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The 10 Best Places to Visit in Florida in January
January is Florida at its most comfortable. It’s sunny without the sticky heat, warm enough for beach days, and calm enough that you can actually enjoy the places you came to see — without battling summer crowds or spring breakers.
It’s also a month that’s easy to tailor to your mood. Want full warmth and nightlife? Head south. Want quiet beach walks, nature, and early nights by the fire pit? The Gulf Coast and quieter Atlantic towns shine. Want theme parks without feeling like you’re walking through an oven? This is your window.
If you’re planning a winter escape and searching for the best places to visit in Florida in January, start here.
Explore all luxury Florida vacation rentals here →
At a glance: where to visit in Florida in January
Warmest weather + city energy: Miami & Miami Beach
Best “slow island time”: The Florida Keys (Marathon)
Best for polished resort vibes: Marco Island
Best for charming “old Florida”: Anna Maria Island
Best for iconic sand + easy evenings out: Siesta Key
Best for theme parks (with comfortable weather): Orlando (Kissimmee)
Best for a quieter Atlantic coast reset: Palm Coast + Flagler Beach
Best for waterfront downtime: Melbourne Beach + Vero Beach
Best for peaceful Panhandle beaches: St. George Island
1. Miami & Miami Beach
Why January works here
January is when Miami feels effortless.
Daytime temperatures usually sit in the low to mid-70s, humidity is low, and evenings are comfortable rather than sticky. The ocean is cooler than summer – think refreshing rather than bath-warm – but still very swimmable for most people.
Beaches feel lively without being overwhelming, and the city has a steady, confident energy rather than party chaos.
What to do
Walk the Miami Beach boardwalk in the morning
Explore Wynwood, the Design District, or Little Havana
Take a boat cruise through Biscayne Bay
Do a relaxed South Beach afternoon followed by dinner in Brickell
Catch live music or a show without summer crowds
Where to stay with Wander
Wander Miami Beach Sanctuary – A rare waterfront estate that gives you space and calm in the middle of Miami’s energy. Spend January mornings by the pool, retreat to the sauna or movie theater during the afternoon, and enjoy complete privacy at night — a true contrast to the city outside.
Wander Brickell Bay – A sleek high-rise stay with bay views and access to W Miami amenities. Ideal if you want city life, skyline views, and a polished base that still feels relaxed in winter.
Wander Miami Manor – A playful, high-end escape with a sauna, cold plunge, water slide, and game room. Great for groups who want warm-weather fun without relying solely on nightlife.
2. The Florida Keys (Marathon)
Why January works here
The Keys feel different from the rest of Florida in winter – slower, warmer, and more water-focused.
January days are typically in the low to mid-70s, with steady breezes that keep things comfortable. The water stays warmer than most of the state, making boating, snorkeling, and swimming far more appealing than farther north.
Marathon sits in the middle of the Keys, which means you get true island scenery without the extreme remoteness of the Lower Keys.
What to do
Snorkel or book a reef tour
Spend time at Sombrero Beach
Take a fishing charter
Enjoy sunset dinners on the water
Explore nearby Keys by boat or car
Where to stay with Wander
Wander Sombrero Oasis – A showpiece waterfront home with a 75-foot dock, saltwater infinity pool, and rooftop patio. January evenings here are made for watching the light fade over the water after full days outside.
Wander Marathon Key – A three-story waterfront retreat with a private pool, hot tub, boat dock, wet bar, and expansive balconies overlooking the ocean. Designed for laid-back Keys living, with a 7-night minimum that encourages you to truly settle in.
3. Sanibel Island
Why January works here
Sanibel is one of Florida’s best January destinations if you want calm, nature, and space.
The weather is mild, humidity is low, and the island’s bike paths, beaches, and wildlife refuges feel especially peaceful. It’s less about swimming all day and more about slow movement and quiet beauty.
What to do
Go shelling early in the morning
Bike across the island
Visit J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Take long beach walks in the afternoon
Day trip to Captiva for dinner or sunset
Where to stay with Wander
Wander Sanibel Views – A beachfront condo with direct sand access in a well-equipped community. Perfect for travelers who want simplicity, comfort, and easy beach days in cooler winter weather.
Wander Sanibel Breeze – A rare standalone beachfront home with a pool and spa, designed for longer stays where January days stretch out and routines disappear.
4. Captiva Island
Why January works here
Captiva in January feels quietly luxurious.
Days are mild, breezy, and sun-filled. Nights cool off just enough to make fire pits and hot tubs genuinely appealing. The water is cool but clear, and beach walks are often empty, especially early and late in the day.
What to do
Walk the beach morning and evening
Take a boat tour to spot dolphins and manatees
Explore by bike
Plan sunset walks as a daily ritual
Enjoy long dinners without rushing
Where to stay with Wander
Wander Captiva Eden – A beachfront architectural icon with private beach access and a heated pool and spa. January here feels indulgent without being showy — quiet, expansive, and deeply relaxing.
Wander Casa Captiva – A refined beachfront sanctuary with direct beach access, a pool, and a private hot tub, ideal for soaking in cooler evenings after long Gulf Coast days.
5. Anna Maria Island (Holmes Beach & Bean Point)
Why January works here
Anna Maria Island is Florida without the noise. January brings breezy, sunny days that are perfect for biking, beach walks, and outdoor lunches. The island keeps its small-town feel year-round, but winter is when it feels especially livable.
What to do
Watch sunset at Bean Point
Bike the length of the island
Do slow beach mornings and café lunches
Take a dolphin or sunset cruise
Explore local seafood spots
Where to stay with Wander
Wander Holmes Beach – A Bali-inspired retreat just steps from the sand, with a heated saltwater pool and fire feature that makes winter evenings feel cozy and intentional.
Wander Anna Maria Shores – A family-friendly luxury home with rooftop fire pit, heated pool with slide, arcade game room, and Gulf views near Bean Point.
Wander Serendipity Sol – A beachfront escape with direct access, gym, sauna, pool, and watersports gear — ideal if January means being outside as much as possible.
6. Siesta Key (Sarasota)
Why January works here
January is prime time for Siesta Key’s famous sand. The beach stays comfortable all day, crowds are manageable, and the village atmosphere feels relaxed rather than busy. It’s an easy mix of beach time and casual evenings out.
What to do
Spend full days on Siesta Beach
Walk Siesta Key Village for dinner
Take a sunset cruise
Explore nearby Crescent Beach
Add a Sarasota arts or dining afternoon
Where to stay with Wander
Wander Siesta Key Sunset – A beachfront stay with rooftop views built for golden hour.
Wander Siesta Key Palms – Elevator access, pool, patio, and rooftop lounging — comfortable and easy for winter stays.
Wander Siesta Key Sands – Ocean views, hot tub, putting green, and wet bar for travelers who want luxury built into every day.
7. Marco Island
Why January works here
Marco Island is polished and peaceful in January. The weather suits boating and pool time, the island feels calm but not sleepy, and the Gulf Coast scenery is at its best. It’s especially good for travelers who want everything to feel smooth and unhurried.
What to do
Boat the Ten Thousand Islands
Dolphin-watching tours
Beach afternoons followed by sunset drinks
Day trip to Naples
Embrace slow mornings
Where to stay with Wander
Wander Marco Crystal – A luxury home with a custom saltwater pool, spa, and outdoor kitchen designed for all-day outdoor living.
Wander Marco Shores – A brand-new canal-front retreat with elevated interiors and a private pool and spa.
Wander Marco Pearl – A waterfront estate with bay views, pool, hot tub, and private dock — perfect for boat-first trips.
8. Orlando (Kissimmee)
Why January works here
January is one of the smartest months for Orlando. The weather is cool enough for long park days, and crowds are generally lighter than peak seasons. The key is staying somewhere that feels restorative between outings.
What to do
Walt Disney World and Universal
Build in pool and rest days
Outlet shopping
Golf and dining breaks
Theme parks without summer heat
Where to stay with Wander
Wander Orlando Fairway – Hot tub, movie theater, arcade, and meditation room for post-park recovery.
Wander Orlando Cove – Golf simulator, water slide, sauna, themed room, and movie theater for high-energy family trips.
Wander Orlando Sky – Pool, sauna, gym, hot tub, movie theater, and game room — a true resort-style base.
9. Palm Coast & Flagler Beach
Why January works here
If you want Florida’s coastline without crowds, January in Palm Coast and Flagler Beach is ideal. Beaches are quiet, temperatures are mild, and the whole area encourages slower days and earlier nights.
What to do
Long beach walks
Explore coastal parks
Day trip to St. Augustine
Simple sunset dinners
Fully unplug
Where to stay with Wander
Wander Palm Coast Waterfront – A Cinnamon Beach retreat with pool, hot tub, infrared sauna, rooftop terrace, and resort amenities near the beach.
Wander Flagler Beach Modern – A beachfront home with sauna, hot tub, fire pit, elevator, and game room — designed for winter comfort by the sea.
10. St. George Island
Why January works here
January on St. George Island is quiet, reflective, and restorative. It’s cooler than South Florida, but perfect for beach walks, fire pit evenings, and real downtime.
What to do
Walk the beach daily
Bike the island
Stargaze at night
Explore the state park
Keep days intentionally simple
Where to stay with Wander
Wander St. George Tides – A newly built retreat with pool, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, and game area for relaxed winter stays.
Wander St. George Eden – A private beachfront home with pool, hot tub, game room, and outdoor kitchen — ideal for full-day beach living even in cooler months.
Plan Your Florida January Getaway With Wander
January is Florida without the pressure — warm days, calm nights, and space to enjoy the state at a slower pace.
Whether you’re drawn to island quiet, Gulf Coast beaches, city energy, or family trips with built-in rest, Wander’s luxury Florida vacation rentals offer the space, privacy, and amenities that make winter travel genuinely enjoyable.
Explore luxury Florida vacation rentals with Wander →
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