Things to Pack for Florida | Local Advice by Season and Region
Packing for a trip and wondering what things to pack for Florida? I’ve grown up central Florida and I can tell you straight away that it’s far more humid and hot here in the summer than you probably think and it can get much colder than you think in the winter!
I’ll review the two main seasons in Florida which is basically summer and not summer. What you should consider packing for each time period and any considerations you need to make depending on which region of Florida you are visiting.
Before you dive in, I want to be transparent: this article includes affiliate links. This simply means that if you click on the link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Rest assured, the article includes my genuine advice and it won’t cost you anything extra. Your support is greatly appreciated. Happy reading!
Things to Pack for Florida
Seasonal Packing Tips
Florida really only has two seasons: summer and not. During the non-summer months the three seasons meld into one with one day being cold, another being warm and the next being perfection.
Leaves fall through all the non-summer months until the new life forms in spring. A cold front can hit anytime during the non-summer months, but they will typically happen at random December through February.
During summer, it’s reliably hot and humid, but the wild card is a thunderstorm! We rarely get that light, misty rain here during the summer. Rather we experience torrential downpours with lightning and thunder that thankfully don’t tend to last long.
Non-Summer versus Summer Months
When packing for the non-summer months of October to April, you will want to check the weather before heading down. Don’t assume it will be warm, especially if you’re visiting December through February.
Central and north Florida can hit freezing temperatures and combined with the humidity, it is BRUTAL! South Florida won’t hit freezing and only once were snow flurries recorded (1977), but you will need to watch out for falling iguanas!
If you are traveling in the summer, you can count on it being hot and humid, but definitely check for hurricane predictions before heading down and be prepared for daily thunderstorms. This is true for the whole state!
Seasonal Packing Tips
Spring (March–May)
- Light layers for cool mornings
- Allergy meds (pollen season!)
- Swimsuits + beachwear (but the ocean is cold)
- Sunscreen
Summer (June–August)
- Extra swimsuits and cover-ups
- Cooling towel or fan
- Moisture-wicking clothes
- Waterproof shoes for storms + theme parks
- Extra bug spray (mosquito season!)
- Hats and sunscreen
- Light jacket for indoors if you get cold easily
Fall (September–November)
- Similar to summer, but light sweater for evenings
Winter (December–February)
- Mix of warm and cool weather gear (can vary wildly by day)
- Light jacket or sweater
- Possible need for winter clothes for North and Central FL
- Still pack a swimsuit — because it can warm up
Regional Packing Considerations
South Florida (Miami, Keys, Everglades)
If you’re heading to south Florida, the weather is varying levels of hot and humid year round. There is the random cold front during the winter, but it’s not as brutal as central and north Florida. Otherwise, warm weather outfits will work year round!
- More tropical — dress for heat and humidity year-round
- Swimsuits, sandals, and stylish resort wear
- Reef-safe sunscreen and snorkeling gear if you have it
- Prepare for thunderstorms in the summer
Central Florida (Orlando, Tampa)
Central Florida includes beach vacations, springs and theme parks! If you’re visiting in the summer, water proof and comfortable shoes are recommended for theme parks. Also consider a poncho, especially for theme parks, because umbrellas are useless during thunderstorms due to the torrential downpours and can also be dangerous if there’s lightning.
- Comfortable shoes for theme parks
- Poncho or quick-dry clothes for water rides/rain
- Backpack or fanny pack for park essentials
- Bug spray in the summer for outdoor activities at night
- Winter clothes could be needed December through February
North Florida (St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Panhandle)
You may have seen images of the record snowfall that north Florida was hit with this last winter! While snow isn’t common, cold temperatures are typical in the winter months. Similar to the rest of Florida, it’s hot and humid in the summer!
- Can get chilly in winter — pack layers
- Bug spray for wooded/outdoor areas
- Prepare for thunderstorms in the summer
Gulf Coast vs. Atlantic Coast
The gulf is generally warmer and calmer, with the panhandle water being some of the most stunning in the state! Consider that in south Florida, the gulf waters can be HOT during the summer, but would still be warm heading into the “winter” months.
The Atlantic Ocean side is more volatile, but the waters are warm by June and remain so well into October. One year I was at the beach end of November in central Florida! However, once we’ve had enough cold days, the ocean is too cold for me (though plenty of northerners are happy to swim without a wetsuit).
- Gulf = calmer, warmer water
- Atlantic = better for surfing, boogie boarding
Parks, Beaches, Cities | Things to Pack for Florida
Theme Parks
If you’re heading to Walt Disney World, Universal, Sea World or Bush Gardens there are definitely some things to consider.
Comfortable walking shoes – What comfortable shoes look like are different for everyone, but you’ll definitely want shoes that can last for thousands of steps! Also consider if you’ll be riding any water rides or if it will be raining as you may also want water proof shoes if you will be getting wet.
Refillable water bottle – Nothing is cheap in the theme parks, so save on water and stay hydrated! Plus you don’t want to overheat.
Poncho or compact rain jacket – Florida’s storms are no joke, especially in summer. Typically when it rains, it pours, making an umbrella useless. A poncho is much easier to throw in your backpack and it’s safer if there’s lightning (and there usually is lightning!).
Small backpack or sling bag – Enough space for essentials, but not so bulky it becomes a burden. Also, check for the most updated rules when it comes to bag size and style.
Cooling towel or portable fan – Lifesavers on hot days. If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll be soaked even if it doesn’t rain. Yes, I mean soaked in sweat. It’s HOT.
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Sunscreen & lip balm with SPF – Reapply often, especially while waiting in outdoor lines.
Hat – Not required since you’ll be inside and out when at a theme park, but a hat will definitely help with sun protection when you are outside!
Food and/or Snacks – Theme park food is pricey; bring snacks if you can! Just be sure to check for any park specific rules. For example, Universal allows light snacks, but Disney allows more. However, at Disney don’t put foot in glass containers. Additionally, check their sites for the most updated information.
Phone power bank – Between photos, maps, and apps usage, your battery will drain fast. Take a power bank so you don’t have to stop and charge it!
Beach Vacation Things to Pack for Florida
I’m a beach girl through and through! Maybe being born in paradise (Barbados) and raised in Florida has contributed to this fact, but I’m happy to collect beach days every year. Not everything on this list will be needed depending on where you’re staying and how you’re approaching the beach day. However, here are things to pack for Florida beach days or fun days at the springs.
Multiple swimsuits – They never dry as fast as you hope.
Beach towel – Quick-dry options or a Turkish style towel pack lighter, but your accommodations should have towels.
Sunglasses & wide brimmed hat – That Florida sun is no joke. If you can, avoid the midday sun, but if not, a hat, umbrella, or tent will come in clutch! It’s a good idea to pack a hat for your sunny Florida vacation in general, but especially for any outdoor activities!
Sunscreen – Choose waterproof as it lasts longer in the water and can stand up to sweat better. Regardless of the type you choose, you will need to reapply often!
Flip flops or water shoes – Some beaches are shelly, but it’s the hot sand you won’t see coming! The soft white sand will feel like fire on your feet as the day goes on. If you head to the beach in the morning, you’ll want shoes when you leave!
Dry bag or waterproof pouch – Protects your phone and valuables. I don’t really use a dry bag at the beach, but it’s very handy when I go paddle boarding or kayaking. The waterproof pouch for the phone is something I use often when I paddle board in the ocean. Even if you don’t plan to have your phone by the water, consider protecting it from sand.
Light cover-up or rashguard – Great for sun protection or walking to lunch. Rashguards are great for extra sun protection if you plan to spend a lot of time in the water. I recommend the rashguard being very fitted so it’s not moving around when you’re playing in the waves.
Reusable bag or beach tote – For snacks, towels, sunscreen, etc.
Insulated bottle or mini cooler – Keeps drinks icy in the heat. I use a cooler backup that also doubles as my beach bag. It works great for me as I can pack my hat and sunscreen in the side pockets and food and drinks in the cooler. If you’re traveling by plane and don’t want to pack a cooler, just consider a cheap one here if you need it.
Umbrella or tent – Umbrellas aren’t expensive and can be purchased from many Florida stores. They work great if you’re on a solo beach vacation in Florida and some areas offer them as rentals. Tents are the best for two or more and there are plenty of options to choose from!
Sand toys or floats – if you’re heading there with kids, consider taking some sand toys or buying some on arrival. Also, if you’re on a beach with waves, boogie boards or floats are fun! Some places require floats to have a rope, and in the ocean that’s not a bad thing to consider whether it’s required or not.
First aid kit – This may not be necessary, but it’s always good to have on hand in general. However, the lifeguard nearby or you’re accommodation should have a basic first aid kit. I did scrape my knee at the beach last year and the lifeguard’s options were limited, so again it’s not a bad idea to pack your own!
City Exploring Things to Pack for Florida
Whether you’re planning four days in Miami, or want to explore Tampa Bay or Orlando, here are some things to pack for Florida cities.
Breathable, lightweight clothes – Florida cities are casual, and you’ll want to stay cool.
Dressy outfits – While Florida is generally casual, there are clubs in Miami with dress codes so keep that in mind if you want to go out or enjoy some fine dining.
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals – Think cobblestone streets, art districts, and waterfront walks. While there are walkable neighborhoods and areas like Little Havana, Florida requires a car for the most part, so it’s not NYC level walking. Well, except inside theme parks.
Crossbody bag or anti-theft backpack – Keeps things secure and easy to carry.
Light sweater or jacket – A light sweater or jacket for overzealous A/C in shops and restaurants. I call it the indoor winter, but the A/C is both a life saver for cooling down and a meat locker once you’re cool. I usually travel with a light jacket year round whether I need it outside or inside.
Sunscreen and sunglasses – In the winter, the sun isn’t that bad, but the rest of the year it can be brutal!
Reusable water bottle – City walking still means sweating. Also, Florida has some of the worst tasting water, so consider a filter water bottle!
Phone charger or power bank – Especially if you’re relying on your phone for maps and recs.
My Favorites for Florida Life
Here are some of my favorite things that really come in handy living in Florida. Whether I decide to hit a theme park (which isn’t as often), enjoy a beach day, or take my paddle board out, these are some items that I use often!
LMNT – Despite drinking over a gallon of water a day, I eventually realized I was actually dehydrating myself by drinking too much plain water and not getting enough salt. I have no issues sweating and in the summer I sweat a lot from workouts, beach days, or yard work! LMNT has really helped me replenish my electrolytes! While it’s not for everyone, it’s been great for me! Whatever electrolyte drink you like, you should bring it on your Florida vacation, especially if visiting during the summer.
Cooler Backpack – I don’t think Target sells my cooler backpack anymore, but this one from Amazon seems similar! I really love it for beach or paddle boarding days! It holds my sunscreen and hat in the side pockets and I can fill it with drinks and food.
Waterproof Phone Case for Underwater Photos – I bought this for my solo trip to Fiji and used it snorkeling in Key Largo and swimming with Manatees! It works great! Just be sure it will fit your phone as most returns reference sizing.
Waterproof Phone Pouch – When I go paddle boarding, this is typically what I’ll use. It’s not great for taking photos, but it keep the phone dry and I can wear it around my neck or attach it to my board. It’s also very inexpensive and great for water activities where you only need your phone for an emergency.
Havaianas – Easily my favorite flip flops are Havaianas! Once I experienced them, I couldn’t go back. They are pricey for a basic rubber flip flop, but they are so comfy! Mine typically last two to three years with wearing them a minimum once a week. I’ve tried other cheap ones, but they weren’t comfy and didn’t last the summer season. I’ll also mention I usually buy the thinner straps and the standard ones typically last longer.
Hat – A hat is typical when I head to the beach or paddle boarding. I just got the Roxy wide brim hat for Christmas, which I’m excited about as it offers extra sun protection and the rope to keep it secure on a windy day. I was just using a baseball hat before, which I still wear on walks. Regardless of the hat you choose, it is great for sun protection when outside.
Blue Lizard Sunscreen – I’ve been using Blue Lizard for years. It works well for me, but it does have one major drawback. It leaves a white cast, which is typical for mineral sunscreens, but not ideal. As with all sunscreens, you need to reapply, but I find it stays on well and can handle water and sweat! I also appreciate that it’s easy to find in the stores as well!
Dr. Bronner’s Chapstick – I’m a sucker for chapstick or lip gloss with natural ingredients! If I see one, I’ll happily try it, but the consistent winner is Dr. Bronner’s. Whichever your favorite is, it should be included in your things to pack for Florida.
Florida Packing List
I hope this post was helpful in deciding what things to pack for Florida. Vacation packing can be overwhelming, but knowing what you’re in for is key to having everything you need!
Whatever is bringing you to the sunshine state, I hope you have the best time!
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