Folks who live in the northern United States are no strangers to cold winters, shoveling driveways, and cancelled plans due to inclement weather. While some people love their snowy winters, many others can easily grow tired of the frigid air and slushy, slippery sidewalks. What if you could get away for a month or two in the winter and bask in the warm sunshine of Florida? It sounds like a dream, but for many, it’s a reality.
The phenomenon of “snowbirding” isn’t new; in fact, the term has existed for hundreds of years! It’s in our nature to seek warmth in the winter. If you’ve decided you want to be a snowbird this year, the next logical question is: where?
In our opinion, there’s no better place to be a snowbird than Florida. The sandy shores of 30A are inviting all year long, and they offer a special quiet place for people seeking refuge from the bitter cold!
There are a million and one reasons why you should snowbird in Florida, and we’re breaking down the top ones in this blog!
P.S. Before we dive into all the reasons you should spend your winter here, if you want to stay up-to-date with us, please subscribe to our newsletter!
In this article, we'll explore the top reasons to snowbird in Florida:
- The Weather
- Community
- Peace and Quiet
- Health Benefits
- Local Events
#1. The Weather
Of course, the top reason for snowbirding in Florida is the weather. You can’t beat it! In the winter, you’ll find temperatures ranging from 60°F to 70°F, a far cry from the cold back home. The Emerald Coast offers perfect weather for outdoor activities like golf, beach walks, or just relaxing with the spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Here are the average high and low temperatures on 30A in the winter:
November: 70° / 56
December: 64° / 52°
January: 61° / 48°
February: 63° / 52°
March: 68° / 58°
#2. Community
Many people want to move south in the winter so they can meet friends and be social! Cold weather can be isolating, especially as we age. You don’t need to worry about that on 30A!
There are several community events that will keep you occupied over the winter.
- Play tennis at one of My Vacation Haven’s resorts
- Get in a round of golf with friends during your stay
- Check out a local farmers market! 30A Farmers Markets are open year-round, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to find fresh food, community, and connection during your winter stay.
#3. Peace and Quiet
While the shores of 30A are packed and busy in the summertime, it’s pretty quiet here in the winter. If you’re looking for some true relaxation, it’s the place to be.
Whether you want to stretch out by your very own private pool in your My Vacation Haven rental or spend time lounging on the beach, there are plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind. Bring your favorite book and get ready to curl up and tune the world out for a bit.
#4. Health Benefits
We’re not even kidding; flying south is beneficial for your health! It’s easy to get your daily dose of vitamin D when you’re staying in sunny Florida. Plus, the gorgeous weather will inspire you to get up and get moving. No shoveling snow here, just easy, breezy walks and plenty of time to bask in the sun.
Beyond the physical benefits, just imagine what a winter on 30A could do for your mental health. Research shows that time spent outdoors is good for the brain, and the low-stress lifestyle here will work wonders in contrast to the everyday stressors of home.
#5. Local Events
The Emerald Coast is also home to several exciting events in the wintertime. If you want to get out and explore, you certainly won’t be bored! Whether you’re a foodie wanting to try the best local seafood around or you’re in the mood to find your next favorite songwriter at the 30A Songwriters Festival, you’ll be in for a treat! Here are our favorite Emerald Coast events for snowbirds:
30A Songwriters Festival
- January 16-19th, 2026
Sandestin Gumbo Festival
- February 20th-21st, 2026
30A Wine Festival
- February 18th-22nd, 2026
Book Your Snowbird Stay in Florida Directly with My Vacation Haven!
View from the community pool at My Vacation Haven Snowbird Rental, Studio Suite Luau II 6222
Now that you know all the reasons why 30A makes such a great winter destination, you’ll need to decide where exactly you want to stay. We make your choice easy at My Vacation Haven!
Our catalog of snowbird-friendly rentals is diverse and extensive. It fits the needs of so many guests, whether your priority is an oceanfront view to make the most of your time at the beach or a pet-friendly property so you can bring along the four-legged members of your family. You could also consider a rental with a hot tub for maximum relaxation.
No matter which rental you choose for your snowbird stay, we’re confident you’ll have a spectacular time. After all, Florida is a great place for snowbirds, and My Vacation Haven has the best vacation rentals on 30A. You can’t go wrong!
We know it’s a big decision, so we want to ensure our guests that the My Vacation Haven rental team is here for you every step of the way, from booking to the day you check out. When you’re ready to book your stay, browse our snowbird rentals and book directly with My Vacation Haven! You’ll save time, stress, and money by skipping out on OTAs like Airbnb and VRBO, plus you’ll have firsthand knowledge of 30A from folks who know the area better than anyone else!