The weather is certainly one of the reasons to choose to move to and live in Florida. The average annual temperature is 27°while the minimum is 16°. In this particularly extensive State, I found two climate zones, characterized by different temperatures: the subtropical one, which covers most of the territory, and the tropical one, which instead concerns the most southern areas, starting from the area above Naples.
Thanks also to this peculiarity, in Florida, during the winter, it is possible to live different exciting experiences and participate in events such as the “polar bear dip” that, in other parts of America, would not be possible to organize.
Winter in Florida: events worthy of a road trip
North
For several years now, Santa Rosa Beach, in South Walton, has hosted the wintertime Songwriters Festival. Here, great artists such as Mavis Staples, Emmylou Harris and John Driskell Hopkins, mix with up-and-coming musicians in an amazing show. Several timesI have witnessed performances of these incomparable musicians of international level, and I can confirm that a trip to Santa Rosa is a well worth one to hear them live.
At the Flora-Bama Lounge, on the other hand, thousands of people start the new year with a dip in the Gulf of Mexico, during the famous “polar bear dip”. A collective swim, in swimwear, with hundreds of people, who want to experience a truly unique experience together. I’ve been there several times to celebrate New Year’s Eve. The water is very cold, but given the mild climate, the fun is a given.
Center
In Daytona, during the Florida winter, one of the most iconic motorsports competitions in the world is held: the Daytona 500. The best pilots in the world push their cars and themselves to the limit in NASCAR’s signature speedway.
In February, the grandstands fill with enthusiastic, screaming fans who watch their idols perform their feats.
On the other hand, I’ve frequently celebrated The Carnival in Tampa by attending the Florida State Fair. A simple and genuine way to have fun and spend a few pleasant days outdoors singing and dancing on the streets.
South
I will never forget to attend the acclaimed contemporary art exhibition, the Art Basel Miami Beach; held every year. 4,000 artists from more than 260 galleries around the world exhibit their works inside the enormous Miami Beach Convention Center.
I have always been very fascinated by the whimsical installations of these ingenious masters. So impressed that I have often bought some works of art of great aesthetic impact.
On the rooftop of the Las Olas Parking Garage at the Intracoastal, in Fort Lauderdale, art and culture are intertwined in the largest and most elegant car show. Collectors and enthusiasts from around the world attend this event to enjoy a true open-air gallery.
The last time I participated in this event, I even had the opportunity to see live artist Ray Drea create a stylized work of art, painted live throughout the day.
A season to experience and share
Florida prides itself with the title of the country’s best climate average of, and a coastline that reaches almost two thousand long. These are more than satisfactory conditions to bet and invest in this state. The winter, unlike in many other places, is not harsh and does not constitute an impediment.
The calendar of events is always rich and constantly updated and there is no shortage of opportunities to move around and enjoy unique experiences.
I live in Miami, but I move around frequently. The cold season has never kept me from traveling, for business or pleasure. I have always been able to easily get to any other city in Florida by car, plane, or train. In addition, Miami has a special charm in the winter. It is one of the best times to enjoy the city. It rains very little, and the temperatures are always very pleasant.
Temperatures allow freedoms that are impossible to imagine in any other part of the country. This is a truth that I learned right away when I attended the Surfing Santas in Cocoa Beach for the first time. Thousands of surfers dressed up as Santa Claus are all gathered together to ride the cold ocean waves. A unique experience that can only be possible in Florida, where winter gently accompanies people towards the spring.