Experience the Magic of St. Augustine in Winter
The crowds are gone, the weather is mild, and if you time it right, the streets are flooded with thousands of twinkling lights. There really is nothing like St. Augustine in winter. If you’re looking for a beach getaway that delivers gorgeous views, exceptional events, and one-of-a-kind experiences, this is the place for you!
Stroll the historic district and experience the magic of St. Augustine with this handy guide to the can’t-miss sights. We’ve got your top restaurants, unique to-dos, and details on where to stay for the perfect mix of it all. Whether you’re a snowbird looking to trade the frigid temps for sandy shores or a family wanting to begin a new tradition, this season showcases the beauty of St. Augustine like no other. See why now's the perfect time to plan your winter trip.
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In This Article:
- St. Augustine Winter Weather
- Things to Do in St. Augustine in Winter
- Benefits of Visiting in the Off-Season
- Where to Stay: Snowbird Rentals
- FAQs
St. Augustine Winter Weather
Mild temperatures are one of the biggest perks of heading south for the winter. Even if it’s just for a short trip, trading the coats for flip-flops is a luxury when you’re used to bundling up. The average temperatures from December through February top out in the mid to high 60s (°F) during the day, and hover around 46-50 (°F) at night.
When packing, stick to light layers so you can easily adjust throughout the day.
Top Things to Do in St. Augustine in Winter
While it’s true, you aren’t likely to dip your toes in the Atlantic in winter, there are still tons to do on a winter getaway to the Florida coast. Here are our top winter activities:
Nights of Lights
Named one of the Top 10 Holiday Light Displays in the world by National Geographic, Nights of Lights is the city’s most anticipated annual winter event. Experience the stunning glow of white lights as they drape the city from rooftops to flower beds. There are many ways to enjoy the event, but we recommend taking a stroll along the Bridge of Lions or heading to the Plaza de la Constitución for the best views.
- When: November 15 – January 11
- Where: Historic Downtown St. Augustine
- Get the Mobile App
Take a Trolley Ride
Another way to see the more than 3 million twinkling orbs of Nights of Lights is to take a ride with Old Town Trolley Tours. You can reserve a private row on the ride and get a front row seat to more than 20 blocks of shimmering wonders. Complimentary glasses create an immersive feeling that pulls you into the magic. The ride lasts roughly 30-40 minutes and features carol sing-alongs, and each tour ends with complimentary sugar cookies and apple cider. You can’t beat that!
- When: November 16 – January 11
- Where: Tours leave from 10 West Castillo Drive
- Price: Reserve a row for 1-4 people starting at $72.99
- Tickets
Visit St. Augustine Lighthouse
Luminary Night at the St. Augustine Lighthouse is a time-honored tradition that invites you to see this maritime monument in a whole new light. 2,000 luminous bulbs cover the grounds, adorning the Keeper’s House and other historic structures. Don’t forget to climb to the top for some of the best views of downtown’s displays. The night also features holiday music from local choirs, a visit from Santa, kids’ crafts and activities, and fun photo opportunities.
- When: December 3
- Time: 6 PM – 9 PM
- Free Admission – Certain activities may require purchase, and food and drink vendors will also be on-site selling refreshments.
Check out the History
You can’t visit the oldest city and not expect to check out the history of the area. The Castillo De San Marcos, built in 1672, is the oldest masonry fort in America and still proudly stands on the bayfront (it was never breached in battle!) and is always interesting to visit.
Another favorite is Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archeological Park. Wandering through this historic reconstruction of the country’s first colony is all the more enjoyable in winter without the summer crowds. Immersive exhibits give you a glimpse into the past as you explore the work of blacksmiths, archaeological digs, indigenous villages, and even planetarium shows. Before you leave, be sure to take a sip from the famous fountain of youth in the Spring House.
- Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 6 PM
- Dog Friendly
- Food and Drink available on-site
- Tickets: Adults, $22.05 | Kids (6-12), $9.95 | Seniors (60+), $20.95 | Kids 5 and under, Free
Flagler College, the Lightner Museum, and the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum are also popular spots for the history buffs in your group. Each site has its own secrets to uncover from the lore of the high seas to the artifacts of the Gilded Age and beyond.
Wildlife Experiences
What’s a dose of Florida holiday cheer without some wildlife encounters? At Anastasia State Park, you can wander 4 miles of gorgeous shoreline and see a variety of marine life—crabs, distant dolphins, and migratory birds. The tree-covered nature trails are also great for biking and hiking.
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm is another must-visit. See the playful lemurs of Madagascar, vibrant birds of Africa, furry sloths, wading birds like egrets and spoonbills, and don’t forget to check out a gator feeding. The adventurous ones in your group can even zipline over Crocodile Crossing!
Winter is a wonderful time to visit the zoological park. As you walk the boardwalk back in the swamp, you’ll see many birds building their nests, sitting on eggs, and tending to their hatchlings. It’s an excursion all ages will appreciate.
- Tickets: General Admission is $35.99 for guests 12 and older; $20.99 for ages 3-11. Exhibits and special activities tickets sold separately
- Exhibits
- Special Event: Jingle Bell Croc Holiday Market: December 12 from 6 PM to 9 PM
Enjoy Crowd-Free Restaurants
The dining scene in St. Augustine is superb. With the ocean in our backyard, the seafood is always fresh, and creative chefs are constantly innovating. If your winter visit coincides with the holidays, you’ll find everything from specialty Thanksgiving menus to Christmas feasts at places like Columbia Restaurant or Raintree (make reservations early!).
Outside of the holidays, popular restaurants are so much easier to get into in winter. Check out Catch 27 for fantastic entrees like saffron salmon or Rockefeller-crusted snapper. Looking for a crafted experience? The San Sebastian Winery or St. Augustine Distillery offers bites with locally made libations. View more of our top recommended restaurants, and be sure to come hungry when you visit this winter!
Benefits of Visiting in the Off-Season
We understand heading to the beach in winter may seem unconventional, but once you do, we think you’ll be hooked. Not only are the rates on vacation rentals substantially lower than in peak summer months, but without the crowds, you’ll have an easier time enjoying every bit of the city’s activities. Parking is easier, reservations are easier, navigating traffic is easier… You name it.
And just because you aren’t swimming in the ocean doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the water. Kayaking, fishing, and boat tours are still popular year-round.
Where to Stay: Snowbird Rentals in St. Augustine
Featured Property: Ocean Village Club H31
For snowbirds, St. Augustine is an excellent choice. Getting away for the entire season, rather than a few days or a week, gives you the chance to really experience our community's uniqueness. You have time to take an art class, join a community group, find your own favorite coffee shop and get into a local rhythm.
Plus, when you can come home to a fantastic beachside condo, it feels even more like home. At Coastal Realty, we have a large selection of St. Augustine condos that are perfect regardless of your length of stay. Browse oceanfront properties, pet-friendly stays, or check out our long-term rentals for seasonal visits. When you find your favorite, book it right here on this site to lock in the best rate on your stay.
We can’t wait to welcome you to St. Augustine on your winter vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Augustine in Winter
Is St. Augustine nice in the winter?
It is! With fewer crowds and popular events like the Nights of Lights, winter is a time when visitors can live like a local and enjoy a side summer guests never get to see.
What is the coldest month in St. Augustine, Florida?
January is typically the coldest month in St. Augustine. Temperatures will top out around 66°F in the day and dip as low as 48°F at night.
What does St. Augustine look like in winter?
If you visit in November or December, the city is awash in twinkling lights for Nights of Lights. In January and February, the shores are quiet, the seagrass has a lovely tan hue as it goes dormant for the season, and the city streets are bustling, but not to the degree of busier times of year.
Is St. Augustine a good place to visit at Christmas?
It most certainly is! Nights of Lights, Christmas markets, and holiday cheer coat every square inch of the city at Christmas time. From pop-up events at nature parks to tree lightings to boat parades, and so much more, the holidays shine on the shore.
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