We're planning a visit to Florida in early or mid-February. We're getting a bit worried though that this is not a very good time to visit. The plan is to do a one week fly-drive around the southern parts of Florida and visit the Keys and the Everglades.We'd appreciate some experts views on this

Well, when you are visiting is considered high season and the rates will be higher than if you had gone, say, now (October through early December). Also, at that time there is the chance you will encounter a cold snap which might make some parts of your vacation unswimable (I doubt that would be the case in the keys, though). On the plus side, February is a great time to visit the Everglades as the bugs are not very bad and all the birds will be there for their winter homes. I'm not sure I would call February a not very good time to visit. Was there some reason in particular you think it is a bad time?

I've been to Miami and the Keys several times during January, February and March. I've had sunny, warm weather nearly every time. But as Larry said there can be a freakish cold snap. I've also found, generally speaking, that it's windier during those months, which can cut into beach time and boat time activities. Where are you coming from? If you're coming from a cold weather state/country, I think you'll really like South Florida. By the way, why do you want to go to the Everglades? You can't really see that much, unless you get out into them on an airboat. unfortunately, the Everglades (unlike, say, Okefenokee Swamp in south Georgia) isn't all that interesting [IMO].

well, it feels like 110 degrees today in Orlando.....Feb probably won't be much different. the days in Feb will probably be sunny/warm...although not warm enough for water sports.....it could be windy. the nights naturally will be the coldest part....i never wear anything heavier than my leather jacket. i've lived in fla. my entire life and it seems like the "winters" are getting hotter....maybe theres something to this global warming thing. Agree that the everglades isn't worth going out of the way for (or course, IMO)

If you're going to south Florida from a colder climate, remember, even a cold snap will be relatively warm to you.

A little more on this Everglades business. If you are driving to the Keys, the Everglades are not really that far out of the way (about a 10-15 minute drive west from the main route, less if you don't go into the park itself). Also, as to if you will find it interesting, I can only note that on the way to the National Park you go through an agricultural area, where it is common to see tourists pulled over taking pictures of the migrant workers picking tomatoes or the large water cannons watering the fields. These people are finding something interesting before they even get to the park! Also, at the Anhinga Trail you will almost certainly see alligators fairly close-up. Sure, that's a big yawn to us Forida residents, but to a first time Florida visitor who has never seen a gator in the wild, it's a big deal. Bottom line is that I think that if you are going to be in South Florida for a week, the Everglades are worth a daytrip. My only advice on a visit to the Park is, don't bother to go all the way down to Flamingo (almost a 45 minute ride from the Park entrance). Stick with the vistors center and Anhinga trail (near the entrance) and take an airboat ride (one operator is located on the way to the park).

Isn't it the case that 'airboats' are not allowed in the National Park as they are considered bad for the ecology ?

That is correct. However, the "everglades" ecosystem is not confined to the national park boundry- there is plenty of everglades outside the park that is open to airboats (both private airboaters and tour operators).

Thank you for your advice. We're actually visiting from England and even a "cold snap" might still be regarded as pleasant weather for us! Here in England February is usually rainy and a bit grim. I'm surprised by the lack of interest you all showed with regard to the Everglades as I thought the area was well worth a visit.
So-what else would you suggest we do? We are fairly flexible and would like some lovely scenary and nice excursions. Lying on the beach for longer period of time is not really our thing so we don't mind too much if the ocean is a bit chilly(we wouldn't mind a bit of diving or snorkelling though if possible)

Hi Larry. I didn't mean to imply that the Everglades don't 'stretch' outside the National Park. We've been on an airboat ride - they gave us cotton wool for our ears & it started raining halfway through - those raindrops felt like hailstones due to the speed of the boat ! There was an alligator in the water where we got on the boat ( the operators feed it, apparently ) & in the roof of the hut they used the operators brought our attention to a rat being chased by a snake ! I haven't made that up !

Until the political climate in Fla. gets straightened out and they count the votes right, no month is good. I don't know who was more disgusting, the election officials or the media. Sorry performance by all!! Ciao

Alan,
I'd head to the Keys, if I were you. 1) it's a great, scenic drive, and 2) there's lots to do there. You can rent a boat and get out on the ocean. Do some snorkling, or fishing. If you feel uncomfortable handling a boat, there are lots of group boats you can go out on for either snorkling or fishing. The reef in the Keys is a sight to see. Also, there are some great, funky restaurants (and bars, if you're into that sort of thing) in the Keys. It's real laid-back, kinda bohemian in nature (though this is slowly changing). So, keep that in mind. (If you want something more upscale, check out South Beach and Coconut Grove in Miami.) Have fun.

My wife and I used to live in the Ft. Myers/Naples area of South Florida, and we rarely saw temperatures where we had to put on anything other than a light jacket. My in-laws visited one Christmas and we persuaded them that we should all take an airboat ride on Christmas Day, and the weather was sunny, about 83 degrees and not very humid. We chose to go to Everglades City since it was close to us, and incidentally, has more mangroves and trees than the eastern grassland areas (near Miami) of the Everglades and was much more scenic. Crystal clear water, abundant wildlife and mosquitoes and bugs are not an issue in the winter (also known as the "dry season" in the region). The gators are less active in cooler months, preferring to sun themselves on muddy banks. It was a great excursion, and I would HIGHLY suggest that you take a few hours to go! Very beautiful, and very pristine. And Hell, the old cooter-airboat captain was entertaining, as was his driving. Enjoy your trip!

Feburary in South Florida will seem like paradise if you're coming from England. It's actually probably the ideal time to visit.

Even I like Miami in Feburary. And I lived there for 7 years, and it is far from my favorite city.

I know this is a little off the subject' but I want to comment on Rob's post. I agree with Rob. I feels like our winters in Northwest Florida are a lot warmer than even 14 years ago. I have lived in this area and slightly north most of my 42 years. For the past several years, I have rarely worn a coat, or even a pullover sweater. It has been very humid and in the 80's here in the Panhandle for the last few weeks.