I have looked up the historical temperatures and searched here and the results differ greatly. I was going to plan a nearby ski trip but snow is in question so thought we might drive from DC to Florida for a beach break with 2 kids. The NOAA told of average temps 60-65F during the day and we experienced this in Orlando(colder) last Jan. and on Marco Island 3 years ago. In your opinion what would be our best driving location for the warmest waether for the week after Christmas? I really appreciate your help with my Christmas present to the family. Threehearts

Well, the further south the better. Try Naples, as the water will also be warmer on the Gulf coast than on the east coast.

Thanks, almesq!

A few years ago we went to Key West in late December and the weather and water were really comfortable. The air temps were in the mid 80's during the day but I couldnt tell you what the water temps were except it was very nice. We drove up to Bahia Honda State Park for a day and played around the beach there. It was beautiful!

We visited Florida often over approximately the last 25 years while our children were young, growing up, and then up until my mother passed away. We've often been there at Christmas time, and the temperatures and weather can range from sunny, wonderful and 80s to rainy, gloomy and 40s. Most of the time we've been on the West Coast, from Bradenton Beach down to Naples, and a lot of years at my inlaws in Siesta Key. I probably would try for someplace south of Sarasota, to be sure of the best possible beach weather. I've also spent the second week in January in Miami Beach for a number of years on business, and found the beach there to be less inviting than the beaches on the Gulf Coast. Just my humble opinion, but we really liked the Gulf beaches, especially when the kids were younger.

The gulf stream brushes up against the southeastern beaches of Florida. The gulf stream will keep the ocean temps to around 75 degrees in the winter.

Thanks, everyone. I very much appreciate the honesty. I think if we do go, then it will definitely be on the southern Gulf side. It could certainly be a disappointment to drive 2 long days each way with 2 little kids only to have chilly weather. We have to drive because the plane and car rental are just not in the cards for us right now. Threehearts

No matter what you decide, you must do yourself a favor and not get your hearts set on great weather. You chances of beach weather will probably be best in southwest Florida, but you must allow for the worst. We've had to close up the house and turn on the air for Christmas dinner when it was simply hot! But another year we had the worst (and only) freeze in my 27 years in "downtown" Naples on a Christmas day. You simply can't count on the weather.

So true, Patrick. Thanks for the advice. Threehearts

Hey, Threehearts...are you a Bridge player??

Don't rule out Southeast Florida. While it shares the unpredictabilty of Southwest Florida described by Patrick(That was cute, Patrick..."Don't get your hearts set..."), we have enjoyed many wonderful, warm days on Singer Island between Christmas and New Years!

We spent last Christmas in Naples and it was very pleasant. We wore short sleeves and lightweight pants or capris. On a few days we needed sweatshirts. The beach was windy on Christmas day, but the sun was bright and we waded in the water. The hotels, by the way, had beautiful Christmas displays, especially the Ritz and the Registry. We spent a nice day on the beach on Marco Island, playing ball (the beach at Tiger Tail is really wide) and we also visited an orange grove. Coming from the North, it was a real treat to see fruit on the trees in December!