What to Pack When Going to Florida in February

If a little breeziness in not minded, February may be the perfect time to visit Florida. The temperatures are warm but not scorching hot, the beaches aren't yet crowded with spring-breakers, and hurricane season is months away. Still, the average temperatures tend to be 10 to 20 degrees coolers in February than they are in summer, so it is not possible to pack the same things in the middle of August.

Temperatures tend to hover between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during February in southern Florida, so a combination of shorts or cropped pants and long pants will be needed. If visiting a more northern city, opt for mostly long pants; for instance, the mean daily temperature in Pensacola is only 55 degrees in February. Bring a few short-sleeved T-shirts, a few long-sleeved tees, and one or two warmer layering pieces, such as a sweatshirt or fleece jacket. Also consider packing a tank top or two, particularly if visiting South Florida since daily highs can reach into the upper 70s or 80s.

Bring at least two pairs of shoes: one pair of comfortable sandals to wear for strolling on the beach, and a pair of sturdy walking shoes to wear when exploring a city, or hiking and biking through Florida's parklands. Enough underwear and socks to last the trip will be needed, plus a pair of lightweight pajamas. Florida's nightlife scene is active in most cities, although the exact style depends on the places visited. Pack sexy clubwear for a trip to Miami or Tampa; dress pants and a button-down shirt or a cocktail dress is more fitting for the older-skewing crowds in Boca.

Unless you have the constitution of a polar bear, it is probably not suggested to swim in the ocean or Gulf of Mexico in February, but many Florida hotels have pools, so consider packing a bathing suit. While February isn't a particularly rainy time in the state, a light jacket for chilly evenings will be needed, and since some rain does fall, opt for a hooded jacket made of a water-repelling fabric such as nylon. If missing a hooded jacket, bring a travel umbrella or poncho, since rainstorms can begin and end quickly during Florida afternoons.

Unless camping or staying at a budget motel, don't bring basic toiletries, but do bring personal items such as medication, deodorant and because of Florida's humidity, some anti-frizz hair products. Pack sunglasses, waterproof sunblock and insect repellent, since Florida's swampy environment makes it a haven for insects. Bring a lightweight daypack, especially if planning to visit the Everglades or one of Florida's amusement parks since this type of bag is an easy way to cart some belongings around all day.