideas: holiday party kaftan styles.
5. Theme park or travel day
Choose something comfortable you can walk in all day: a printed kaftan or a tunic top with leggings, plus sneakers and a crossbody bag.
Plus size Florida winter outfits
For Florida vacation outfits for women over 50, a kaftan is a favourite: sleeves, a full length and no waistband. See our guide to kaftans for women over 50.
A plus size kaftan is the easiest piece to pack: no waistband, 3/4 kimono sleeves and a 52-inch length on most styles, in one size that fits 1X-3X. Add a long cardigan for cooler evenings. For more coverage, see our plus size maxi dresses with sleeves.
Florida winter packing list
- 2-3 light dresses: kaftans, maxi or midi dresses
- 1 dressy satin kaftan
- 1 denim jacket and 1 cardigan or wrap
- 1 beach cover-up and a swimsuit
- Sneakers or loafers, plus sandals
- A co-ord set (many in S-3X) for easy sightseeing outfits
For trip ideas around the state, see Visit Florida, the state's official tourism site.
For more, read the ultimate resort wear packing list.
Florida in winter: FAQs
What should I wear in Florida in December?
Light dresses for the day, plus a denim jacket or cardigan for cooler mornings and evenings.
Is it beach weather in Florida in January?
Often, especially in South Florida, but it can be cooler in the north. Check the forecast and pack a layer.
What should I wear in Orlando in December?
Comfortable walking outfits for the theme parks, like a kaftan or tunic with sneakers, plus a jacket or cardigan for cool mornings and evenings.
What should I pack for Key West in January?
Beach outfits, a cover-up, flat sandals, a sun hat and a light wrap for the evening.
What sizes do your dresses come in?
Most of our kaftans are one size 1X-3X; most midi and maxi dresses come in S-XL. Check each product page.
How long does delivery take?
In-stock styles arrive in 6-11 business days and made-to-order styles in 12-18 business days, with free US shipping.
Keep reading
- What to wear in Hawaii: plus size outfits
- Resort wear guide for women
- Black kaftan for women
- Miami kaftan and resort wear guide
- Midi dress outfit ideas
