When the UK and Europe turn grey and wet, Florida is one of the easiest places to find proper warmth for a long-haul price. Most people think of Orlando's theme parks, but the state has a lot more: wild national parks, space launches, island drives and Gulf Coast beaches. The catch is that it's big, distances are long and getting around without a car is hard. This guide covers what the weather is like, what to do besides the parks, and the two things that catch British visitors out: car hire and hospital bills.

What's the weather like in winter?

In December, daytime temperatures in most of the state are in the mid-60s to low 70s °F (about 18 to 23°C). South Florida, including Miami and the Keys, is warmer, from the mid-70s to the low 80s °F (about 23 to 27°C). Nights can drop into the 50s °F (about 10 to 15°C), so pack a light jacket. Northern Florida can be cooler, with the odd cold snap. It's much drier and less humid than summer, with showers that are usually brief.

So it's warm and sunny, but it isn't a hot beach holiday every day, especially in the north and on the Gulf Coast. If sea swimming matters to you, head south.

Beyond the theme parks

Everglades National Park

Winter is the best season, roughly from mid-December to Easter, and the park advises against going in summer when mosquitoes are bad. Entry is $35 per car, valid for seven days. There are three main entrances, Homestead, Shark Valley (off the Tamiami Trail, west of Miami) and Everglades City, and you can't drive between them, so pick one. Alligators and wading birds are easy to see on the Anhinga Trail. Park boat tours at Flamingo cost about $40 for adults, and there are free ranger-led programmes in winter.

If you'd rather not drive, See a half-day small-group Everglades tour from Miami on Viator.

Kennedy Space Center

It's on the Space Coast, east of Orlando. A one-day ticket is $77 for adults and $67 for children aged 3 to 11, and a two-day ticket is $91 for adults and $81 for children, valid for two visits within six months. Parking is $15 on top. Seeing a launch isn't guaranteed with a standard ticket, because launches depend on the mission and the weather, and some need a separate package, so check the schedule before you go.

See Kennedy Space Center tickets on Viator.

The Florida Keys

Snorkelling, diving, fishing and a drive across the islands on US-1. Popular stops include John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park at Key Largo, Seven Mile Bridge and Bahia Honda State Park. Orlando to Key West is roughly 400 to 520 miles depending on the route, or about 8 to 9 hours of driving without stops, so split it over two or three days. Winter has fewer crowds in the Keys than the busiest holiday weeks.

Once you're in Key West, one option is a boat trip on the water. See the Key West shark and wildlife catamaran tour on Viator.

The Gulf Coast

Naples is known for calm beaches, shopping and dolphin-spotting boat trips. Tampa Bay has Busch Gardens and museums if you want something other than Orlando.

Miami and South Florida

Beaches, water sports and the warmest weather in the state.

Why you need a car

Florida is not built for getting around without one. Public transport outside the big cities is limited, and the distances between the places above are measured in hours, not minutes. A hire car is what makes this trip work. A few things to know before you book.

  • Tolls. Many Florida roads are toll roads, and most tolls are electronic. The big extra cost is often the rental company's daily fee on top of the tolls, which is roughly $5 to $15 a day depending on the company. Check the fee and when it applies at the desk. If you collect and return your car at Orlando International Airport (MCO), the free Visitor Toll Pass lets you pay just the tolls without the daily fees. You set it up in an app and collect a hangtag at the airport
  • Insurance. Car hire insurance in the US works differently from the UK. A collision damage waiver (CDW) means the rental company won't charge you if the car is damaged or stolen. Supplemental liability insurance (SLI) covers damage or injury you cause to other people and their property, because the state minimum liability cover is low. Check what's already included in your booking, and what the desk will try to add
  • Drive on the right. In most states you can turn right at a red light after a full stop unless a sign says otherwise. Speed limits are in miles per hour

Our guide to renting a car in Europe explains the basics, and most of it applies here too. You can compare car hire prices on DiscoverCars.

Why you need insurance: hospital bills

The UK and the US have no reciprocal healthcare agreement, so as a visitor you pay in full. Based on the sources we checked, a minor emergency room visit costs around $500, X-rays or a drip can cost about ten times that, a basic ambulance ride is at least $500, and surgery or intensive care can reach tens of thousands of pounds. Medical repatriation is typically £50,000 to £100,000. Florida is one of the most popular destinations for UK families and retirees, so this matters more here than for most trips.

Before you go, check that your policy covers the US at the medical limit you want, the excess, pre-existing conditions and activities such as boat trips or snorkelling.

If you use SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance, note that the standard plan does not cover treatment in the US. US cover is a paid add-on, so make sure you tick it when you buy. The Essential plan's overall medical limit is $250,000. Check the add-on's price in your quote, and read the policy wording yourself before you buy, because you're the one signing up to what it covers and what it doesn't. You can see SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance here. Our guide to whether you actually need travel insurance explains what to look for.

When to go

Late December through Easter is the best weather window, and it's also peak season, so prices climb at Christmas, New Year and school holidays. January and February are usually cheaper and calmer, and the weather is dry. Book flights and car hire early for the holiday weeks.

Getting started

  • Fly into the airport closest to where you'll spend most of your time: Orlando (MCO) for the parks and Space Coast, Miami or Fort Lauderdale for the Keys and South Florida
  • Check your passport and entry requirements, including the ESTA, before you book
  • Budget for tax and tips, which add 25% to 30% to restaurant and taxi prices. Our Trip Budget Calculator can help, using "My own numbers"

Planning more? See all our USA guides for UK travellers.

Where this comes from

Prices and rules change, and the sources don't always agree, so this is a snapshot checked on 17 October 2026. These are the sources it draws on: