Guide to the Warmest Beaches in January In Florida: Southwest and Southeast
Thinking about a warm beach vacation in January? You are in the right place. This is a guide to the warmest beaches in January in southwest and southeast Florida.
You may be wondering why we are only focusing on the southern tip of Florida. Florida’s Southwest and Southeast regions in January promises a wonderful escape to some of the warmest beaches in the United States.
I’ve listed additional articles below for the warmest beaches and cities throughout the Sunshine State. Honestly? I feel your best options for a warm January getaway are in South Florida, with my top pick on the Atlantic Ocean side of the state as Fort Lauderdale to include nearby Hollywood Beach and Lauderdale By The Sea.
For the Gulf of Mexico side of the Sunshine State, my top pick is Marco Island, with Naples as another top choice. Narrowing down the lists for warmest beaches in January in Southwest and Southeast Florida should make it easier for you to plan your getaway.
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Below is the guide, and every beach selected is absolutely beautiful. I do tend to choose less-crowded beaches, and that is also reflected below. Also, Visit Florida is a great site packed with information.
Warmest Beaches in January In Florida: Southwest
Starting on the Southwest tip of the Sunshine State, the beaches below are all absolutely gorgeous. White sandy beaches. Turquoise blue, clear water. And plenty of things to do in the area.
I know this area as well as the Southeast part of the state very well and these are my top 3 picks:
1. Naples Beach: Naples, situated on the Gulf Coast, boasts stunning beaches with soft, white sands and clear, warm waters. The average January temperature hovers around 75°F (24°C), making it an ideal spot to soak up the sun.
Enjoy snorkeling, hiking, relaxing and so much more in Naples. The Naples Pier offers fantastic views and is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
2. Marco Island Beach: Marco? Polo! Marco? Polo! Known for its pristine beaches, Marco Island offers a tranquil getaway and is such a pretty beach to enjoy while on vacation.
With temperatures in January reaching around 73°F (23°C), the calm waters and beautiful sunsets make it a serene choice for those looking to get away as well as families. Tigertail Beach Park is great for nature lovers and families.
3. Fort Myers Beach: Rounding out the top 3 beach choices in the Southwest is Fort Myers Beach. This lively beach town along the Gulf Coast is popular for its wide shoreline and activities like parasailing and dolphin-watching tours.
In January, temperatures average around 73°F (23°C), providing a pleasant climate for beach goers. The surf temp, however, is the coldest for the year in January at 65°F.
Us Floridians tend to not go in the water at those temps, so you may have the beach to yourself.
Warmest Beaches in January In Florida: southeast
Moving over to the other side of the state brings us to Southeast Florida. My old stomping grounds and many fond beach memories.
1. Miami Beach: Miami Beach is an iconic destination with high energy. This is a great option for a vacation that you want to be in the middle of everything because this city does not stop!
With January temperatures averaging around 74°F (23°C), it offers a mix of relaxation and excitement. South Beach is famous for its Art Deco architecture and lively atmosphere.
2. Fort Lauderdale Beach: Fort Lauderdale’s golden sands and azure waters are inviting year-round. January’s temperatures reach approximately 74°F (23°C), making it a prime location for beach activities and enjoying the bustling promenade along the coast.
My number one beach is nearby Hollywood Beach. There is so much to do, literally steps from the sand. Renting a 4-person bike for the broadwalk is fun for the family.
Also, Lauderdale By The Sea is nearby and another beautiful beach. When you visit the Fort Lauderdale area, you can easily hit several nearby beaches. Yes, it can get busy, but not as busy as nearby Miami.
3. Key West Beaches: The Florida Keys are a slice of heaven! Not on the mainland, Key West is the southernmost point of the United States.
There is nothing quite like Key West and if you have not visited yet, put it on your bucket list. With temperatures around 74°F (23°C) in January, this is probably the most warm beach on the list.
Enjoy the laid-back vibe, crystal-clear waters, and stunning sunsets make it worth the trip, especially at Mallory Square. Then hit one of the restaurants on the Wharf for dinner. So good!
There you go. The six beaches above are my top recommendations for a nice, warm beach vacation in January. The links below will help you plan that getaway:
Disclosure: I earn a commission if you make a purchase through my links at no additional cost to you! I would never recommend anything I don’t personally use, and the income goes to keeping this site updated and free for everyone!
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About Denise
Denise Sanger lives a life split between her love for fitness and her passion for travel particularly to the BEACH. Denise also has a love of marketing and lives in beautiful Suwannee County, Florida. You can find out more about Denise here: About Denise