Thinking about trip to Florida day after Christmas for a few days. Wondering what weather is normally like at St. Augustine, Pensacola and/or other gulf towns. Will be driving from NC. Never been on Gulf side much, just want to relax, walk on beach, pick up some shells, that type of things. Any suggestions? Thanks, Jean

St. Augustine is not on the gulf; it's on the Atlantic.

Having said that, Northern Florida can be delightful at Christmas/New Year's as long as you don't want to lie in the sun. It is usually too cool for that. But relaxing, picking up shells, walking on the beach, all good possibilities.

The last time we were on the gulf at that time of year was almost four years ago, at Cape San Blas. At the beginning of the week we had two days that were so warm and sunny I drove into town to buy us all t-shirts (we had not brought short-sleeved shirts) and my then-four-year-old was running around the beach in his underwear. On New Year's Eve a dramatic storm came through with a cold front, and the next day it was almost 30 degrees colder. We still had a great time walking on the beach, but in winter coats.

You might look into the Destin area for places to stay if Pensacola is too far west for you.

In St. Augustine, the week after Christmas, expect the average temps to be from the mid-60's during the day to mid/high 40's at night. Nights of Lights will be in full swing in the historic area and makes this time of the year very special. For more information about St. Augustine events, go to <http://www.staugustine.com/visit/>.

THis is really a crap shoot for you!

You will not know before a week prior what the weather will be like.

Miami could be 80 or 60 or even 40s....so be careful.

Also there is a BIG difference in the weather between Miami and 50 100 200 etc miles north.

I remember many a time when I forgot to check the weather, and jumped on a flight to head up for an afternoon meeting in Tampa or Orlando to get off the plane and be hit with a blast of cold air!

If you need to book way ahead....I would go as FAR as possible south....even Key West or take a 20 minute flight from Miami to Bahamas, where there is a significant uptick in tempertures from the fact they are out in the gulfstream.

It can be very cold then, or hot. I am in the middle of the state and have been for 15 years. It varies much from year to year! Please be aware that this is a very busy time within the state so accommodations could be a challenge. If you can find them the prices could be higher too due to the holiday time. Do your research!